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.

6. Karhold

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 6: Karhold

A slight chill wafted in the air. It was quite typical while in the North with it nothing out of the ordinary. Yet what stuck out of it wasn't of the actual temperature, but of the mere feeling this time around.

This wasn't anything new in Roxas' line of work, given his and Sora's experiences; knowing the ever present feeling of Heartless lurking about.

With this in mind, he did wonder when they'll strike again on the road to his current destination. After all, the Heartless have been rather consistent as of late, much like when he, Rodrick and Gared ventured from Ironrath to Winterfell last week.

From how it was previously, the Heartless attacked from the cover of surprise through the many treelines of the Wolfswood. Even a few sporadic ones back on the King's Road. Now, it was merely anticipating their arrival through the vast valley of the Lonely Hills. Said terrain was practically barren of any tall plant-life and even lands with the occasional, sporadic hill.

Now you might be wondering where the greater Nobody was currently traveling to. Well it's the Seat of the North's Sun, Karhold; home of House Karstark.

Originated from Karlon Stark, younger brother of one of the Lords of Winterfell a thousand years ago. Karlon had helped take down a rebel lord and was rewarded for his actions, given a keep of his own near the Grey Hills and Cliffs called Karl's Hold. Overtime, those descended from Karlson rebranding their Keep's name to Karhold while renaming themselves from Karhold Starks to Karstarks.

Now you're wondering why Roxas was heading to Karstark territory. Well there's a story behind that and more.

-Flashback, Last Week-

"You needed to see me, Ned?"

"Yes, take a seat please."

Roxas nodded as he sat down in front of Ned's desk. As he did, the Keyblader inspected the layout of the Warden's solar… office or study in simpler terms.

It was a decent looking space with a small fire place on the side and a glassed window nearby to help give off some light throughout parts of the day. At the far off wall lay a cabinet with one of the doors opened up to reveal an assortment of bottles inside; from ink bottles, some drinks and other items to his unknown knowledge. In a bookshelf not far away contained an assortment of books, which Roxas figured were ledgers and other specific material which mattered greatly in Ned's current placement as Lord Paramount of the North.

Roxas thought the space was quite good, only having the necessities instead of having too many unneeded things to clutter up the space.

The Keyblader waited for several moments to hear what Ned wanted to talk to him about. As by the time of his arrival, Lord Stark was currently writing on several documents. And nearby them were a few small rolled up parchments with one having the Stark wax seal sealed up on it while the other two had seals that were broken.

Soon enough, the sounds of scratching ceased with Ned placing the quill pen down and closing up the inkwell.

"Before we start, how are things with you today?"

"Things are quite well."

Ned nodded before asking another question. "And how's training?"

"The guards and soldiers are doing fine with what Ser Rodrick and I are teaching them. Rough around the edges, but having rotations of them joining me on patrols are helping out in fighting off small skirmishes for some parts of experiences."

"Hmm… that's good to know. And what of my sons and Theon?"

"Same as the guards and soldiers. Theon is… fine for the most part. Needs more freedom from the keep so he can catch up with the others. Robb's doing well as it's making him be more active. Saying all the normal training he'd done prior to my arrival was feeling a bit repetitive. So going out on some patrols have been a breath of fresh air; his words, not mine."

"Aye, I remember hearing about that. And what of Jon?"

Roxas ran a hand through his head, releasing a sigh. "Somewhat holding back as always, like he's trying not to one up Robb and the others. Ever since I sparred with him the first time, things have been unsteady. Sure he knows he needs to put more effort in fighting, especially against the Heartless, but he can't pull back his potential. It'll cripple him."

Ned closed his eyes and bore a saddened look in understanding. "I'll try to talk to him to see if he can open up more on that."

"Thanks and good to know. But… I think asking for a progress report isn't the reason why you asked for me to come here."

"Not entirely, Roxas." Ned picked up a scroll with a broken wax seal, giving Roxas to see it bore an image of a sun. "I received two letters earlier today and started preparations. The first one is something I need your assistance on right away."

"Which is what exactly?"

"House Karstark is experiencing a Heartless infestation."

This made Roxas sit up straighter in his seat as he was more attentive to Ned.

"The letter I got from them detailed the Heartless are terrorizing the common folk. They've been staying indoors and a curfew has been made in order to keep them all safe."

"It's not going to last very long. You know that, right?"

"Sadly I do. Now more of the problems occuring over there are the crops."

"...I don't follow."

"The Karstarks primarily supply a large percentage of the harvest for the entirety of the North. They help us greatly, especially in times of famine and times of Winter. Their food stores are godsends as they do their part to keep us all living."

"Seems their House saying of them being the Sun of the North isn't just a catchy phrase."

"Right you are. And without them, the North will be severely crippled in our food stores and I'm afraid with Winter coming, we won't be able to prepare in time if they need to start back up from scratch."

"Good to know. And is there anything else you need me for that mission, Ned?"

"I'd like for you take Robb and Jon with you." Ned requested.

"Both your sons?"

Ned nodded in confirmation. "Aye. The boys need the experience in not just practising with you but genuinely facing these new enemies out there. Show the North that the Warden isn't ignoring this dangerous new foe and that he is responding accordingly to it."

Roxas nodded along with the statement.

"Robb needs this as well." Ned went on. "It is high time that he started to truly prepare in becoming the eventual Warden of The North. This is his chance to start establishing a proper relationship with the current lords and all their heirs, not just using his name as the reason for their loyalty. I'm not going to be alive forever. He knows that, everyone knows that."

"Will be a difficult road for him to travel through."

"Has there been an easy one?" Ned said rhetorically.

Roxas gave the Warden a strained, understanding smile.

"Now… with your upcoming task, I request you to take care of it in a timely manner." Ned said a bit more stiffly.

"...Mind telling me what's wrong?"

Roxas knew that given the information previously given, he needs to get over to Karhold rather quickly to solve this infestation problem. Taking any longer in getting over there and ridding the land of them is merely granting more influence the Heartless have over the populous.

"Aside from the people and crops being in imminent danger…" Ned held up an open letter with the seal being that of a stag with a crown around its neck. "King Robert Baratheon is making his way to Winterfell in a months time."

A flash of a boisterous, large and muscular man appeared in Roxas's mind. If was brief, making him not being able to catch any further details. Not to mention question as to why it popped up.

"Is there any reason why he's coming here?"

"Several reasons really." Ned began. "The first in the letter told me that Jon Arryn had passed not long ago and Robert is coming here to share our grievances."

Roxas frowned, seeing how much the death of this Jon Arryn seemed to have affected the Quiet Wolf before him.

"Who was he?" Roxas asked. "Jon Arryn, I mean."

"Jon was the Hand of the King, lead advisor to Robert. Lord of the Eyrie and Lord Paramount of the Vale. He was a smart and honorable man. But aside from all his titles, he was my foster father for a good number of years. He taught me so much when growing up and it was from him I met and befriended Robert in the first place."

Ned's face fell into a more sorrowful frown at the thought of losing yet another person he cared so dearly for.

"I'm sorry for your loss, Ned."

"Thank you." Composing himself, the Quiet Wolf continued. "Now I've already informed the servants to prepare your horse and entourage for the trip. And I've already prepared a letter to be sent out to Karhold of your arrival and assistance."

"Roughly a month for King Robert's arrival, right?" Ned nodded his head. "How long will it take for me to get to Karhold?"

Ned rubbed his chin. "If you ride their at full speed, I'd say about five days. However you are travelling with my sons and their wolves. And from what you told me on your trip here from Ironrath, you had encountered Heartless along the way. So if I were to hazard a proper estimation, it would be a week depending on the amount of stops you do both for respite and Heartless."

Nodding at the given information, Roxas thanked the resident Lord and left the solar in order to find Jon and Robb for the mission at hand.

-Flashback End-

And here he was now, traveling on horse with Robb and Jon along with their Direwolves Ghost and Greywind.

Said direwolves were once small pups were now growing at an interesting rate. They used to eat a small amount of food. Now they were eating their own weight in food in order to grow large and healthy.

Roxas wondered how big they'll get once fully matured.

He was jolted out of his thoughts when his horse instinctively jumped over what appeared to be a sinkhole of some kind.

"Whoa." Roxas murmured out, glancing back at the pile of mud before patting his horses neck. "Good boy."

It snorted, nodding his head at his praise.

He was still finding his footing, so to speak, when it concerns to horseback riding. Thankfully, this one here seemed to go out his pace and clicked well with him.

Now normally Roxas could conjure up a Corridor of Darkness and use that to reach Karhold in a snap. Yet there was a problem with that; he never went there before.

Using the Corridors were a good gateway for him to reach certain Worlds and destinations easily. Yet he needs to have been to the destination previously in order to picture the route. If he was going in blind, the greater Nobody would've wound up in an entirely different location entirely.

And remember, he wasn't alone on this trip.

Robb and Jon had no means of protecting themselves from traversing through the Corridors of Darkness. It's the reason why he wears his Organization attire as it's the only means of protecting him from evaporating into Nothingness when going through the Realm of Darkness.

If there were other attires made to withstand the Darkworld and not be affected by it, he would be glad to have them. Unfortunately for him, this was not the case.

The only location he knew which still had the Organization clothes were back at the World that Never Was and he didn't know if he wanted to go back over there anytime soon.

In keeping in line with the North, Old Gods knew what he would find in the old World of the Organization should he ever choose to go back.

"I hope we get to Karhold very soon."

"And we will, Roxas." Robb said with a reassuring tone. "We'll make it over there later this day."

Roxas nodded as they kept riding along the road as they were about to hit the Last River. It was the natural landmarker which separated the territory between the Umbers, the Boltons and the Karstarks. Once getting onto the other side from a man made bridge, you'd hit a thick forested area which signified you stepped foot onto Karstark property.

