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.

23. Serpents from the Sea

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

"Speech"

'Thoughts'

Writing/Singing

"Foreign Language/Flashback"

-Scene Shift-

Chapter 23: Serpents from the Sea

Sunlight seeped through the windows and slowly crawled towards the sleeping form of Roxas. Eventually reaching the only occupant in the room, the bright light caressed his face. The intensity started to stir the sleeping Nobody to bring him out to the waking world.

Fluttering eyes opened from the light before their owner tossed a little in the bed to avoid it. Yet now with the sleep now over, he groggily rose from the bed with an intense yawn.

Rubbing his eyes to clear them of any grime formed during his sleep, Roxas threw the sheets off of him and got out of the large bed. His feet were met with warmth from the stone floor before they carried him towards the nearby windows and parted the curtains to release more light into the room. This gave him a good view of most of the immediate area of the Red Keep and some parts of the capital. He even had a good line of sight towards the Tower of the Hand and Maegor's Holdfast.

'It does have quite the nice sight.' Was the thought before gazing back to his current living arrangements while being in the capital.

In terms of size, it was at least double or triple the size of the one he had back in Winterfell; perhaps more. The apartment was quite lavished and a little over the top for his tastes, from all of the silks, tapestries and designed rugs.

Roxas wondered if this was the standard means of design for the apartments of the Red Keep or something more, given he's betrothed to Myrcella. And he didn't know if the next living quarters he'll have after the wedding will be bigger and more extravagant over at Maegor's Holdfast or still be the same.

He'd probably see sooner or later.

Heading towards the closet, Roxas looked towards the assembly of clothing hanging on the racks and folded in the drawers. Most were given to him from the North, others from here at the Capital and the rest was what he got from Radiant Gardens.

While the Northern clothing was darkly themed and the ones from Radiant Garden were primarily bright, the Southern ones had an interesting blend. Some were red and gold and the rest were black and yellow, signifying the House colors for Lannister and Baratheon.

He wondered why these were given to him, not to mention how quickly these must've been made for his size without getting properly measured. You can thank Queen Cersei for that, apparently. Asking some of Winterfell's seamstresses who helped make several of Roxas' clothing for measurements before sending them to the capital. Giving the seamstresses there to make a line of clothing for her future good-son to help signify his eventual connection to the royal family.

Roxas appreciated the gesture, but felt like he was a little violated by the invasion of privacy.

From what he can tell, he'll probably wear the Southern attire whenever he's not gonna go out and do patrols. Which, by the way, will be for little amounts of time as he'd prefer his other outfits over anything else. More so with his Organization XIII and Radiant Garden attires.

Just when he was about to change, he heard the rapping on the chamber door.

"I'll be there in a second." He called out. Heading towards the door, he opened it and saw one of the keep's servants, a page or a steward, standing before him. "Yes? May I help you?"

"Good morning, Prince Roxas." The male servant greeted.

"I'm not a prince."

"You will be, eventually."

Roxas released a tired sigh, no doubt getting tired of hearing this for some time now.

"Is there a reason why you came here?" Roxas said politely.

"Yes, two things. First, I'm here to inform you Lord Renly wishes to see you in his office when possible."

"And the second?"

"Do you wish for breakfast to be brought to you here or have it in the dining hall?"

Roxas briefly thought it over before giving his response. "I'll have breakfast here, if that's not too much trouble. And thanks for letting me know."

"It certainly will not be, my prince. I'll fetch it at once.

The servant scurried off, making Roxas to close the door before going back to his closet to get changed.

Roxas was already planning on seeing Renly later so he can at least know the city's layout in order to predict where exactly any Heartless activity will pop up. Not to mention learning more of the state of said city to properly assist the City Watch alongside Cloud.

Once changing into his Organization attire, Roxas went to properly double check his belongings and secure everything. And in one corner of this apartment lies his two main trunks, magically locked, which only he alone can open them up via Keyblade. Roxas didn't want any chances of a maid or a servant to come in here and attempt opening them.

Back in Winterfell, there was no risk of anyone taking anything of his. He earned respect to the point where there was no one who would mess with his stuff. Down here though, there might be the chance. And this was drilled into his head by both Ned and Cloud.

Inside of the chest from Winterfell lies many of his excess Potions, Ethers, Elixirs and other necessary items now he's taken out his clothing from it. The Belmont chest though has some more valuable items such as the Enchantment of Inheritance book, the book on Summoning charms, a tome on Alchemical Theory, his equipable accessories and the Transmission Mirror.

After equipping and storing what he thought he needed for the day on his person, a knock was heard at the door. Soon the servant came in with a little trolly with several food items.

"You can put those by the desk."

"Of course, my prince." The servant soon placed the food and drink on the desk nearby before taking the trolley out of the apartment. "Will there be anything else?"

"No, thanks though. And stop calling me Prince."

Once the servant excused himself, Roxas closed the door and locked it before heading towards the desk in order to eat his breakfast. While digging in, his eyes wandered back to the Belmont chest. Getting up from his seat, he opened the chest and pulled out the smaller chest containing the Transmission Mirror.

Opening that particular lid, many glass shards floated out of the container and encircled the Keyblader. Placing his fingers onto some of the enchanted shards, he traced some runes and symbols on the surface. Before long, they swirled once more, coming together to become a seemingly full piece. Soon after, Roxas' reflection turned dark and everything else around it.

"Am I even doing it right?" He muttered. "This is like the fifth time I've tried contacting either of them and all I get is nothing." Double checking, he placed his index finger onto the middle of the enchanted mirror and focused on something else.

The dark reflection soon shifted to the outside of the Red Keep. "No, it's working." He muttered before focusing again, shifting the image to appear to show Robb eating his morning meal with Bran and Rickon. The image shifted once more to reveal the gigantic 300 mile long, 700 foot tall Wall of the North before it zoomed to Jon chatting with Tyrion Lannister about something.

Roxas had been trying to contact his companions back in Wallachia since he came back to this World. He just wanted to say hello and see how they were doing since they last departed. Unfortunately, he couldn't get in contact with them. Either it's because they weren't answering, the mirrors can only work if they were on the same World or it would take longer for a connection to work across the Lanes In Between.

This didn't mean he was going to give up.

Sighing, he had the mirror go back into the small chest before putting it away. Replacing it with the Enchantment of Illusion book and bringing it with him to the desk. Opening the book where he last went off, he started reading the contents as he resumed eating his breakfast.

Once done with his meal, Roxas cleaned things up as best as possible in order to save some work for the servants. From there, he placed away his reading material and locked up the chest before heading on out. He asked some passing servants as to where he needed to go, Roxas was directed towards the office of Renly Baratheon.