"So what's this Karhold like?" Roxas asked. "Is it like Winterfell?"

Robb hummed in thought at the question, trying to think of the best way to describe it.

Thankfully, Jon had an answer. "You've heard of Harrenhal by this point, Roxas?"

The Nobody nodded.

"Well, think of it as a smaller and meaner Harrenhall." Robb said with a small laugh. "Which is such an ironic moniker yet completely Northern for being called the Sun of the North. The keep itself is built onto a pair of small mountains with a bridge connecting the two sets of structures. Karhold overlooks the entirety of the forestation around the keep and the farmlands on the northern area. And at the far east of their land lies the Grey Hills and at it's very edge are the Grey Cliffs which beyond that is the western shore of the Shivering Sea and the southern shoreline of the Bay of Seals. The two castles overlook the farmlands and other more fertile lands."

"Hmmm. So the farmlands are where the North gets a lot of its crops then?"

"Aye." Jon confirmed. "Much as we trade with the south for food, there are two places that provide a large chunk of the North's food. Karhold for its fertile lands and White Harbor, courtesy of the Manderlys trades."

"And the Manderlys are our biggest importer from other parts of the world, such as Essos." Robb added, looking ahead. "Ah, Karhold. At long last."

Far off in the distance was their destination and it was an imposing sight to behold.

Like Robb and Jon had described it, Karhold was nestled atop two mountains being linked by a bridge and held an intimidating air around it. What was it they mentioned? Being meaner than this Harrenhal, right?

'Wonder what makes Harrenhal so bad then?' Was Roxas's thoughts.

They had all picked up the paces of their horses, breaking into runs with the Direwolves running alongside them. There were several rivers with bridges they had to get over until...

Coming across the Last River bridge, the trio was met with a man blocking their way across.

"Halt!"

The trio stopped their horses as they looked at the man before them.

He was a man in his 20's with slicked back black hair and wore quite the getup with a very clear emphasis on blue. On his belt was a scabbard which held a simple steel sword.

The man who stood in their way approached them with his arms crossed.

"Is there something wrong?" Roxas questioned.

"I request a challenge, fine fellows."

"...I'm sorry, what?"

Robb and Jon were confused as well on what was going on. For a moment, a thought crossed their mind the man could've been a briggand trying to force people to pay a fine in order to cross the bridge. A dirty, underhanded tactic some would exploit.

Yet this wasn't the case at all.

From his seat, Roxas looked down at the man and saw something that stood out.

"Are you sure you have the right boot size?" Roxas inquired. "They seem a bit big for you."

"Will you please tell us who you are." Robb demanded in a calm tone.

The man in blue nodded before introducing himself. "I am Ronvid of the Small Marsh, bound by a sacred oath-"

"Ooof, you have it rough. You have my sympathies." Robb jested in order to lighten the mood.

Seems that wasn't helping at all.

"And I have promised to best a hundred warriors across Westeros for the honor of the fair maiden Bilberry." Ronvid declared boisterously

Robb racked his mind as he tried to figure out where this Small Marsh was located. It sounded like a location around the Neck. Yet this Ronvid fellow looked too good for a man originating from those parts. He had a Northern accent, so he is of the North.

And this Maid Bilberry? Who was that supposed to be? His intended blushing bride to be? Mayhaps this man was a hedge knight wanting to prove his worth before this Bilberry woman.

Leaning over, Roxas spoke to Jon and Robb. "Is this guy for real?"

"For real? You mean serious?" Jon asked for clarity getting a nod out of Roxas. "It would appear that he is."

"Look, can you let us pass?" Roxas politely asked.

"We need to get to Karhold. It's of utmost importance. I am Robb Stark, son of Eddard Stark and-"

"I'm sorry, but I cannot until I've at least faced one of you."

The three boys exchanged glances at one another, unsure of what to do.

Knowing they were on a bit of a time crunch, there was only one thing he could do.

Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Roxas let out a sigh of annoyance. "Okay, I'll do it."

"Verily, good Ser Knight, I hope you shall provide a worthy challenge." Ronvid said, unsheathing his blade.

"I'm not a knight." Roxas corrected. "And I thought there weren't many knights in the North to begin with?"

Getting off his horse, Roxas summoned Oathkeeper from the otherside of his ride as he didn't want to startle the man before him by using magic. He'll indulge this man with his fantasy so they can get to Karhold posthaste.

"...Quite the interesting sword you got there." Ronvid eyed the Keyblade with intrigue.

"You have no idea." Jon murmured.

Seeing Roxas moved into his fighting stance, Ronvid spoke. "Have at thee!"

Charging at Roxas with an overhead swing, Ronvid hoped he would surprise his challenge. However the Keyblader swiftly dodged his blow and responded with his own. As he rounded on the hedge knight, Roxas swiped Oathkeeper across the man's face and ended up nicking Ronvid on the nose.

The hedge knight in blue quickly dropped his steel sword and fell to the ground, clutching bleeding nose as he cried out in agony. "I surrender!"

Roxas stared at the man with half-lidded eyes, completely unimpressed with what had just transpired.

Robb and Jon did nothing in restraining their laughter as they had at least hoped for something from this man.

"Seriously?" Roxas asked, both disappointed and annoyed. Not at the lack of a fight. More for the waste of his and his new friends' time.

Ronvid wreathed on the ground for a short while until managing to get to his feet.

"Looks like lady luck stood with you this day." Came Ronvid's muddled voice, due to him covering up most of his face before pulling out a dry cloth to block out the bleeding. "But the next time we meet, we shall face each other in combat once more."

"...Okay…" Roxas said, unsure with how to make of this. "Though are you fine with the cut? I could maybe-"

"I'm sorry, but I cannot." Ronvid proclaimed. "I must tend to this myself. A scar showing my courage against a worthy adversary in the heat of battle. Never one fleeing, even at a moment's hesitation."

"Worthy adversary?" Robb said in a low voice in amusement. "What part of Ronvid was worthy?"

"As I quote Roxas from earlier 'Is this guy for real?'"

"I like these phrases." Robb said. "Wonder how many Roxas have?"

"Many, no doubt, from his travels."

With Ronvid sheathing his sword, awkwardly, the hedge knight walked away to tend to his wound, leaving the trio to venture forward with nothing else blocking their way.

"Well… that was a thing." Roxas then turned back to the two Stark brothers. "So, are we just gonna keep standing around and wait for the next one?"

"Let's just get to Karhold. We're burning daylight."

Hopping back onto his horse, Roxas whipped the reigns; prompting his steed to move forward.

They resumed their original trot with a renewed vigor as they wished to get as far away from Ronvid as possible. Lest they catch whatever was in the air that prompted the Hedge Knight's mad declaration to face a hundred foes. A hundred battles he'd surely get his ass handed to him.

Trotting through the Karhold forest, the trio had to be ready for another skirmish to arise. With the trees surrounding them, the Heartless can have a better element of surprise than what they went through the valley of Lonely Hills.

Thankfully, none seemed to be keen on testing their luck against the three of them. For the moment at least. Figuring the infestation was situated at the heart of it all.

Speaking of, once passing through a treeline, the three was met with their intended destination: the Seat of the North's Sun, Karhold.

"At long last." Robb murmured as they had their horses move faster to the small mountain keep.

After sometime riding through the intended pathway, the three stopping at the entryway to the first castle section of the large hold.

Up above, guards stood at the ready.

"Who goes there?"

Robb puffed his chest up to get some air into his lungs. "Robb Stark, Heir To Eddard Stark with my companions Jon Snow and Roxas. We have come to answer the call for aid in response to the dark creatures that have plagued your lands."

The guards looked at each other, no doubt confused.

"Such a small number."

"I was expecting an army."

"Maybe these are just envoys for the bigger group."

Jon Snow then spoke up. "These creatures that have been attacking are not one's to be dealt with by an army. With us travels an individual specifically trained in dealing with these dark monsters. Roxas is more than enough to help in dealing with these creatures."

"We are what has come and all you shall need." Robb said aloud. "You have my word, in my honor as a Stark of Winterfell and Son of the North."

The guards looked at each other, unsure of what to do. Yet they relented and opened the gate. With the gateway set ajar, the trio made their way inside of the keep before the gate was quickly closed.

"Well this place seems quite crowded."

Peasants, guards, farmers and all were all moving about in a cramped manner with other guards atop booths and balconies directing them to areas where it was more spacious.

"Must be dealing with a lot of Heartless here if this is the response." Roxas said to Jon and Robb who nodded in agreement.

"I hope this matter is resolved quickly. Having so many people here at once is bound to cause more problems than they realize." Jon spoke.

"From the Heartless being drawn to over populated areas." Robb added in. "Was that right, Roxas?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

"Lord Stark!" A voice cut through the commotion, causing many to stop in their tracks and turn to face the arrival of the three teens and the Direwolves.

The man who called out his name came through the crowd with a retinue of individuals that all shared similar traits with himself.

"Lord Rickard Karstark." Robb greeted, getting off from his horse

From what Roxas took note of the leading family of of Karhold, they were big, fierce men. Bearded and long-haired with brown hair and blue-grey eyes; except for it's reigning lord was grey of hair already. And given what they wore, Roxas saw the attires were made out of pelts from seals, bears and wolves.

Many people and guards began to kneel as the two related lords with their lineage greeted one another.

Before Rickard Stark could properly greet Robb, his eyes landed on Roxas and stiffened upon seeing him. "Is… Is that Ventus' boy?"

Robb could only nod, though he noted Roxas's expression at being referred to as such. It was strange really. Unlike Jon, Roxas seemed to regard his father with a strange indifference and confusion.

'Another lord my so called dad had fought alongside with in the Rebellion.' Thought the Keyblader. 'Wonder how many more I'll end up awkwardly meeting and conversing with.'

Lord Karstark regarded him with a small strained smile. "I knew your father laddie. And I have to say, you've probably heard this by now but my word-"

"I look exactly like him, right?"

Many gaped at the blatant interruption and expected their resident, reigning lord to get angry at the insult. Yet to their mixed surprise, Rickard merely chuckled.

"Aye, ya do." Karstark said with a chortle. "Though he had some tact in regards to addressing lords. Lest it came to friends."

"Of course he would." Roxas sensed the same familiarity with Rickard as he did with the Cassels, Ned and Catelyn.

Once off their steeds and handing the reins to the stableboys, the trio were escorted inside of the keep. And as for Greywind and Ghost, they were brought to the stables to rest, eat and drink.

Eventually making their way to Rickard's solar, they went inside and somewhat made themselves comfortable with the reigning lord sitting by his desk.

"Now, Lord Stark wrote of your arrival Roxas. How you are a professional in regards to dealing with these creatures you call the Heartless, yes?"

"I'm very experienced in dealing with the likes of them. Fighting them for as long as I can remember."

"If you say so, lad." Rickard then eyed Robb and Jon. "And what of you two?"

Robb sat a bit straighter in his seat, looking at Lord Karstark dead in the eye. "My brother and I are adhering to the Starks tradition. We are here to help as much as Roxas will. He's been training us on how to deal with the Heartless. And we will do the same in turn."

Robb then pulled out a note with the Stark sigil stamped on it. "This is also for you to read. It's a shipment coming here that will assist in dealing with the Heartless."

Taking the scroll, breaking the wax seal and unfurling it; Rickard quickly read through the note with a small smirk growing a moment later.

"Leave it to ol' Gregor to come in and help when the North needs it." Karstark said reminiscently. "You have my thanks, the three of you, for coming in our time of need."

"Now what more can you tell us of this problem, my Lord?" Roxas asked, getting straight to the matter at hand. He heard how most Northerners don't like to beat around the bush, a sentiment he himself admired. "Ned said the Heartless are primarily infesting your farmlands."

"Yes they have been. Hardly any work has been done because of it. No reaping of what we've sown and planting new seeds for the next batch of food."

"And have they gone beyond said lands?" Robb inquired.

"Appeared that way, at first upon their arrival. Coming out at night sometime after and scaring off the common folk from even wanting to leave their homes. Then they just became secluded."

"What do you mean secluded?" Jon questioned.

"Like stated before of them infesting the farmlands. After sometime of scaring others beyond said lands, they just took root and never let anyone step foot onto the property."

Roxas hummed in thought, trying to figure out what the Heartless may be doing.

"They are creatures of instinct." Roxas murmured. "This is perhaps them establishing a nest or a kind of nexus."

"A nest? A nexus?"

"Yeah, a place of gathering darkness." Roxas recalled from Sora's memories of the time they saw Hollow Bastion and the palace of darkness with the literal moat of Heartless.

"And with a nexus, it'll be a spot where more and more Heartless will keep popping out. Eventually they'll want to break out of their nesting grounds and start spreading out. Before long, your very people let alone your home will be overrun and you'll all perish."

"...I see."

Composing on this new bit of information, Robb quickly acted accordingly. "Hopefully we'll find the heart of it and root it out before it blossoms. We can't delay things any further than it should."

"And you're sure the three of you shall be enough?" Harrion, Karstarks son had spoken up since being in the room with his other two brothers.

"That's what we're here for." Jon assured. "Aside from dealing with the Heartless, Roxas will be helping you and your guards learn on just how to deal with these creatures."

"I know we don't seem much, my Lord, but we've got a better chance in taking them down. And forgive me for saying this, but neither of you would last against the Heartless at the present time. Merely being nats that'll be swatted away before being crushed."

Karstark eyed Roxas with a stern glare before he chortled a few moments later. "Seven Hells. Your father definitely held more tact but you have more of a Northern regard. I think you'll do just fine."

Rickard turned to his sons. "Be sure to pay attention to everything Roxas, Stark and Snow tell you. They came to instruct and we shall listen. This is for the sake of Karhold."

His sons all nodded in promise.

"We will do that once this problem you're currently facing is dealt with." Robb stated. "Your fields are important to the North and must be dealt with immediately. As future Warden of the North, I can't let this happen to the livelihood of my people."

Karstark nodded in approval.

"Good. We'll take you lot to the fields and leave you to it."

-Karhold Farmlands-

"Well this ain't good."

Standing along the edge of the farmlands, Roxas saw parts of devastation laid upon the area. Most of the crops were destroyed, no doubt caused upon the Heartless' arrival when attacking the common folk.

Quite the amount of food has been wasted now and will be hard to recover once the current problem is dealt with.

"Why would they do something like this?" Jon asked aloud, looking to Roxas. "From what you described, the Heartless wouldn't do something like this, right?"

Roxas shook his head. "Not so. Instinctive as they are, sometimes Heartless can act on a goal with an endgame in mind. Either the culmination of darkness, stealing something that can aid in their expansion of darkness or gathering hearts. When Heartless have a plan and goal in mind, they become a lot more troublesome to deal with."

"Well that's comforting." Jon said, his companions aware he didn't mean it.

"At least these lands will be mended and the crops will be salvageable. But lives will be hard to replace."

"Maybe not." Roxas mused aloud. "If it were their hearts that were taken, then there can be a strong possibility that they can come back."

"...Pardon?"

"When you lose your Heart to the Heartless, you're not necessarily dead." Roxas clarified. "Sure there's those who do really die when encountering a Heartless but if one finds say a nexus of darkness where hearts are brought together, I could use my Keyblade to rid the Nexus as well as set the hearts free and back from where they came."

"...You sure they can come back?" Robb asked in disbelief.

"In time. Hard to say."

Like Roxas said, it's hard to say. Simply when one loses their hearts to the Heartless, they become one until they are destroyed. It'll take some time for them to reappear as neither he or Sora knew really noticed any people returning upon various Heartless being slain.

Yet when one has a strong will upon losing their hearts to darkness, a Nobody is formed. And when both Heartless and Nobody is destroyed, their Somebody returns to where they became lost.

But for their return, it all depends on how long it takes for both halves to be taken care of.

"And you've seen it happen?"

"Somewhat." Roxas scratched the back of his head. "It's kinda difficult to describe really. I don't understand the whole thing myself really. Just that I know that it can happen."

Jon and Robb regarded the blond silently, sharing a look between one another. They wanted to say that this was some kind of jest but Roxas was not a man who lies as it was clear to them he enjoyed those who were honest.

"Alright, we'll take your word for it then." Robb said plainly gaining a sheepish look out of their friend.

"Yeah, sorry guys." Roxas said. "Wish I had more concrete proof. Feels like I'm making this up to you right now."

Both brothers smiled at his apology.

"It's alright Ro-"

Suddenly, the trio heard Greywind and Ghost starting to growl.

"Swords drawn, you two." Roxas said, summoning his Keyblades.

Jon and Robb did so as their blades had a small sheen to them.

This sheen was the Ironwood resin they brought along for the trip. It was quite useful but had a limited amount of uses before a new application had to be made. Luckily for the two of Stark blood, they applied a fresh coat of resin on their blades prior to arriving here so there won't be any wasted time in the middle of battle.

Roxas got into his usual stand with Robb and Jon by his side and the two Direwolves hunched over in front of them, baring their fangs.

-Insert Kingdom Hearts 2.5: Old Friends, Old Rivals-

Shadows appeared from the ground along with Creeper Plants, Blizzard Plants and Earth Cores, surrounding them in a circle.

"Back to back." Roxas ordered, with the three teens now facing the Heartless in all directions.

"What do we do, Roxas?" Robb asked, keeping a steady nerve.

"Are those plants?" Jon asked.

"Yeah, they're stationary Heartless but be wary. They can cover their weakness with projectiles and thorns. When you go for them, be relentless in hacking them down. Are you both ready?"

The two grunted in affirmation.

"Then let's do this."

The trio charged forward being joined by their Direwolves as the Heartless moved in turn.

With a twirl of his Oathkeeper, Roxas cut through several Shadows and swatted aside some Earthcores that jumped at him.

Jon and Robb chose to tag team the immobile Heartless, making sure to take Roxas' words seriously as they kept having to jump over thorns that sprung up from the ground.

"Go low, Robb." Jon called out, getting a wordless nod from him.

Both gripped their swords tightly and together, slashed through their first Heartless with clean cuts. them away from ever getting closer to him.

As a few Shadows tried to move closer to the bipedal people, the direwolf pair leaped into action. Their fangs bit down onto the creatures of darkness before tossing them onto others. With the occasional pounce, their claws scraped across their darkened forms to deliver a good amount of damage.

"Good boys!" Roxas praised.

"Glad you were there Jon." Robb added, giving his half-brother a knowing look in regards to the wolves.

Jon only smirked for a moment before returning his attention to the Shadow that had jumped at him. Acting quickly, the Stark bastard had to dodge out of the way from the incoming impish creature. With it missing him, Jon used this chance and swung his sword down. It's steel dug into the creature and caused it to disburse into dark vapors.

Robb in the meantime had to avoid several Shadows and an Earthcore that had targeted him. Snarling slightly, he was a bit surprised to see Greywind so quick to rush to aid him. Not that it wasn't appreciated.

Greywind had its jaws latched onto a Shadows leg which gave Robb the advantage in cleaving through its head.

"Nice work boy." Robb said with a beaming grin.

Greywind only barked in response, the duo now moving in tandem.

A similar situation was occuring on Jon's end, Ghost moving as silent as his namesake making dashing runs with nips and bites at the Heartless serving as a distraction for Jon as he cut through one Heartless after another.

Roxas all the while was running at a cluster of about a half dozen Creeper and Blizzard plants, all of which were hacking seeds in his direction. With his Keyblades, he deflected each projectile before ready his Oathkeeper.

Whirling it around himself, Roxas felt his magic surge through him.