Descending several floors and going through several hallways, the Keybearer found his destination. Knocking on the door, he heard the sole occupant inside calling out. "Enter."

Coming inside, Roxas closed the door to see Renly sitting behind his desk as he was currently doing various paperworks with some assorted piles.

Looking up, Renly smiled a little before waving his hand towards one of the empty seats. Roxas took one of them as he soon spoke. "You needed to see me?"

"I did." Renly said simply. "After discussing matters with your friend, Cloud, I figured you'll want the same information before you start your patrol."

"Was this last night or-"

"Earlier this morning. Quite the early riser, he was. First person I met once I entered my office to start work." The Master of Laws placed the pen into the inkwell to put his full undivided attention towards the Keybearer before him. "Before we begin, is there anything you want to ask?"

Roxas nodded, pulling the first question on his list. "How is it being the reigning Lord of Storm's End and the Stormlands? Especially gaining the title so young."

Renly smiled a little. "Ah, you've heard of that, yes?"

"Hard not to. Gaining the lordship at the end of Robert's Rebellion when you were just a child. When Robert took the throne, instead of Stannis taking the seat, you were given it instead. How did that make you feel anyways?"

This made the Baratheon release a sigh. "An awkward moment in my life, I must confess. Very young and coming out of a disturbing part of my life as the Tyrells closed off Stannis, our men and I from leaving the keep. Forgive me if I don't want to get into details on what exactly happened there."

"I won't."

Renly nodded, continuing. "I was led to believe when growing up I'll take up a holdfast somewhere in the Stormlands when I came of age and took a wife of my own. But to my surprise, I ended up given our ancestral seat. I honestly wondered why me instead of Stannis."

"What was the reason?"

"Stannis failed in procuring Queen Rhaela and her children at Dragonstone. All he retrieved in the end was the queen's corpse, showing signs of her dying from childbirth, with the only heirs of the Iron Throne, Viserys and the infant Daenerys, nowhere in sight. Robert was furious at losing the only bargaining chips to rein in any Targaryen loyalists still within the continent. For this, Stannis was given Dragonstone."

"Why's that?"

"Prior to the Rebellion, Dragonstone was and still is the seat for the heir-designate to the Iron Throne when they were not living in King's Landing. A great symbol to help the heir to prepare for ascending to the Iron Throne one day. Robert tried to explain to our brother that he didn't mean his action was an insult… somewhat… but needed someone to have a firm hand to keep the Targaryen ancestral seat to the Iron Throne. And Robert couldn't think of anyone else other than him."

"And how did Stannis react to that?"

"Slighted and unnamused. But he had to follow orders as it was his duty." Renly scratched his thin beard as he continued. "Soon enough, I had to do my duty in holding Storm's End. Learning everything I can to honor our family."

Roxas nodded before asking the next question on his mind. "Why'd Robert ask you to become Master of Law?"

"Wanted people he knows closely to stay close to him." Renly said quickly. "He was crowded with Lannisters and their supporters all around and wanted some breathing room, as it were. Asides from the already filled in roles of the Grand Maester and Master of Whispers with Pycelle and Varys respectively, Robert had to choose the rest himself. Jon Arryn was already first picked to be Robert's Hand and later chose Baelish to fill in as Master of Coin through Arryn's recommendation. And to help get Stannis out of his dreary mood, Robert appointed him as Master of Ships."

"And what of your position?"

"Truth be told, Robert had originally thought of having Symond Staunton, my predecessor, be replaced with your father. He couldn't have thought of anyone better with how justly Ventus was during the Rebellion. But after his abrupt departure, Robert decided to keep Symond on until his passing. It was around that time when Robert thought I was ready to fill in the position."

Roxas digested this piece of information before wanting to get to the task at hand. "What can you tell me of the city? The main districts, even. And where should be the areas I should focus on the most?"

Renly nodded and decided to finally get to business. "The Street of Steel is one of the oldest and most renowned sections of the crafter's district. If you perhaps want any form of armor or gear, you'd best go over there. I would recommend you get weapons there as well, but I highly doubt you'd want to part with your Keyblades."

The two chuckled on the jest.

"Now the crafter's districts surround Visenya's Hill, where the Sept of Baelor reside. And you can find the Guildhall of the Alchemists there as well. Hard to miss with the pitch black building where the Street of Sisters begins and ends. There's the Dragonpit, located on Rhaenys' Hill, and hardly anyone goes there anymore. And there's some other streets in the city are the Street of Flour and Street of Looms, where the bakers and tailors and outfitters ply their trade respectively."

Roxas nodded, ushering Renly to continue.

"Now after hearing some more details on these Heartless, I recommend you patrol around the areas near Fishmonger's Square and the Mud Gate, where they sit near Blackwater Rush. There is plenty of traffic with traders and merchants, which we get some of our more crimes occurring there. The same goes with Flee Bottom and the Street of Silks, which contain all of the brothels and luxury houses this city holds. Though I should tell you know that Littlefinger owns a number of establishments there to earn a bit more income. Claiming that part of his earnings flow back to the Crown's treasury. Which, by the way, I don't buy. Anywhere else is fair game, I suppose."

"Right. Might not know where the Heartless really focus on."

"Agreed."

"Do you perhaps have a map I could borrow?"

Renly got up from his desk and walked over to a nearby bookcase where he pulled out a rolled up piece of parchment. "I had a cartographer draw you and Cloud up a map of the capital. It is a big place and one can easily get lost, at first. So hopefully memorize it as best as you can."

Roxas was handed the rolled up parchment before Renly sat back down. "I'll return you this."

"Keep it. Consider it a gift for the good services you'll do here."

Roxas nodded before getting to the next question on his list. "Who's the Commander of the City Watch?"

"That would be Janos Slynt."

"And how many are there in the City Watch?"

"Roughly two thousand under his command."

"Do I need to report to him?"

"No. Just directly to me and Ned Stark." Renly then gave his reasons. "Sure, Janos reports to me, but I prefer you not going through a middle man."

Roxas nodded on that bit of information. "Is there anything else I should know?"

"At the moment, no. But I'll be sure to let you know." Roxas was about to leave the office when Renly spoke up. "Though do know any and all messages you'd end up receiving will be held for you here at the Red Keep unless otherwise."

"Right. Thanks for the information Renly."

"No problem. Happy hunting."

-The Dragonpit, Rhaenys' Hill-

It was quite interesting to be standing in such a vacant area. No sound at all, only given with him walking about with the loose stone shifting from his feet. All around him, blue eyes met the ruins of an infamous structure that was once a marvel of the World, back in its heyday.

Many dragons once slept and lived here years ago, being quite a cavernous dwelling with iron doors so wide that thirty men could walk through it side by side with hardly a problem. Even in times when they were kept out of their cages, the domed ceiling kept them in so no problems may occur with any resident of the capital. And in the darkest of nights, there would still be a glow seen from any windows and openings the building had.

Before the Dragonpit was built, it was once the Sept of Remembrance. A structure reportedly half the size of the Sept of Baelor years later, but was burnt down by Maegor the Cruel with his father's dragon, Balerion the Dread. The screams of all those trapped inside echoed throughout the city with the ash and smoke falling all around for a week. But as it dissipated, so too did the Faith Militant as Maegor accomplished what he sent out to do.

Wanting to make the Sept of Remembrance no longer remembered, Maegor had it replaced with a symbol of his family in order to properly house many dragons for years to come.

After the construction of the Red Keep and learning what happened to carpenters who made it, everyone of such profession fled the city in order to save their lives. Because of this, Maegor was forced to use the prisoners from the city's dungeons for slave labor and hire skilled craftsmen from across the Narrow Sea to construct the Dragonpit.

Years come and go with the dragons once growing large with quite the long lifespans started growing smaller with short lives with each generation. More so after the infamous Dance of Dragons.

Looking around the disheveled and crumbling pit, which now looked like the ruined Coliseum on Hercules' World, Roxas frowned as he took the time to inspect every cage, every nook, every cranny from the center of the structure. He could feel… an echo of power. Where bones lay, there was a time where Dragons, creatures of power once resided.

To be whittled away to extinction.

With how the Dragonpit became a true shadow of its former self was because of a mob driven by fear. Storming in during the climax of the Dance of Dragons and slaughtered the five dragons presently housed where Roxas presently stood. The results were not pretty with one of the dragons breaking out and broke the domed ceiling.

No one survived. And it was from there did this plot of land serve as a reminder of what magic the Targaryens once had was now broken and started fading away into nothingness.

Grimacing, Roxas shook his head and turned to depart. Standing in this graveyard didn't really sit well with him. Even with one final question wafting through his head: what is a dragonpit without dragons?

The roof remained where it had fallen. The bronze doors rusted over and chipped away by robbers to earn some quick money. And people reportedly arrive here to do unquestionable things, seemingly to mock the once great dynasty or something else.

For all intents and purposes, this place was indeed an arena of nothingness.

Like the World That Never Was… no, it only had a similarity. The World That Never Was will hold a feeling of nothingness that none could truly compare with.

Walking away from the pit, Roxas was unsure of where to go next exactly. This place was gigantic to say the least so there was much to explore. He walked along the many paths within the intersecting area known as the Street of Sisters, an area named in honor of the two sister wives of Aegon the Conqueror.

Apparently some sort of famous brothel resided here and wouldn't you know it, there it was just on his way out of this district. There were way more women out here in this brothel then the ones he had seen up North. Even wearing more lighter clothing, both material and coloring in nature.

He found himself quickening his pace at the sight of the many women who apparently had the eyes of hawks since they had spotted him in an instant. Really, he wasn't up for a visit to these kinds of establishments after growing wise to their trade. Throwing his hood over his head, Number XIII fast walked past the brothel practically feeling the overwhelming disappointment from those girls.

The ones back at Wintertown were alright, but these ones here seemed to make him really uncomfortable.

When making his way towards the crafter's district, Roxas was soon met with an odor of some mixtures of metal, smoke and oil. Became more prominent as he passed through all sorts of workshops and blacksmith locals. To his view, a lot of the simpler and cheaper businesses started where he first entered as he started noticing a gradient change. At some point, he started seeing fancier and expensive shops as they started to go deeper and up the slope of Visenya's Hill.

When strolling through the area, Roxas' ears were met with all sorts of vendors selling their merchandise with would-be customers examining them left and right.

"Check out this solid plate! Can stop any sword and arrow without a scratch and dent!"

"I've got arahks from across the Narrow Sea here!"

"Would you like some armor for your horse, good Ser. Would help wonders for the joust for the Hand's Tourney."

"OYSTERS CLAMS AND COCKLES." Called out a small child with a wheel-barrel full of iced seafood. One vendor actually purchased a few before the child went on his merry way.

"Rork! Take that gunk back to the ports!"

Each and every one was uninterested to No. XIII. He was completely satisfied with what he presently had. Both from his equipped accessories and nothing can beat his Keyblades.

By the corner of his eye, there seemed to be something amiss poking out from the setting around him. Squinting, Roxas spotted a red ball that was moving about beneath the table, Roxas's eyes widened considerably at what he easily recognized as a moogle with a metal orb in hand.

Wanting to follow it, he passed by many of the city's occupants before he saw it enter some establishment. When he got through a thick mob, he was met with what appeared to be the largest building in the whole district.

It wasn't exactly a shop at all, merely a multistoried home for all intents and purposes. And the front entrance was really eye catching with the carved up designs on what appeared to be weirwood of all materials. And placed by each side of the entrance were these stone knights as if guarding the place from any nerdowells.

Pushing past the doors, Roxas was met with smoke and soot filling his nostrils. Shaking the smells away, he saw quite an interesting site of all sorts of weapons and armors which were far better than anything he'd seen in the city before till this very moment.

As his eyes wandered, Roxas soon spotted the Moogle, holding up the metallic orb to a tall, brolic black short-haired boy around his age that had eyes as blue as… actually, he kinda looked weirdly familiar. Though he couldn't really put his thumb on it. Regardless, there was a Moogle here and he now knew what he'd be doing here in the street of steel.

"Thanks little guy." The boy said appreciatively with a massive grin on his face as he held up the hunk of metal. "Oh~ this is a new one. Where'd you find this one?"

"Just some passing thief, Kupo. Guy didn't really know what it was."

"His loss, our gain." The boy stated. "Come on, let's get to work on this one. Figure it would make for a good chest plate."

"Hey there."

Hearing the sudden voice caused the teen and Moogle to stiffen. Looking over, they saw Roxas standing there with a smile on his face.

"...WE'VE BEEN CAUGHT, KUPO!"

"Master Tobho isn't gonna be happy." Said the teen as he frantically looked around. "Please, you can't tell anyone about him."

"Who? The Moogle?"

This stopped the frantic pair, making them look at Roxas once more. Blinking owlishly on what he just said.

"You… know what he is?"

"Why yes I do."

The Moogle abruptly flew up to Roxas's face, it's already closed eyes shrinking, scrutinizing the blond.

"AH~~~ A kupo! A customer!" The moogle said cheerfully. "Of course, I should have realized."

"What do you mean… customer, Moo?"

"He's not a regular customer, Gendry." The Moogle named Moo whirled around cheerfully to face his other "customer". "He's someone my kind has traded and made many synthesis items a thousand times over."