"Fire!"

A ring of fire erupted around him as he ran in between the Heartless plant cluster, making all within range erupt into flames.

Spinning around, Roxas cocked Oblivion back and aimed at those Heartless that he missed.

"Strike Raid!"

Oblivion slashed right through the Creeper and Blizzard Plants, catching a few Earthcores unfortunate enough to be in its path.

Then, from out of nowhere, the unusual sound of trumpets began ringing through the farmlands.

"What in the hells?"

"Oh, great… them."

"What… are those supposed to be?"

Bouncing nearby them appeared an assortment of Heartless with baggy bodies with a trumpet-like mouth. And on top of their blackened heads was a curved hook which vaguely looks like a musical clef.

"Crescendos." Roxas griped. "We gotta take care of them now!"

"Wh-"

Robb was unable to ask as to why as he got his answer when the Crescendos finished their trumpeting horn and to their shock, more Heartless appeared being primarily Soldiers and Air Soldiers.

"Seven Hells, they could do that?!" Jon yelled out.

"We gotta handle them now! If we don't they summon more reinforcements!"

The brothers nodded as they leapt into action with their direwolves following suit.

The remaining Heartless that had yet to be taken care of began to go after the boys and wolves with a greater aggression. Roxas realized that aside from those Crescendos that called upon other Heartless, some had also taken to strengthening the rest in order to better combat them.

"Go after the Crescendos." Roxas instructed. "I'll take of these guys."

Not waiting for a response, Roxas bashed away a few more Heartless before throwing his keyblades up with a jolt of electricity shooting up into the sky.

"THUNDARA!"

A powerful torrent of thunder reigned down from above, paralyzing some while obliterating others.

All the while, Jon and Robb practically sprinted with their wolves dashing slightly ahead of them both.

What they did not expect was one of the Crescendos seemingly bending inward and then flinging its horn upwards.

"GAH!"

"Jon!" Robb cried out.

Ghost let out a feral growl, jumping forward and latching onto the horn of the Heartless that struck his partner

Robb's distraction of his injured brother nearly got him hit as well had it not been for Greywind jumping in at the last second in between him and Crescendo.

The growing Direwolf got flung back into Robb though the Winterfell managed to stay on his feet, despite stumbling and having the wind knocked out of him.

"Robb!" Jon faced the Heartless, teeth clenched as he forced himself back to his feet despite feeling his arm and shoulder throbbing in pain.

Throwing his entire weight forward, Jon's Resin covered sword pierced through the closest Crescendo and destroyed it a moment later. He tripped slightly, having his hand out to steady himself before pushing himself off the ground to stand at the ready noticing Ghost finish off the Crescendo that struck him.

Jon felt a bit tired, as he had begun to feel a slight strain on his body. Rotating his shoulder, Jon steeled himself knowing that now wasn't the time for doubts or mistakes.

It was time to prove that all that training wouldn't go to waste.

"Don't start without me." Robb was beside him suddenly with Greywind as well. "We do this together, brother."

Jon gave him an appreciative smile, the brothers now getting into position as they readied to take down their foes when the unexpected happened.

They all up and vanished.

Jon and Robb looked around in bewilderment, trying to make heads or tails as to why the Heartless would just retreat.

"That's not good."

Both turned to see Roxas approaching, Keyblades being recalled.

"What's happening?" Robb inquired.

"Heartless don't retreat unless ordered to or for other more specific reasons."

"Meaning?"

"It can be anything at this point." Adopting a thinking position, Roxas listed his thoughts. "There's no one at this time that could be controlling them, so that's off the table. Maybe wanting to save their strength? Unlikely, I think."

"So what do we do now then?" Robb had asked.

"We keep moving forward and go to the area they've been secluding themselves in." Roxas said determinedly. "But first, time to stock up."

Turning back, Roxas went about collecting items that had been dropped around via the defeated Heartless from Munny to the various items.

Jon and Robb held similar reactions to Gared and Rodrick as the two that had first travelled with Roxas spoke of how much of bewildering sight it was to see currency and other useful items to be dropped from the foes that were vanquished.

"I don't know if I'm ever going to get used to that." Jon admitted.

"Me neither." Robb remarked. "But on the other hand, I never would have to ask for coin again."

Jon chuckled, walking along with his brother to gather their spoils of victory.

Honestly, though it was a small growth of wealth accumulation, at this rate he'd be able to one day easily build himself his own holdfast… if he ever planned on doing so.

Acquiring what they need, Jon and Robb could not help but feel a bit miffed at not being able to use an Ether for its more magical use. As what they could only use the item now was for it's stamina capabilities.

It meant to them that they could not utilize magic the way Roxas did and they'd be lying if they deny wanting to have powers like that.

The ability to ward off the Heartless with magic on top of being able to heal most injuries with a Cure spell? That's not something one would pass up.

But for now, they would have to make do with the skills they currently had. And items as well. Potions were a godsend.

Gathering the rest of the items and Munny, they began to make their way over to the location that Lord Karstark described to them as the area that the Heartless had claimed for themselves.

There was a small grove of trees, with the ground being slightly muddy but with a small blanket of snow of the land signifying House Starks ancient words.

Trudging through the forestation for some time, the trio plus direwolves were met with a few occasional Heartless. They weren't all that bothersome to fully deal with, due to Roxas being the first to act and slaying them.

"Save some for us, Roxas." Robb jested.

"I know. It's just hard not to hold back against them."

"Well then, how are we supposed to get better th-"

"Roxas, what is that?"

Looking over to where Jon was pointing, Roxas saw a floating obsidian black sphere with occasional glows of blue and purple. Vapors radiated off of it while a pool of darkness appeared underneath it.

"That would be a nexus." Roxas said with a frown as all present turned to face the floating orb of darkness.

Jon and Robb were deeply unsettled by its appearance with their wolves sharing the sentiment. It's pitch black color made it appear they were staring into a void of eternal emptiness.

Roxas all the while found the surrounding area… off putting.

Something wasn't right. This nexus seemed to be unprotected and neither of them had come across any Heartless recently. Yet taking a look at Greywind and Ghost, the greater Nobody saw they were extremely weary…

'But why are they constantly looking-' Roxas widened his eyes, realizing what's going on. And his brief thoughts were confirmed when he saw two glowing eyes. "GET DOWN!"

Jon and Robb were startled upon their friend's yell, but reacted too slowly as both were knocked a good feet away. Stumbling across the ground, their swords left their hands as the brothers groaned in pain.

"The hell was that?"

"I didn't see a thing!"

"You guys need to get back up now!"

Once again, the two of Stark blood couldn't react in time in moving out of the way. Yet their direwolves quickly acted as they leaped into the air and bit down onto something as they heard a mighty screech. Looking at their loyal wolves, they saw Greywind and Ghost seemingly floating in the air as they were being shaken about.

Soon enough, both creatures of their House were ripped off and tossed aside. Greywind had collided with a tree while Ghost stumbled across the ground.

"Ghost!/Greywind!" Cried out the brothers, quickly moving towards their respective pets in order to check on them.

As they did, they saw the source of the attacks as a form started to appear from out of thin air.

It was reptilian in nature, standing nearly twice as tall as them with dark green skin and five tan spikes along it's hunched back. It's arms and legs sported zig-zagging strips which alternate from tan to a dark green, with gold bands at the shoulder, wrist hip and ankles. It's green hands and feet have three toes each with light green claws. It's prehensile tail was curled up behind it in a spiral. It bore a smooth jawline with a pink tongue hanging out.

And on it's chest bore the signature Heartless symbol.

"Well that's just great. A Veil Lizard." Muttered the Keyblader.

-Insert Kingdom Hearts: Shrouding Dark Cloud-

It's big yellow eyes with small black pupils jotted all over the place as it looked at its present adversaries. Letting out a screech, it swiped it's claws at Roxas.

The greater Nobody dodged to the side and slashed at the creature's side. It screeched and hissed in rage before spinning around with it's tail, knocking the blonde away before having the chance to properly block. Roxas flew through the air and landed hard against a tree, dizzy from the attack.

Ghost was the first to recover as it growled and dashed forward at their present adversary.

Seeing him coming, the Veil Lizard lashed out with its whip-like tongue. The albino direwolf dodged to the side and got in close. Biting at it's leg, the Heartless screamed again and tried shaking off the beast off of it. Eventually Ghost was forced to let go before landing on the ground.

The Veil Lizard jumped into the trees and faded away from the present people.

Rushing towards their fallen comrade now, Robb and Jon went to see if he was fine. And as much as the direwolves wanted to do the same, they kept moving their heads with a snarl on their maws.

"Roxas, you alright?"

"Yeah, give me a moment Robb."

"That lizard is gone now."

"Highly doubt that, Jon." Roxas said, getting back up. "An annoying trait with those like the Veil Lizards, they turn invisible and attack when you're not looking."

Just as he said this, Roxas briefly saw two glowing eyes behind the brothers. Acting quickly, he pushed them out of the way just in time when the Heartless' tongue lashed out again.

"Sneaky bastard." Robb cursed. "Invisible. You know, when you mentioned that these Heartless are capable of many abilities I never thought invisibility would be one of them."

"Then I probably should have just said that you need to consider what Heartless can't do." Roxas said wryly, eyes moving back and forth to spot the usual translucent figure of these camouflaging Heartless. "Stay behind me."

Robb and Jon followed his instructions with the former asking ."Well is there anything else you should tell us about this creature we are facing?"

"Need to take care of that tongue, if possible. One bad hit and you're paralized or possibly poisoned."

"Paralized?"

"Frozen stiff and not being able to move at all." Roxas said. "Somewhat like becoming a cripple in some way."

Jon grimaced. "Say no more."

"Whatever you two do, do not engage." Roxas said sharply. "This thing is way beyond what you've encountered and can beat you with one hit."

"You can't expect us to just stand aside and-"

"That's exactly what you are going to do." Roxas cut off Jon with a tone that brokered no arguments. "This is what I'm here for and I've fought bigger Heartless then this one. I was asked to take care of this to do my job. So the two of you need to do yours and keep yourself at a distance. If either of you- MOVE!"

Roxas whipped his Keyblades out horizontally and jumped back with his two weapons snagging on to Robb and Jon.

The invisible Heartless had apparently taken a leap at them, landing directly in the spot where they once stood with mud, dirt and snow being kicked up before splattering about everywhere.

"Stay back." Roxas ordered a slightly dazed set of Stark brothers before leaping forward in a surprising burst of speed and managed a dual overhead strike on the Veil Lizard.

Though it was much larger than its opponent, it no less felt the full force of the strike making it stumble back in order to gain some distance from him.

"It doesn't feel right seeing him take care of that by himself."

"I know, Robb. But you heard what he said, what can we do with the likes of that?"

The Stark heir gritted his teeth as he watched as their young friend fended off against the Veil Lizard. He even glanced at their direwolves and saw they too were agitated in wanting to assist the Keyblader.

At some point into the confrontation, Roxas had to weave through the trees to catch up with his chameleon themed opponent. It tried to lose the Keyblader so it can perform another series of sneak attacks. Yet Roxas was persistent in not making that happen.

With enough clearance, the greater Nobody zoomed in and struck true on the large Heartless. Yet something seemed off as his latest attack… didn't faze his opponent.

Upon striking once again, his Keyblades bounced off. Striking once more dealt no damage at all. Seeing his attacks weren't working at all, Roxas then noticed an all too familiar glow coming off of it.

"Oh you've gotta be kidding me!" He growled, avoiding a flurry of swipes from the Heartless before him.

Swerving his head around, Roxas soon found the source of his new problem as he knew only one kind of Heartless could do this sort of thing. Looking some distance away floated a small humanoid Heartless looking vaguely like a maester with indigo colored robes with an odd looking hat holding onto a book which was as big as itself.

Seeing where Roxas was staring at, Jon asked the obvious question. "And what is that?"

"That's a Barrier Master. By themselves they're harmless, but when paired with other Heartless they're a total pain in the neck. What they do is using that big book in front of them to help create an invisible shield around their comrades."

"That's frustrating."

"I know, that's why we need to take care of it quickly so we can get rid of the Veil Lizard faster."

"Then let us take care of that. You take care of the Veil Lizard."

Knowing the Barrier Master lacked offensive capabilities, this was a much safer alternative. "Much appreciated, guys."

With their new goal set, the two plus their direwolves chased after the retreating Heartless.

The Barrier Master idly floated around, backing away from them while casting its specialty just as Greywind and Ghost drew near. The two wolves bounced off its barrier with small whines as they hurt their noses.

The boys eventually though chased it into a corner of sorts with a few trees behind it.

Both raised their swords to strike yet were met with the same result as their Direwolves did, with their swords harmlessly bouncing off the magic shield it was using.

They both stumbled but it appeared not to attack so they went at it again only for once again for their swords to be deflected.

The boys were now wide open for another attack, but…

"Why ain't it attacking us?" Jon questioned. "Surely with us giving chase, it would want to do so."

"Mayhaps it's putting all it's power onto it's friend back there."

"Then let's not dwindle any longer." Jon said as he looked at his albino direwolf. "Ghost."

"Greywind." Robb spoke in a firm tone.

Getting the message, both direwolves pounced onto the Heartless with snarls and growls as a flurry of claw swipes and bites landed onto the Barrier Master. Said being tried to get away, but Robb and Jon were quick in intercepting it's escape route.

From what they could tell, their loyal companions were the best source of strength against their current foe. And they'll do what they can to assist them in any means necessary.

Roxas was ducking at a tongue swipe at from the Veil Lizard that had become visible for the time being, multiple slimy tongue swings trying to get a good hit on the Keyblade Wielder. With a few swings, Roxas batted the tongue away on several movements.

He then noticed for a brief moment that the shielding the Heartless had flickered momentarily. Capitalizing on the advantage, Roxas rocketed forward with his Keyblades cross on an X position and rammed himself right into the stomach of the Veil Lizard.

The Veil Lizard let out a whale of pain, crashing down onto the ground yet it recovered quickly with a kick up and a 360 tail swipe. Roxas had his Keyblades up in time, tensing his arms as his weapons took the brunt of the hit. He sailed into the air but with an instant aerial recovery, Roxas was on the Heartless again.

Jon and Robb all the while went about attacking the Barrier Master using guerilla tactics with the two of them and their direwolves running literal circles around the Heartless in order to confuse it long enough to get in a killing blow.

With every running slash at its blind spots that weren't as well protected, they were whittling down the Heartless when Ghost and Greywind unexpectedly separated the book from its master.

"Hey, it stopped moving!" Jon yelled out.

"Take it down while it's staggered!" Roxas ordered.

Seeing this opportune moment, Jon and Robb brought their swords down in a flurry of attacks. They didn't care on pose and style, just hacking away at the Barrier Master with it no longer moving and acting out in defense. And this time, their attacks finally rang true as they witnessed the book bearing Heartless flinch every other second.

When it eventually got out of it's staggered state, the Barrier Master attempted to move to it's enlarged book in hopes of blocking the incoming assault. Yet it was proved fruitless. Both humans knocked the tome aside just before the direwolves pounced on the Heartless. Their fangs pierced through the dark creature as it soon disbursed into black vapors.

"The bastard is gone!"

With the Barrier Master no longer present, the Veil Lizard was finally completely open to any and all of Roxas' attacks.

Remembering the weakness of this chameleon Heartless, Roxas focused fire magic to coat his Keyblades. With the flames licking across their surface, he performed a Fire Raid at the Veil Lizard.

The attack was successful as the fire-coated Keyblades hit well against the chameleon Heartless. As much as Roxas wanted to go all out with this kind of attack, he needed to be careful of the surrounding area. The greater Nobody didn't want to accidentally cause a forest fire and it quickly spread to the farms.

The Karstarks were already suffering on this drawback and he didn't want to add more to it by his actions.

Calling upon his power for one final strike, Roxas channeled his light and clasped his Keyblades together before jumping into the air and hovered while pointing his weapons at the Heartless.

"Eat this. Ragnarok!"

A sphere of pure light energy gathered and grew at the tips of his Keyblades and expanded before firing a dozen rays of pure lights. Unlike the ones Sora would have used, these were infused specifically with Roxas's power, increasing their own destructive capability as the rays honed in on their target like missiles.

Each ray pierce in, through and out of the Veil Lizard multiple times before finishing it in a X-like manner.

The Veil Lizard screeched out in pain as it dissolved into Darkness before fading away, releasing the contained heart within it to float into the sky and fading as well.

"Well that's that." Roxas declared, recalling his Keyblades. He turned over to see Robb and Jon fall to the ground on their ass's, panting heavily.

"Seven Hells." Jon wheezed out, wiping the sweat from his brow. "That was a longer day then I thought it'd be."

"I need a long bath." Robb panted out. "And ale. Lots of it cause I know I'm going to be sore on the morrow."

"Well you guys did pretty good on your first real outing against something that big." Roxas complimented, pulling out an Ether and chugging it's contents to refill his magical reserves.

"But we did nothing." Jon grumbled, getting his breathing under control. "All we did was chase after a weaker foe."

"One that didn't even attacking back at all, no less." Robb added in.

"Like I said before, you guys wouldn't last against the bigger guys. And it'll no doubt be a workout on the tougher ones." Roxas said, tossing them both a potion and ether each. "But in time, you'll get better. You'll learn. It's not impossible for others to learn how to fight those bigger Heartless without a Keyblade. Remember, I come from an Organization of fighters like me with their own set of skills and powers and they wiped out Heartless with literal snaps of their fingers."

Jon and Robb couldn't help but gawk at that little tidbit of information.

A snap of their fingers?! What kind of powerful people did Roxas associate himself with?!

"There's only one last thing to do." Roxas said aloud, moving away from the two.

Their heads turned towards the Nexus that had remained untouched in the entire brief conflict.

Standing before the ball of Darkness, Roxas called forth his Oathkeeper and held it up to the Nexus.

Wisps of light appeared around Roxas' Keyblade and congregated at the tip. A ball of light soon formed as it grew and condensed every other second.

Reaching its peak, the greater Nobody shot out a beam directly at the Nexus.

The beam of light struck the Nexus in its dead center, cutting through the darkness. The beam vanished and for a brief second there was silence.

Suddenly, a small dot of light appeared in the center which began to expand and grow until it fully encompassed the Nexus. With an expunging wave of light, the darkness was all but vanished and after a brief flash of light all that remained were small wisps of darkness before they too faded away.

"Now, our work here is done." Roxas said with a grin. "Let's go tell Lord Karstark."

Blinking, Jon and Robb saw their friend walk past them with an easy going pace as he didn't seem at all winded or bothered to what felt like a maddening day.

"Makes you wonder how many times he's already done this." Robb murmured, Jon nodding in agreement.

The Bastard of Winterfell felt a nudge against his knee and looked down to see Ghost staring at him expectantly. Grinning, he kneeled down to his Direwolf and scratched him behind the ears.

Ghost practically melted into his hand by the kind act.

"You did well, boy." Jon said appreciatively. "You and Greywind save the two of us on more than one occasion."

Speaking of, Greywind nudged Robb as well as he wanted to be praised in the same degree as his albino brother.

"I promise enough bacon to last you a month, boy." Robb insured, making Greywind bark in a manner of saying 'I'll hold you to that' in Direwolf. Somehow, Robb easily understood chuckling at his companion.

"Speaking of bacon."

"Yeah, craving some myself."