"So you know him then?" The boy identified as Gendry inquired.

"Not him directly but other Moogles have spoken, sold, bought and traded with him before." Moo turned back to the Nobody. "Pleasure to meet you here, Kupo."

"I'm surprised to see one of your kind on here." Roxas honestly said.

"You're not the first to point that out, Kupo."

"What's going on down here?" Spoke a male voice.

Gendry, Moo and Roxas looked over and saw a gray bearded, bald man dressed in a red velvet coat with a large jewel set between a large chain hanging around his neck. And with each step he took, Gendry got more nervous.

The man eyed the newcomer before shifting his gaze to Gendry, who currently hid Moo behind him. "What have I told you of being more careful?" He sternly said.

"Not being caught, Mr. Mott." Spoke the Moogle.

"And what did you do?"

"...Get caught."

"That's right."

"I think this is a special situation, Tobho." Gendry spoke up. "He seems to know about Moo and his race."

"Does he now?" Tobho eyed No. XIII suspiciously. "And who might you be?"

Roxas removed his hood to reveal his face. "I'm new around here. I was walking around this street when I spotted the Moogle coming over to this shop."

"Hmmm, so you seem to be aware of its name." Tobho gazed at Roxas, still unconvinced in a manner of speaking.

"Yeah, I've dealt with Moogles before in my line of work."

"I see…"

"So this is your establishment?" Roxas asked, earning a nod from Tobho. "You have a really good set of works here."

"Why thank you, young man." The owner gave a small nod of his head. "Tobho Mott, at your service. Though I can't take all the credit as I take pride in my workers and apprentices such as young Gendry here…"

No. XIII soon realized what Tobho wanted from him, making the Keybearer introduce himself. "Oh, right. I'm Roxas. And that's quite humbling for you to say."

"It's something I've learned and appreciated: sharing credit where it's properly due."

"Wish there were more people out there following that."

Tobho snorted. "Of course. Reason why I left Qohar years ago."

Roxas rose a brow. "Qohar? I'm not familiar with that place."

"Most people aren't, young man. Over here in Westeros, most people don't bother learning many of the cities of Essos. But Qohar was a place where I studied and gained knowledge of mystical arts. Reason why it was dubbed the City of Sorcerers."

The mention of mystical arts made Roxas curious. "You use mystical knowledge into your craft?"

"I do. It's because of that I've not only become well known." Tobho then jabbed a thumb to the Moogle present in the room. "Not to mention drawing him and his kind to my humble abode."

"And how did you take their appearance?"

It was Moo who answered. "Freaked out and wanted to burn us when we first met."

"You and your kin startled me in the middle of the night. I had thought of you as demons or burglars trying to steal my wares."

"Which we profusely apologized time and time again, kupo."

Roxas looked over to Gendry as the smither and Moogle bickered against each other. "Does this happen often?"

The apprentice gave a sigh. "Every other day."

Roxas hummed aloud, thinking over his finding of this smithshop.

"Say, can I use this place where I can help get more items and synthesize materials?" Roxas inquired, drawing in the others' attention. "I've got two friends of mine up in the Red Keep who could definitely use your help as well whenever they need it."

"Swell, we just got three new customers." Moo said happily.

"Hold on just a moment." Tobho waved the bouncing Moogle down. "What do you mean when you say the Red Keep? Are you associated with the Royal Court?"

"Oh right. I came to the capital yesterday with Ned Stark, the new Hand of the King." Said No. XIII, leaving out the detail of his betrothal to the princess.

"Did you now?"

"Yeah…" Roxas said Tobho needed a bit more convincing.

"You not jesting with me, young man? There been many times which some people have come to my shop and demanding things from me, lying about their connections with the Royal Court."

Roxas shook his head. "No sir. Honest. I came down to accompany Ned and his family with their household after King Robert made him hand. There's been Heartless running about the entire kingdom. I'm here to help out and stop them."

"Heartless." Gendry repeated the name with a frown. "What are those?"

"Creatures of darkness." Roxas said with a grim tone. "They come in many shapes and sizes but all share sickly yellow eyes and a darkened red and black heart on most of them save for those that are pitch black."

"Hmm, sounds like those other strange beasts I've heard about twenty years ago." Muttered out the smither. "I was at Essos at the time and was making my way here as the Rebellion was coming to an end."

"Lord Stark told me they were called the Unversed." Roxas said.

"Oh no, those beings of the darkness have found their way here now?" Moo said dejectedly. "Those Heartless are nothing but trouble."

"They have been in the North and spreading down the Neck. Last I saw them was around the Crossroads Inn." Roxas informed the Moogle. "Though I haven't seen any so far for a few days now."

Moo's red ball slumped down. "Ah, It's only a matter of time Kupo."

Roxas grimaced. "Yeah, I know."

Tobho shook his head. "Alright, enough with this dejected mood here. Now, you came here knowing about Moo here. What can ol' Tobho and Gendry do for ya?"

Roxas mused to himself. "Well… there's this girl up in the castle that's kinda my student and i've been figuring that I can make a few new metals to help upgrade her weapon."

"Then would you perchance have these Synthesis materials on you?" Tobho questioned.

"Not really. They would be in the Moogle shop, last time I know."

At the mention of this, Moo brought up an ethereal pad before him and started scrolling through picture after picture. It wasn't long before he pulled up Roxas' file and saw what he had in inventory. "Oh, he's right, Mr. Mott. And boy~ he's got quite the amount."

Tobho and Gendry gazed at the collection with their eyes bulging out with jaws dropping.

"Seven Hells, what don't you have?!"

"Some of the rarer ones, apparently." Came the Moogle's response. "Those are truly hard to come by; like Oricalicum, Adamantite and Damascus. Oh and look at this."

"By the Black Goat, where did you acquire such materials?" Tobho asked in disbelief.

"Some I found in little treasure chests." Roxas stated. "The others…. I kinda got thrashed around for a few of them and they weren't easy in the slightest to get."

Composing himself, the smither coughed into his hand.

"Perhaps we may discuss things more in my office." Tobho waved his arm towards some room beyond where they presently stood. "I swear on my honor as a master smith and under the gaze of the Black Goat, I will do you no harm. And I shall guard any and all secrets you share with me. Nothing will go beyond my home."

"I can attest to that." Moo stated. "So far, nothing has been leaked out of our existence."

Gendry gave his little friend a particular look. "Though you almost risked it earlier if it weren't for Roxas."

"...I know."

With Roxas and Tobho walking away, Gendry and Moo looked onward before resuming what they originally had to do before Roxas' arrival.