-Evening, Karhold Keep-

"To our savior in our time of need." Lord Karstarks voice boomed in the main hall, cup in hand. "Young Roxas journeyed across the North when we called for assistance and he answered post haste. And to our Warden's sons, Robb Stark and Jon Snow. Proving the Starks do not forget their vows of their ancestors. The promises and pacts of old shall stand for a thousand generations more as the North Remembers. Hail."

Dusk had settled upon the land as many of the Household and it's occupied commoners were in attendance. Food and drink were laid out on many tables for all to consume. With the spread presented, it would be something everyone would enjoy after the recent time of hardship.

"Thank you, kind Lords! A thousand thank yous!" Cried one of the commoners which soon lead to many more letting out cheers of adulation and praise.

Roxas gave them all a sheepish smile, still getting used to this whole idea of an entire castle praising and thanking him for basically doing what he knew best. It was a definite change from the old way back in his Organization days.

The Keyblader was currently out of his Organization attire and back into the outfit he first wore back at Ironrath. He still felt fine in his preferred outfit, but Roxas needed to loosen up as what Rodrick Forrester told him previously in the given situation.

'Axel would've told me the same thing, if he were here.' Roxas thought in slight bitterment. He really missed his old friend. The last time he saw him was through Sora… when he was fading away.

Giving one last smile at the cheering crowd, Roxas went to eating his food before him all the while ignoring something that Jon and Robb immediately caught on to.

Nudging his brother, Jon spoke. "Is it just me or-"

"I see it too, Jon."

"Good, I thought I was imagining things."

"Hmm… think Rodrick was telling the truth with the ladies eyeing Roxas in such ways." Taking a sip of his goblet, he chuckled. "I almost envy him. Almost."

"Do you think we should tell him? I mean, not to sound vulgar or anything but I feel like he does deserve a bit more than a small feast. A lady or two would probably be more than enough of a reward."

"Why Jon, you scandalous tramp. Have you been spending more time with Theon behind my back?"

Jon snorted. "If only he were a bit less annoying, then maybe."

"Still, what do you think?" Robb gave Jon an encouraging grin. "Let him have a go at one of the finer ladies here."

"Wonder if he will." Jon mused, eyeing their friend who was casually munching on a chicken leg while seeming to be completely oblivious to the many stares of ladies in his direction. "Doesn't seem to be… I dunno, in the mood? Or cares at all really."

"Least we're getting our ale." Robb remarked with a shrug, him and Jon clanking their cups together in agreement.

They remembered it clearly when they gave their report to the resident Lord upon their return. Seeing everything was good, Rickard Karstark wanted to be sure, so he sent out a number of guards back onto the fields to find any sign of Heartless. Seeing as there weren't any bothering them once reaching certain distances, Rickard wanted to give the trio a proper thanks…

With a feast.

Roxas was against the idea as he was concerned about their food stores, due to recent events calling him here for that very reason. Rickard was glad on Roxas for that, but waved him off as a small feast wouldn't kill any of them. They'll get back onto their work to make up for lost time and profit.

The Lord made sure to praise each of them individually, thanking them for coming when he had called making sure to give each of them a clap on the shoulder and his own specific words that reflected their actions.

Roxas of course was simple and to the point but no less grateful, as Rickard's voice conveyed it all.

Jon's was a bit surprising though nonetheless appreciated as Karstark spoke of how much like Ned he was.

These same words were spoken to Robb, with the Lord giving him an especially approving look, as if being reassured that the heir will indeed live up to his father's legacy.

"Enjoying the party, you two?"

Looking over, they came face to face with a woman neither of them had seen in quite some time.

"Alys." Robb said curtly with Jon following suit.

The only daughter of Rickard Karstark was a tall, skinny, coltish girl that was roughly their age. Her brown hair is weaved into a braid and has a small bosom. Her face was long, ending with a pointed chin and small ears. The most defining feature she held however was her crystalline blue eyes with the shading of grey that indicated the connection she had with the Starks of old from long past.

Alys and the boys stared at one another for a tense moment before breaking into small laughs with the Lady Karstark hugging both of them.

"It's good to see you both after so long." Alys said happily. "I hope you too are feeling alright after today."

"We look better then we feel." Robb said with a warm smile. "How are you Alys? It's been some time since we last spoke."

"That it has." She said back. "How long as it been?"

"Ages, most likely."

"Agreed." Alys smirked a little. "So tell me, are you still the charming, courteous lordling I remember those years ago?"

"I try to be." Robb said, faux-dramatic. "Oh, your missing presence has unfortunately diluted my ability in being a gentlemen."

Alys only grinned, looking to his half brother next. "And Jon, sullen as ever."

The Bastard of Winterfell merely released a small sound in his throat in not fully responding to her.

"I-I'm not that sullen, am I?"

Robb and Alys only stared expectantly at him with Jon deadpanning a moment later.

"At least Ghost appreciates me." Jon said, looking down to the growing wolf that stared up at Alys.

"His direwolf."

"Ah~ the most loyal of companions… being one's faithful pet."

Ghost yelped in an affronted manner.

"Oh, it appears I offended him." Alys giggled. "When I had seen you with these Direwolves, I never would have thought you would take your sigil so literally."

"It's actually thanks to Jon that we have them." Robb said fondly, looking over to Greywind that was snacking on his pile of promised bacon being joined by Ghost a moment later.

"Their mother had passed when we found them as pups. While our father intended to give them a mercy's death, Jon intervened. Speaking on how the Direwolf is our sigil and how conveniently there were six of them. One for each of us."

"Such a kind, noble act you've pulled. Something many would be envious to acquire, if possible." Alys said, looking over to the Direwolves playfully fighting over a particularly large piece of bacon.

"They are beautiful." Robb said, snorting at his Direwolf plopping onto its backside after losing the tug-of-war for the bacon. "When they want to be."

Their conversation was cut off by boisterous laughter, the trio looking over to see Roxas surrounded by several men, Karstark being one of them. It appears that they had wished to hear of Roxas's exploits with apparently one being enough to get a laugh out of the group.

Gazing at the bashful blonde Keyblader, Alys spoke. "So that's the man of the hour. Haven't had the chance in seeing him earlier."

"Yes. We only met your father and brothers at the time."

Alys hummed as she nodded. "When father told me of the feast, he had joked that if I weren't already betrothed to Daryn Hornwood, he would seek Roxas out to become my future husband. Though I don't exactly know if he was indeed joking or being serious."

This wouldn't be entirely surprising. Many Houses seek means of strengthening their family lineage; whether it was through money, land, fame or even bloodlines.

Roxas had a growing influence throughout the North now, coming to the aid of not one or two but three houses in need and he had done it in an extremely short amount of time. And above all else, he had saved the lives of two of the Lords children and now had practically saved the livelihood of the Karstarks and probably the North as a whole. That's not something one does and gains nothing in return.

If Roxas were to marry into one of the Northern Houses, or gods forbid one of the South, said House's reputation would no doubt jump higher than before.

"Seven hells, look at them all." Robb whispered, gazing at what appeared to be an increase of women all looking to Roxas with blatant interest. "Like moths to a flame, all of them."

"My word, I had heard of many fair maidens swooning at gallant knight but not to this degree." Alys murmured in equal surprise.

"Rodrick Forrester told us the same thing when witnessing it occur shortly after saving Ironrath."

"Has he not done anything?" Alys inquired, taking a moment to gaze at the rather ignorant Nobody who had not seemed at all bothered or even smug at the amount of looks the ladies were directing him.

"Not as we know, Alys." Jon stated. "I don't think he's even been with a woman."

"Truly?"

"Well, we haven't." Robb admitted. "Sure, Theon dragged me to the brothel in Wintertown once or twice but I would never partake in such an action lest we be married."

"Honorable, like all Starks." Alys joked, patting Robb's cheek

Jon was silent as it was something he too shared with Roxas… as he had never been with a woman as well. Sure he paid for the time, but never committed to the act. Jon didn't want to risk of siring a bastard, even with his own bastard status.

His father spoke of how Roxas was a literal spitting image of his supposed father Ventus, another comparison he shared as he had heard the whispers of how much he himself looked like a young Ned Stark. That was one thing that always burdened him as Catelyn Stark made sure to know of this.

She had tried five times with Ned to have children that were directly of the Stark line, achieving it with Arya. Ironically, this had a slight reverse effect as Arya had completely inherited the Stark look and blood in full. Wild, free-spirited and completely uncontrollable other than Ned, Robb and Jon. And even then, controlling would be to kind a word. More like temper and moderate her so she doesn't get to wolf-blooded.

"Jon."

Jolting a bit in his seat, he turned to see Robb and Alys looking at him with a bit of worry.

"You alright there, Jon?" Robb asked. "You seemed out of it."

"Sorry, my mind is elsewhere." Jon said. "Just thinking on today is all."

While Alys accepted the answer, Robb knew different. He easily recognized his brother had when it came to something bothering him as much as he tried to deny it.

Much as he appeared to deny it, Robb was well aware of his mother's treatment of his half-brother and wished she could just drop it already. He loved his bastard brother unconditionally, growing up with him in Winterfell.

He would talk with him later.

Roxas, all the while, had at last found some time to himself managing to eat in peace when he heard someone clear their throat.

Glancing up, he saw it was that brunette Jon and Robb were talking earlier.

"May I?" She gestured to the empty seat beside him.

"Sure thing." Roxas said politely.

Taking the seat, she spoke. "I believe we haven't been introduced. Alys Karstark, sole daughter of Rickard Karstark."

"Roxas."

"I know. Most of this feast is dedicated to you."

"Yeah." Roxas said, not really wanting to dwell on it.

"Is the feast not to your liking?" Alys inquired.

"No, no, it's not that." Roxas said straight away. "It's just that… well, I've already had two other feasts from Ironrath and Winterfell and now I got one here. Feels a bit overwhelming to be honest. And not always needed."