"Now about that chest plate…"

-Hours Later-

Coming out of Tobho's office, No. XIII left with a decent smile on his face. Things had gone on for some time with how much he and the smither discussed. Coming up with payments and discussing what could be done for whatever items he wanted for himself and for the Starks.

"Do be sure to bring that book you mentioned the next time you come around, Roxas." Tobho said from within his office, sorting out the paperwork and contracts that were made.

"I will."

"And please close the door."

Roxas did so as he went through some of the nearby work areas. He saw several workers and apprentices taking care of their daily tasks and orders. And as he went, he saw several Moogles roaming about as they took part in several stations. Like keeping the kilns lit up to helping out some of the humans on certain projects.

"Odd to see so many here in one place." Muttered out the Nobody.

"You'd be right on that one." Roxas looked over and saw Gendy walking over with Moo bouncing beside him. "After the first day or so, we all got used to their presence."

Roxas nodded in understanding.

"So you're done talking with Master Tobho?" Asked the apprentice.

"Yeah, I am. Just gonna be coming back at a later day to pick up some orders and drop off something for him when I do."

"And when would that be?"

"Few days or so, I suppose." Came Roxas' answer. "So tell me, how'd you come here in the first place?"

"Master Tobho only takes in those he deems worthy to serve at his forges. From some shops to in the Street of Steel to Flee Bottom. And it's been a great honor working and learning here."

"And how long have you been here?"

Gendry shifted on his feet when hearing this. "Been here as long as I can remember. My mother was friends with Master Tobho and… when she passed, I was taken under his wing."

"Oh, sorry if I ended up-"

"It's alright, Roxas. Just something I often don't talk about." Gendry then continued. "Anyways it was a good string of luck. Some say I've been blessed with how naturally skilled I've become."

"That's good to hear. So it's come to my understanding that many who work here end up taking off at some point and opening their own shops. Do you plan on having one of your own someday?"

"Somewhat… It's just hard to think of being anywhere else than here?"

"Why's that?"

"Like I've said, I've been here as long as I can remember. I sleep upstairs and eat three meals a day with everyone else living here. Practically the longest resident aside from Master Tobho. Hard to imagine me seeking out anywhere else to work at. Even for a place of my own."

"I can respect that, Gendry, and glad things are turning alright for you."

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

Roxas soon made his way towards the front entrance, turning back and saying farewell as Gendry went back to his work station. Just when he stepped outside, Roxas was stopped when Moo tugged on his Organization coat.

Turning around, Roxas addressed the Moogle. "Yes?"

"Oh Kupo, I figure you may find use for these." Moo the Moogle brought out the holographic datapad of his storage and brought out two large eggs around the size of Roxas's forearms.

"What are these supposed to be?" Roxas inquired, taking the two eggs from the moogle. One was pitch black with the other being a golden yellow.

"Chocobo eggs." Moo said happily. "Haven't been able to hatch these two though I know that they require a different sort of conditions in regards to them hatching. It's better they are exposed to more people than being just left in storage."

"Chocobo eggs?" Roxas murmured to himself. He sure never heard of those before. What were they supposed to be?

He was about to ask Moo when he looked up to see the Moogle had already up and floated off back to Mott's smith shop. Slumping slightly, Roxas glanced at both eggs before shrugging and turning to head back towards the Red Keep.

That was enough exploration for one day.

With a sigh, he began walking back towards the Red Keep.

Approaching the front gates, he saw a set of guards garbed in yellow and black with stag horns on their chest plates signifying their allegiance to House Baratheon.

Coming towards the gate, the guards stopped Roxas from entering. "And who might you be?" Asked the first.

Before the Keybearer could answer, the second one spoke up. "Probably just some nobody."

The visible twitch from Roxas's brow was enough to make the Baratheon guards pause in their words.

"I'm Roxas." The Nobody said with slightly clenched teeth and a false polite tone. "You know the nobody that's Princess Myrcella's… betrothed."

Both Baratheon guards blinked.

"Roxas." He let out with a more annoyed tone. "The guy who has helped keep the King and his retinue safe on the Kingsroad for the past month."

Realization began to dawn on the guards, something Roxas caught on.

"And the guy you're holding up at the moment from going back into the Red Keep to handle some really important business." Roxas added on with more emphasis beginning to glare at them both.

The two guards quickly moved aside with one of them stammering. "W-We are s-sorry in not recognizing you, prince Roxas."

"Do y-you need us to escort you-"

"No, I'm good. You two have done plenty enough." He said in a flat voice, making them flinch.

Roxas walked past the two Baratheon guards with the two Chocobo eggs in his arms. Heading up towards the Red Keep, he held a blank expression at the stares he had received on his way towards the destination he had in mind.

It was around that time of day by this point and he'd rather not make him wait.

Navigating through several hallways and corridors, No. XIII soon heard sounds of wood smacking against wood with a young voice yelling. They grew a bit more louder and prominent as he drew closer. Once coming to the training grounds, his foot was met with the wooden training sword as it slid across the ground and stopped once hitting him.

"That's not fair!" the small pouting form of Arya Stark said as she was flat on her bum gazing up at the victorious Swordsman Cloud.

"What part of a fight is supposed to be fair?" Cloud remarked.

"Aren't you supposed to be an honorable warrior?"

"Somewhat." Cloud said with a shrug. "Though I don't think it applies for this situation when training a novice." He soon gave the young She-wolf an even look. "Besides, you best have honor taking a back seat when you're trying to stay alive."

Arya huffed, standing up with her cheeks slightly puffed out. "I'm not that much of a novice."

The young Stark girl blinked when Cloud suddenly pressed a finger against her forehead. He then proceeded to "lightly" push her which resulted in her stumbling and falling on her ass again. She gaped, staring up at the blond swordsman who held a slightly amused grin.

"I don't wanna say I told you so." Cloud remarked with a slightly smug expression.

Arya's face scrunched up in irritation, leaping up to her feet and beginning to pound her fists on Cloud's chest like she did when she was much younger whenever she was with Jon and Robb.

"Well glad to know you two are having fun." Roxas said aloud, announcing his presence.

Arya whirled round with her expression brightening up.

"Roxas." The young she-wolf dashed over to him and Roxas needed to hold the two large eggs high above his head in order for Arya to jump at him and hug him around his waist.

"Roxas, Cloud is being mean to me!" Arya said, puckering her lower lip up making Roxas chuckle.

Cloud smirked before tilting his head. "Roxas, what the hell are those ya got there?"

Arya unlatched herself from Roxas, soon noticing the black and gold objects in his hands.

"Those look like eggs."

"Because they are, Arya."

"How could they be? They're too big."

"Well they aren't normal. That's for sure."

Cloud then spoke in a blunted manner. "What are they anyways?"

"No idea." Roxas admitted. "I got them at this area called the Street of Steel from a smith shop. Guess what else I found there."

Cloud tilted his head as a gesture of 'What?'

"A Moogle."

"A Moogle?" Cloud repeated in slight surprise. "I never would have thought one of their kind would show up in a place like this."

"What's a Moogle?" Arya asked aloud, confusion taking hold of her.

"Short, small little critters who I guess you can call crafters of many expertise." Roxas surmised with Arya having her head angled in pure confusion. Roxas only shook his head with a small smirk. "It's better if I show you next time around."

Arya only brimmed with excitement at the thought of it. She had been wanting to explore the city and with Roxas taking her. There's no way her father or anyone for that matter would deny her that.

No. XIII looked over to Cloud. "I'm surprised you got back early. Thought you'd be doing patrols a little while longer."

Cloud only shrugged. "Nothing much really happened. Just a few robberies, an attempted rape, a stabbing-"

"Nothing much?" Roxas said incredulously. "Sounds like you were a bit busy, Cloud. Much more than I had."

"Like what?"

Roxas told everything by not saying anything.

"Hmm. Seems I scared off the thugs for a while." Cloud mused to himself.

"What did you do?" Arya inquired.

"Broken arms and noses. Almost maimed a handful of people, even."

Roxas winced a little when hearing that. "And did you report all that to Renly?"

"Yeah, which said people are in the prison cells and waiting for proper judgement." Cloud shrugged soon after. "Thought on what I did to them was a bit much, but they had it coming."

"And where was all this?"

"Flea Bottom."

If Roxas recalled correctly, those were basically the slums of the capital.

"Hmmm, well since we're all here, might as well get to it for today." Roxas remarked going over to the side and gently setting the two oversized eggs down. "What have you guys done today?"

"More like what we haven't." Arya said crossing her arms in a huff which in turn made Cloud chuckle to himself. "All I learned today is that Cloud is unfair."

"Me being better than you isn't unfair." Cloud refuted, poking the side of her head making her flinch and childishly flail her arms back in retaliation. "It just shows how much of a long way you need to go to get to our level."

"He's right." Roxas stated. "Think about your brothers. They didn't become skilled with swords overnight. It took them awhile to get that level of skill."

Arya frowned to herself, mulling over the advice before nodding.

"Right then." Roxas said. "Let's get to work on your weapon Arya. How's summoning it coming along?"

The young Stark girl pouted once more, stomping her foot stubbornly upon the ground.

"It still isn't working." Arya said frustratedly, with Cloud chortling. "It's not funny!"

"Then why am I laughing?"

All the She-wolf did was imitate her family's sigil and growled at the swordsman before her. Without warning, she leapt at him. But she was too slow as she was avoided. Next thing she knew, she was caught from the scruff of her shirt and lifted up into the air. She flailed her limbs in hopes of hitting the older man.

She eventually realized she wouldn't succeed, puffing her cheeks out and crossing her arms defiantly as she stopped flailing.

Cloud held her up to his face with an expectant brow raised while smirking slightly.

"You're the worst." Arya stated.

"No, I'm just better than you." Cloud said casually. "Even your little wolf knows."

Said "little wolf" was off underneath shade, napping casually, nonplussed by her human partner's predicament. Nymeria had grown quite considerably by this point in time and she would only continue to do so as it was believed that Direwolves would reach the sizes of horses upon reaching maturity.

"...Traitor."

Roxas smiled, shaking his head as he retrieved a wooden sword. "Since I'm here now, we can keep on training."

-Later, Elsewhere-

Sitting on a stone ledge by a private harbor, a trio of girls watched ships sailing across the ocean. From their elevated position, they can practically see it all. Most sea vessels had to maneuver around several rock formations poking out of the water's surface. The cool breeze caressed their faces and what skin was exposed. It was a pleasant feeling with the warm Summer day with the smell of salt making things better. And the seagulls, crashing waves and other oceanic sounds filling their ears in quite the natural harmony.

For Sansa Stark, this was the first time she'd ever seen the ocean, something she was slightly thankful for in coming down to the capital.

She had heard so many things about the sea. How dangerous it can be for sailors, traveling across the world for their voyages. Pirates coming from out of nowhere and ransacking other ships or harbors. The many tales of the Ironborn and Durrandons (before the Baratheons replaced them) on how they came to be as their roots originate from the sea itself during the Age of Heroes. Etc. Etc.

Most of all, despite how dreary it can be on most days, it can be quite beautiful.

"The Reach. That one's going to the Reach."

Sansa snapped out of her thoughts, looking at the princess with a curious look. "Pardon?"

Myrcella pointed onwards to some random ship sailing southbound. "I believe that one's going to the Reach?"

"How can you be so sure, princess?" Asked the Stark girl.

"She's not exactly sure, Sansa." Jeyne stated, furthering confusing her oldest friend. "We're just playing a game."

"I… didn't know we were playing a game."

"You were pretty lost for a while now, Sansa." Pointed out the stewardess.

"Sorry… I'm still amazed at seeing the sea for the first time."

The blonde princess smiled at her future good-sister. "All is forgiven, Sansa. I can't fault you for that."

The Stark girl nodded before frowning a little. "Wish this harbor had sand instead of rocks."

Indeed, the harbor the three girls were at had no sandy shore at all. It was just a long stretch of rock beds. The stretch of land was mostly evened out in order to help any who dock here, transporting their goods to and from the Red Keep directly. Even important guests and individuals dock their ships here.

And while the docks by the Mud Gate aren't ridden with large rocks, it was more dirt than sand as it was situated by the connecting point of both the river and the bay; hence why the entrance to the city there is called the Mud Gate.

"Why's that?"

"You'd think it's stupid."

"I wouldn't think it's stupid if you don't say it." Myrcella said. "Now why do you wish this harbor had sand?"

"...I wanted to find seashells."

Both the princess and stewardess blinked at Sansa's response.

"Why would you want to find those?"

The Stark girl started becoming a bit more bashful now. "I wanted to see if Roxas was right about them. Hearing the echoes of the ocean inside of them."

Both Myrcella and Jeyene gave out a sound of recognition.

"That sounds lovely." Jeyne cooed.

"Wonder if that were true."

Sansa looked at the princess with a curious look. "You never came across seashells before?" Myrcella shook her head. "How come? You lived by the ocean your entire life."

"Yet I can only come over here, unfortunately. Nowhere else." Myrcella admitted.

"Why's that, princess?" Asked the stewardess.

"My parents want to be sure I'm protected, for one. If I go to the other docks, I might become targeted by the unsavory sort; even if I'm escorted by guards."

Both Northerner girls shared a look with each other before Sansa voiced their shared opinion. "We can probably understand that."