Alys hummed. "I can understand your train of thought. Feasts are not always for everyone."

"Yeah." Roxas nodded. "All I really did was help clear out some Heartless. I've done that so many times without ever getting anything. Really just got a pat on the back is all from some of my friends. But to go to this?"

"I see." Alys was amused by the teens honesty. "It can be a bit much but at least it's not like those Southern tourney's and feasts I've heard so much about."

"And what are they like?" Roxas had heard similar comments to this one at the other two feasts that were dedicated to his actions. He was honestly curious cause the way all had spoke of these southern feasts were in a bit of a negative light.

"From what my father had described them to be, far more outlandish and lavish then this small feast." Alys said. "More food, more wine, more of everything really with much more entertainment and noise with a bit of unnecessary praise going to those who had nothing to do with the feast or as to the cause of it. Needless things really and completely unneeded."

"Sounds kinda overblown." Roxas couldn't imagine a feast like that.

Alys shrugged with a small smile. "I've only heard of such things from my father. He does tend to over exaggerate at times, though he is always honest to a fault."

"Seems to be a common trait." Roxas noted. "Everyone I've met so far in the North never really sugar coat anything they say."

"The people of the North are a plain and straightforward people." Alys said, a hint of pride in her voice. "We do not fancy speech that has ulterior motives or hidden meanings. Speak truly and forthcoming of your intentions. This is not the South where frivolous word games are played. Here, we have no time for such matters."

Alys recalled her father speaking of such a thing once and she found it rather endearing and worked to live by such a Northern motto. Something her father greatly appreciated and loved her for it. Even her brothers, as annoying as they can be.

Roxas himself greatly enjoys that of the North. Once more, he'd rather it be that way -simple and clean- rather than deceitful and shrouded with hidden meanings and intent. That was basically everyone's behavior towards Roxas in a nutshell for practically all of his short existence. Having an entire of Kingdom who view such methods as abhorrent and annoying was something he could easily get behind.

"I like that." Roxas said aloud. "Everyone being honest and all."

"I'm glad you approve." Alys said, slightly teasing. "How are you liking your meal?"

"The chicken is really good." Roxas declared.

"Glad to hear." Alys said with a light laugh. "Thanks to our crops, we figured out how to use a few seasonings that Father had gotten ahold of during his own ventures south."

"Something I'll have to try out more on other meals while I'm here."

"Oh~ Staying here a little longer?"

"Even though your period of blight ended earlier today; Jon, Robb and I need to help your father and his men in learning how to combat against the Heartless. That's what we promised." Roxas said. "And the ironwood resin should be arriving a bit after we leave."

"That's wonderful news." Alys said with a bright smile. "I must thank you once more, Roxas. You have done a great deed for my Family and the North. Any boon you ask of my family, we will do everything within our power to deliver on your request."

"Thanks." Roxas said with a smile. "But I don't really think I'll ask you guys for anything."

Alys only smiled at Roxas admitting to such a thing after being offered such an ambiguous promise that could really amount to anything he asks.

At the corner of her eyes, she noticed Robb catching her gaze with him nodding at the crowd with an amused smile.

Quirking a brow, Alys looked back out to the crowd and noticed the gazes of many women still have their eyes on the blond Keyblader beside her.

Looking back at Robb, he gave her an encouraging grin one that spelled mischief.

Smirking back at the Winterfell heir, Alys turned back to Roxas who had returned to munching on his meal.

"Well then Roxas, this may not be much but consider this a small token of my appreciation for helping my family and my home."

Looking up to her, Roxas nearly jerked his head back in surprise at how close Alys was to him when he felt a soft pair of lips on his cheek.

Being a Nobody, there were a great deal of things that Roxas had never learned of. He vaguely recalled Axel talking about girls and buttons back in the Organization. And really, Xion placing her hand on his cheek as she faded from existence in his arms was as intimate of an interaction Roxas has had as he would call it.

But this? This was entirely new.

He felt a rush of heat to his cheeks, looking at Alys in surprise with the sole Karstark daughter blushing slightly herself. There was a triumphant look in her eyes as she heard some of the murmurs of the people present within the hall, with an extra adage of entertainment from hearing the women make their intentions much more vocally obvious.

"I wish you good fortune in the battles to come, Roxas." Alys said leaving a slightly dazed and confused Nobody.

Off to the side, Robb and Jon chuckled quietly at their friends reaction.

"If he weren't a Maiden boy before, this definitely proves it." Robb said with a grin.

"Wonder if he ever even kissed a girl." Jon mused with a small laugh.

"I believe you are right about that, Jon."

The two fell into a momentary comfortable silence, the sound of the small feast going on before them.

It was not to last as Robb chose this moment to address something that has been on his mind for quite some time now.

"So~ I didn't know my brother had such skill with a blade." Robb remarked, lightly nudging his brother who now froze up slightly. "Have you been holding back on me the whole time, Jon? I'm both touched and insulted."

Seeing his brother slump slightly, it was clear that his joking tone wasn't the path to take for this moment.

"Didn't mean to, Robb." Jon said with a robotic tone.

Robb frowned. "Any reason why?"

Jon was silent, debating internally on whether or not he should speak to Robb on this matter. In all honesty, Jon had planned to never show Robb his true capabilities nor outshine him in anyway shape or form. Hells, if he were being honest with himself even he himself didn't know he had such speed within himself.

It's just… Roxas brought it out of him. Someone else, someone aside from his beloved younger sister saw him for who he was and not what he was.

It was hard for him to adjust and accept from someone he wasn't familiar with so soon.

"Look, Robb." Jon hesitated. "I never meant to hold back like that or even…"

"It's not that, Jon." Robb interrupted. "I just wish you would trust me more. Why hold back against me? I could have been improving so much more knowing how good you are."

Now Jon was growing increasingly uncomfortable as his base instinct was to walk away, not address the problem as it would only grow more in its wake.

"I just need to be left alone now."

Before Robb could rebuke or say anything, his half-brother placed his goblet down, stood up and made his way away from the party.

The Stark heir reached out, but hesitated. Closed his fist and huffed with a downcasted look as he didn't know how to help Jon.

It was at this moment did the Keyblader look their way and became curious on what was spoken between the two brothers. There was some sort of distress on Jon, to which Robb tried to ease but didn't get the chance.

Wanting to investigate the downtrodden mood of his older friend, Roxas followed him outside.

It was rather quick on the change of the heat to the crisp cold air. It would be refreshing for one after drinking and partying inside of the hot rooms. To even now to help cool oneself off… in various means.

For Jon, it was to help bring him down from his enjoyment. He needed to remind himself he can't fully enjoy such things.

After all Lady Stark metaphorically beat it into him over the years.

Wanting to vent his frustrations, the Stark bastard eventually made his way to the training yard and found the weapons rack. Picking one up at random, Jon started swinging at an invisible opponent and not caring on what he might hit as a result.

A piece of fence, the weapons rack, a wall. Anything really.

"Jon?"

Jon jolted a bit from his practice swing, sword actually flying out of hand.

"Whoa!" The sword was caught by Roxas who deftly twirled it in his hand. "Arya did the same thing."

Taking a moment to gather himself, Snow saw the Keyblade wielder walking over to him.

"Roxas? What are you doing out here? Are you not enjoying the feast?"

"It's fine." Roxas waved off. "You just up and left Robb there and he didn't look happy. Is everything ok?"

"Did I upset Robb?"

"I dunno." Roxas shrugged. "He seemed upset but it wasn't about you walking out. What happened?"

"We… were discussing certain matters."

"What matters?"

"...My potential. And Robb's."

Tilting his head with his arms crossed, Roxas voiced his thoughts. "You mean your swordsmanship? I mean, you both are pretty good. With some practice I bet you'll be great."

The means in which the greater Nobody tried in cheering his friend didn't seem to work all that well.

"I know."

Now Roxas was even more confused. "Then what's the problem?"

Jon really liked Roxas for this. He did. He was obviously ignorant to the ways of Westeros for the most part, meaning that it was clear he didn't view Jon as most people did.

"Do you know who I am, Roxas? Or really what I am?"

Quirking a brow, Roxas shook his head.

"I am a bastard, Roxas."

The Keyblader frowned upon hearing Jon say those words. "Why'd you think of yourself like that? You're not a bad person you know."

The first thing that quickly came to mind was the slur the others have made when fighting their opponents. He heard them personally with the Forrester and Stark men fighting against the Heartless. Even remembering through Sora's memories on his time on the Carribean world of some of those pirates saying it a few times.

Jon instead let out a small sigh. It appears Roxas was unaware of the societal norms of Westeros. "Roxas. Do you know what a bastard is?"

Roxas only scratched the side of his head. "Ain't that like a bad person? Like someone who isn't good?"

"Not necessarily." Jon stated, finding Roxas's naivety a bit amusing. This was a lot like Arya when she first heard Jon being addressed as a Bastard. "Lord Eddard is my father, yes. But Lady Catelyn Stark isn't my mother. Thus making me a bastard."

Roxas was trying to understand as parents was still a bit of a foreign concept to him even with the memories of Sora's upbringing as vague as they were. He then remembered the discussion he had with Arya and the specific details with marriage on this World.

"Jon, I don't exactly follow-"

"What's there to follow? It's who I am. What I am…"

"So being a bastard to a Lord is a bad thing? How can that be bad?"

"It's…. Complicated."

Roxas couldn't deny the spark of irritation on that word. If there was one thing he usually found annoying were when things that could be simple were made complicated. And it seemed that the complicated business of being the bastard son of Ned made the world and Jon view him in a negative light.

"Don't talk about yourself in such a bad way, Jon. You're not a Bastard."

"It's the truth." Exhaled the bastard with a heavy heart.

"No." Roxas said emphatically. "That's really stupid and a dumb thing to believe. Did you have any control over this?"

Jon only shook his head.