"In all honesty, I hardly left the Red Keep before until coming to Winterfell. Only other times was going to the Sept of Balor." Stated the princess. "It gave me the chance to see so much and I loved almost every moment of it." She released a tired sigh. "Before then, all I could do was imagine what things were like outside of my home. Hence the little game I often play while I'm here."

"You mean the one with the ships?"

Sansa said the correct question, having Myrcella continue. "The game I play here is just fabricating tales on where many of these ships head off to each day. Where they are going and why? I don't always have to be right all the time, with their given colors and models. It keeps me entertained for some time before I go back for either my lessons, partake of my meals, go to events or head over to the Royal Gardens."

The two Northerners could understand Myrcella's reasons, being sheltered for basically her entire life. Sansa understood that a bit more, given she's the young Lady of Winterfell. But unlike the Baratheon beside her, the Stark girl was able to leave her home and sometimes venture around Wintertown and the surrounding areas. She was safe in the North, for the most part, and none of the smallfolk would want to disrespect her at all.

Same can't be said here at King's Landing, given what she'd heard so far.

Wanting to humor the princess, Sansa played along, pointing towards a random ship in the distance. "What would you think of that one?"

Following where Sansa's pointing towards, Myrcella saw the hints of orange sails with some emblem sewn into the mainsail. There was something red on it with a streak of yellow. "I believe… that's a Dornish ship."

"Really?"

Myrcella nodded. "Usually see those transporting their wines or silks." The Princess then eyed the sail that adorned the ship as it started coming closer. On it was the symbol of a sun being pierced by a spear. "Wait… I know that symbol. That's from Sunspear, belonging to House Martell."

The Northerners blinked on what was said. And telling by the tone of Myrcella's voice, it seemed she wasn't playing her little game anymore.

"House Martell?" Sansa murmured. "Are they not the House that rules over Dorne?"

"They are. But I'm really curious why they're coming here?"

"Are you sure it's not just a regular Dornish ship?" Asked the stewardess.

"I know a lot of the Dornish colors their ships sail with, Jeyne. But seeing this particular one, baring their sigil…"

Jeyne and Sansa shared a look at the Princesses sudden pause of trepidation. They were about to ask what was bothering her when...

"Is there something going on?"

The trio of girls looked over, seeing Cloud, Roxas and Arya walking towards them.

"Roxas." Sansa said happily, face brightening up immediately.

"Roxas." Myrcella said, smiling at her betrothed.

"Hello Cloud, my lady." Said the stewardess.

Cloud merely grunted while Arya muttered under her breath "I'm not a lady".

"This is a really nice place." Roxas commented as he viewed the surrounding area.

"It is, isn't it."

Myrcella looked over to the Stark girl beside her and noticed a little of her behavior. The moment her betrothed showed up, she became happy… a bit too happy.

"Why'd you come over here, Roxas?" Jeyne inquired.

"Little bit of exploring."

"Had nothing much to do at all, if that's what you're about to ask." Spoke the blonde lone wolf.

The trio of teenage girls nodded on the response Cloud gave before Sansa looked towards her younger sister. "And why are you here, Arya?"

"Was bored and wanted to explore more."

"Shouldn't you be staying at the Keep?"

"Father says I can go out as long as Roxas is with me."

"...Are you telling the truth or are you making that up?" Sansa said accusingly.

"Wouldn't he do the same if it were just you and Roxas?" Arya retorted with a small smirk.

Sansa's mouth clamped shut with a small blush appearing on her cheeks with Arya now grinning in victory.

"So, what're you guys up to?" Roxas asked.

"Oh we're just passing the time by observing the many ships passing by." Myrcella answered, turning back to the ship that had caught her attention earlier. "Though there is one ship that I am certainly surprised to see."

"Which is?" Roxas said, looking out at the sea with a few boats going about the start or end of their voyage.

"That one there." Sansa said, pointing to the boat. "The one with the sun with the spear going through it. That's the symbol of House Martell of Dorne."

The newly arrived trio looked to where Sansa pointed to with Roxas gazing upon the sail with the Martell symbol intently. He had a momentary feeling of Deja Vu when something beyond the ship caught his eye.

Looking past the ship, Roxas squinted at an unusual ripple in the water. He thought his eyes were playing tricks on him before something… large grazing out of the surface.

"Cloud…"

"Yeah, I saw it too." Cloud's eyes narrowed, hand twitching as he tensed up.

"Roxas?" Arya looked up at her mentor in confusion. He seemed distracted.

He was gazing out at the ship yet she noted that he was looking past the ship and not at it. Looking out at the port, Arya was trying to find what exactly caught his attention but couldn't see anything.

Both Roxas and Cloud seemed to be aware of something the girls couldn't see.

On the deck of the Martell ship called the Sea Serpent, a trio of teens leaned against the railing as they gazed towards the capital. Each smiled, but for their own reasons.

"Gods, we're finally here." Spoke a boyish-looking girl.

"Took us too long, if you ask me." Spoke the only male of the trio.

"You said it, Nymor."

"Do you think they got here already?"

"Who knows, Tyene. They could've arrived here days ago."

"I agree with Arianne on this one." Nymor said, drawing a look from his niece/cousin. "Besides, would either of us be fine arriving before they did?"

The Sand Snake released a sigh, knowing her uncle/cousin was right.

It had been a few weeks since leaving Dorne. Most of their family had to prepare for the sudden trip to the capital. From packing up their assorted clothing to stocking up on provisions. That had taken a full day before they set off.

The Sea Serpent could've arrived a day or two earlier as the wind wasn't kind to them. There were some really calm days as there was hardly a breeze at all, making things a little difficult. At least the waves helped push them along before the wind picked back up again.

"When we arrive… What do you think this Roxas person our parents have talked about will be like?" Tyene asked.

Leaning over upon the railing of the ship, Nymor could only shrug.

"I hope he's a good man like what they've spoken of." Nymor stated. "That's all that matters to me."

"Maybe." Arianne mused, a glint in her eyes. "But I am curious what else he may be like." She grinned roguishly. "Hopefully he's strong as he is handsome."

"Ari~"

"Oh please." The princess of Dorne shoved her Sand Snake cousin with a giggle. "You know how much your mother had talked about his father's looks. Blonde haired and blue eyed like bright sapphires. I must say, an exquisite look to behold once we see it."

Tyene only rolled her eyes at her older cousin with a small smile.

"Ah, here you all are."

Everyone turned over to see Oberyn Martell walking out of the captains quarters with his paramour Ellaria with Tyene's older half-sisters Obara and Nymeria as well as a well-rested Gruncle Lewyn.

"Beautiful day, isn't it?" Oberyn asked rather rhetorically. "Good to be back in this shit pile, stink hole of a city."