"Then you are not a Bastard, Jon." Roxas said determinedly. "You get to choose who and what you are, not anyone else."

Though it warmed his heart to hear this hero say this to him, Roxas' statement seemed to ring hollow to him. "And what does it all give me? No matter how good I become, I will always be a bastard to everyone."

"It doesn't always have to be that way."

"And how would you know?"

"Because I know what it's like being called a Nobody throughout all my life."

This merely made the Bastard of Winterfell rather confused on what the Keyblader meant. What was that supposed to mean? A Nobody his entire life?

He understood that Roxas was the son of this Ventus that his father, Lady Stark and so many of the older generation proudly spoke of but… now he was really confused. Did Roxas know what a bastard was after all or…?

"What do you mean?" Jon found himself asking.

Roxas only gave him a strained smile, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"You can say that I was never meant to exist, Jon. Circumstances brought me into being and I had to prove to myself and others that I was more than just a Nobody. That I was my own person."

Jon starred in slight bewilderment and awe as the greater Nobody walked off, leaving him with more questions than answers. Scratch that, he had nothing but questions. But what he said about being his own person. That… that resonated with him more than he cared to admit

And his eyes. They were a bit too familiar to him. He had seen those eyes every time he looked at his own reflection. All Jon could do now was stand there in the cold and think, pondering on his friend's words until he could ponder no more.

Yet he still questioned them for gods' knows how long.

…..

The remainder of their time at Karhold had passed by relatively peacefully. There was only several Heartless encounters with Roxas making quick work of them every time.

He had spent the rest of the time there training up the Karhold guards along with Jon and Robb, making sure all were educated enough as to not do anything reckless or foolhardy when encountering the Heartless.

Even Rickard and his family were present in seeing these events unfold, witnessing both the Keyblader and Stark boys taking care of the Heartless with some levels of ease. Though discussions were brought up on the difficulty on some of the darkened adversaries in comparisons with the Unversed from years ago.

For now however, Karhold would make due with what Roxas had taught them on top of awaiting the arrival of Ironraths' Ironwood Resin that would be key in strengthening their weapons against the Heartless. Not to mention the supply of Ironwood shields supposedly coming along for extra measure in terms of their defenses.

Eventually their time came to an end. King Robert was apparently halfway up the Kingsroad to Winterfell and they were needed back at the Stark's seat of power. On top of the Kings incoming arrival, there was one more important event to address.

Arya Stark's Nameday. Apparently, that's what the people of this world called a birthday.

Being stocked back up for their trip back to Winterfell, Roxas Jon and Robb mounted their horses with the Stark direwolves awaiting for their departure.

"Such a shame you lot had to leave so soon." Lord Rickard said with a small smile. "Been good to have ya around."

"Aye, but we must keep with our duties, my Lord." Robb spoke. "King Robert is almost here and I do not wish to miss my sister's Nameday."

"Your sister's Nameday?" Rickard said with an amused grin. "Which one is it this time? Arya was it?"

"You are correct in that regard, Lord Karstark." Jon said, fond smile in place at the thought of his favorite sister. "She would have our heads if we missed the occasion."

"Far be it from me then to keep you from such important matters." Lord Karstark said. "Family is most important, I say."

Stepping back, Rickard Karstark and the rest of his family that was there to send them off personally all bowed.

"We thank the lot of you once more." Karstark spoke for his household and keep. "We called and the sons of Ned Stark along with Ven's son came in our time of need. We are eternally indebted to you, my lords."

"You're our bannermen, Lord Karstark." Robb said firmly. "How can you claim to be loyal and willing to fight for us if we not do the same?"

Karstark glanced up approvingly, a sentiment shared with the rest of his family and household.

"You are truly your Father's son, Robb Stark." Karstark stated. "Same to Jon Snow. He should feel great pride in raising exemplary men of the North."

Rickard then turned to their companion.

"And are you sure there isn't anything else we can do to repay you, Roxas?"

The Keyblader shook his head. "Just keep protecting your people and treat them well, Lord Karstark. Do that and we'll call it even."

Rickard and his family chuckled upon hearing this.

"Aye, I shall promise you that much. Safe travels my Lords. Until we meet once more."

"Take care."

Riding past the gates, the trio and the direwolves made their way back to Winterfell with several waves greeting them by passing commoners.

-Elsewhere, Evening-

It was late at night with the moonlight barely peeking through the overcast. Faint sounds of nightlife were stirring about. Like some owls hooting in the forestation.

Breaking away from the Northern scenery, the nearby keep had torch lights seeping through the occasional walls and windows; showing people were still awake inside. This could be from either the servants or the ruling lord of said keep. And only a handful of guards were patrolling both the grounds and battlements.

This was the norm of a typical Northern night while in times of peace. No means of disturbance and nothing out of the ordin-

"Hey! Who goes there?!"

One of the sentries spotted something in the darkness. Another was about to ask his friend what was going on as the first one stomped towards the source. Seeing as he needed to come along in case of anything, the second followed after him.

The second wondered what the first spotted exactly as it was deftly dark out. And what form of torchlight they had, it didn't help reveal anything out of the ordinary.

"Tanner, the hells did you even see?"

"I saw something… yellow…"

"Yellow?"

"Aye, Tom. Yellow eyes."

"...Are you sure you didn't spot an animal?" Tom asked. "Like a bear or even an owl?"

"...Maybe."

Tom sighed. "Look, I know things have been deftly borin' as of late; even with our Lord's-"

Suddenly, they heard something nearby. Both were startled for a brief moment as the two sentries calmed themselves.

"Could be some animals humping in the undergrowth."

Tanner was about to say something when rustling grew a bit louder as something broke out to reveal something black… with yellow eyes.

Instantly turning their torches towards the source, both saw an imish black creature as it seemingly stared right at them. And before either could comment about it, said being leaped off the ground and latched itself onto Tanner's face.

"GAH! Get it off! Get it off!"

"Tanner!"

Tanner flailed as the sentry tried prying off the creature. Tom quickly came to his friend's side and assisted in getting it off. Yet despite its small size, it was surprisingly strong to all Hells.

"It won't come off!"

Tanner's yells were heard in the immediate area and neither knew how long it'll take for the other sentries to investigate the source of it all. Well… if they were nearby if this were happening.

Tom used his torch and placed it on the blackened beast, yet nothing seemed to really work at all. No hissing or any beastly cries from feeling such heat onto itself. It just shrugged off the fire like a mild annoyance.

Before Tom could unsheaf his knife to stab the creature to death, he saw more of those things crawl out of the undergrowth.

Realizing what might occur, Tanner yelled to his friend. "Quick! Inform the others and Lord-"

His words were extinguished as more of those black monsters leaped onto Tanner and dogpiled him. His yells were carried into the air as Tom saw his friend consumed into the black mass. And he thought with his heightened adrenaline induced fear, the lone sentry thought he saw a floating ethereal sigil shaped like a heart coming out of said mass.

Taking Tanner's into action, Tom quickly turned and bolted out of the area and ran back towards the keep.

'I haven't felt this scared since he started-'

The sentry's thoughts were halted upon feeling a series of weights latching onto his body. He crumbled onto the ground and looked back to see the beings coming onto him.

"Get back you bastards!" Tom bellowed as he pulled out his knife and tried stabbing them. Yet nothing worked at all. "HELP! HEL-!"

His cries were muffled before silenced as he too was consumed by the animated mass where everything he knew went black.

…..

…..

…..

The Shadows had taken care of the few wayward watchmen of the nearby keep. They looked at each other and none of the low tier pureblood Heartless knew when more will come to investigate the yells.

Not that it would matter as none had the right equipment to take them down, let alone have the strength.

Now they were drawn here after exiting through the Nexus at some farmland further north from here. The conglomerate of Heartless started to spread, especially after sensing the Keyblader making it's way towards the Nest.

Knowing most of them needed to defend the Nexus, which would've given them their easy access to this World in vast numbers, a good chunk knew they needed to venture elsewhere. They needed to be sure the Keyblader wouldn't get them and make a new Nest, a new Nexus at someplace out of his current reach.

This World was vastly different than the others the whole had come across. There were aspects about it that were surprisingly and truly dark.

There were places on the other side of this World that were up for the taking. There were even places on this very continent Heartless could thrive in. From one city located much further south from here to even past an odd icy structure.

And one location was located at the nearby keep.

Wanting to investigate further of the tantalizing source, the Heartless moved onward to see the potential place to plant a new Nexus. And whoever carries this interesting amount of darkness inside would possibly strengthen their ranks further than before.

-End Chapter-

AN:

First chapter of the new year and decade! So happy and wonder how things'll go from here on out.

So had a reviewer comment on when Roxas complimented on Jon's speed, they were doing comparisons with other Organization members and wasn't really impressed. What was trying to do was commenting on his speed compared to a normal human being, not towards the Organization members.

Though things are bound to change later on that Jon will gain something that'll let him catch up to the likes of Organization XIII. And he'll rightfully earn it and use it well from what free man writer and I have planned for him.

And another detail came up pertaining on Heartless seeming weak right now. Well if you guys haven't noticed, Roxas has been pulling the majority of the weight in fighting against them while his companions have been doing some effort in the fights. Though this will be rectified later on as Heartless will get stronger and stronger… especially with the present World as it thrives in darkness in more ways than one.

Free Man Writer: So don't worry people, you'll be seeing some real heavy hitters well and soon enough. We all know this and you guys are gonna love some of the crazier fights to come. Also Happy New Years as well from this guy.

Jeb: Now I had to look through a lot of the Northern Houses and figure things out in terms of planning on what I wanted to do on this chapter during the early planning processes of this story. Seeing as there wasn't any one carrying the bigger load of harvest production, I decided to have House Karstark be a major provider. Even though this was at a whim, there are further ideas I wanted to do on this mission that'll benefit later down the line in the story.

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

R&R