The Martells and Sand Snakes all grimaced at the Red Vipers tone, all too familiar with the bad blood that they had with this place.

"Nearly twenty years since I've been here." Lewyn breathed out. "Would rather not step foot back there if it weren't for circumstances."

Their ship rocked a little with a sound coming off from the side. Curious, Nymor looked over and saw some waves hitting the hull. He thought it was nothing until seeing something akin to dorsal fins breaching the ocean's surface. He was about to speak when the boat rocke once more, letting out a grunt as he tried to keep his balance.

Suddenly, a large shadow loomed over the ship. The occupants on board briefly thought it was a small moment of overcast from the clouds above. Yet that wasn't the case when they heard a beastial growl. Many looked over, paling upon seeing what had just appeared.

"Red alert!" Cried a crew member from the crow's nest, ringing the bell beside him.

The alert immediately sounded out, not that it did much good as just about everyone on the Sea Serpent was now on edge.

The reason behind this was upon seeing what appeared to be a gargantuan serpentine-like dragon with deep blue scales along it's top while the rest was grey-blue on the underbelly. At the edge of it's jagged maw, there was a pair of black fleshy whiskers with yellow horns coming out from the back of it's head. It's glowing yellow eyes bore into the mortals below it as the Heartless emblem was shown on its forehead.

Back at the port, pandemonium reigned as many ran about in terror, trying to figure out what to do. Even the four girls near the private harbor didn't know what to do as both Roxas and Cloud left them behind all of a sudden without a reason why. But that answer came to them in such a scary fashion.

"Roxas!" Cloud shouted out, brandishing his large Fusion sword with a red electricity crackling around his form with an angular bat wing sprouting out from the back of the left side.

"Right." Roxas flicked his hands out with Oblivion and Oathkeeper appearing.

Cloud grasped his sword, holding it up horizontally. He swung round with Roxas leaping up. The taller blond slowed momentarily as the Nobody landed upon the flat end of the sword. As soon as Roxas feet touched Cloud's Fusion sword, its wielder's muscles tensed and he accelerated.

With a mighty swing, Roxas was sent hurtling towards the Serpentine Heartless with Cloud taking to the skies with his power crackling around him.

-Insert Final Fantasy XV OST: The Hydraean's Wrath-

"By the gods…" Ellaria croaked out, almost pissing herself on the deck.

And rightfully so as she just about did upon hearing the bellowing roar it gave out, shaking the cores of many on the ship.

"All hands to battle stations!" Roared out the ship's captain as everyone scrambled to arm themselves.

"The hell is that thing!?"

"Its a sea dragon!"

Before the crew and occupants of the Sea Serpent could get into action, a large blast knocked the Heartless aside. Both it and the people looked over and saw signs of a pair of dark individuals coming towards them by leaping and jumping off the many rock formations.

Soon enough, several fireballs crashed into its side once more, causing the sea-serpent Heartless to roar. And from it's jagged maw, it charged some sort of attack before firing it off towards the incoming assailants. The attack missed, but crashed into some rock formations and easily broke them apart from the power behind it.

Speaking of, both warrior blondes kept leaping and jumping from many rock formations, avoiding the Heartless' concentrated blasts. They were about to run out of land soon before having to resort to other methods.

The Sea Serpent rocked about violently with the Leviathan Heartless roaring at the two people that were assaulting it.

"Get us out of here!" Oberyn shouted, taking advantage of the Heartless being more focused on those two in black then on the ship.

"You don't have to tell me twice, my prince!" Bellowed out the captain.

Cloud and Roxas were using the ship to their benefit, the latter standing atop the mast as he performed a dual strike raid whilst Cloud let out a series of successive slashes that only served to enrage the Leviathan.

It lurched forward, jaws attempting to bite down on Roxas yet he jumped away. Cloud had flown behind him, using his sword as a platform once more for Roxas to jump off of and land a X-strike on the snout of the Leviathan.

It flinched yet growled out, opening its jaw with a small blue orb of energy appearing in front of its mouth. A moment later, a torrent of ice and wind came out from the Leviathan's mouth with Roxas throwing a reflect shield around him.

Roxas fired off several Thunder spells at the Heartless, shocking it for brief moments but wasn't doing much good. Being stronger and seemingly more resilient as it appeared to be. Not relenting, No. XIII got in close and struck it's head several times from his Keyblades before he was knocked away. Landing on the ship's deck, he saw the Heartless dive over the Sea Serpent and arcing into the water.

The moment the Heartless came back up, Roxas continued his assault, once again swinging and casting several spells to do some damage. And once again, Roxas was knocked away as he crashed back onto the ship's deck, landing roughly, bounces and quickly gets himself back onto his feet.

He briefly caught the eye of a young girl with tanned skin and short hair around his age before glancing back up at the Leviathan Heartless that had its jaws opened and set to come down upon them.

That was until Cloud came charging in with him letting out a roar as he cleaved his sword right at the Leviathan's lower jaw. His wing disappeared with the older blond landing beside Roxas while the Leviathan shrieked in agony, diving back down under the water.

The water was still rocking about yet they saw dorsal fins pop out of the water around the boat.

"Hold steady people! It's not done with us yet!" Cried out the Keybearer.

"Oh seven Hells," A girl that was somewhere between Cloud and Roxas in age spoke. "What should we do?"

"If you wanna be useful, get out of our way." Cloud said bluntly.

This brash statement didn't exactly sit well with some of the girls on board with several gazing at the tall blonde swordsman in an offended manner.

"And why not?" Questioned one of the Sand Snakes.

"Not equipped properly, for starters."

Another squared her shoulders with her chest puffing out in pride. "We are Unbowed, Unbent and-"

"Unprepared." Cloud cut her off with an irked expression. "Get going now."

The Martells could only stare at the brazen disregard this man had though they had little time in responding as Cloud's patience wore thin.

"What are you, deaf? Get the hell out of here already."

Just as he said that, the Leviathan popped back out of the water again with the ship jolting violently before the tail slithered upon the deck of the ship with the body ensnaring the ship.

"Crap." Cloud and Roxas quickly jumped up at the Leviathan, the two swinging their weapons at the same time as the Heartless swung back.

Gritting his teeth, Roxas thought quickly and pivoted his body down and fell Keyblade first at the body of the Leviathan that had a grasp on the ship. With both Keyblades embedding themselves into the body, the Heartless yelled out, withdrawing its grasp on the ship.

It rocked about with its occupants all flailing around, trying to stay standing.

Roxas landed on the ship again but was already jumping onto the mast and running up to the top as the Leviathan growled aloud.

Cloud was back in the air, calling forth his wing once more and flying around the heartless dealing damage to it.

Roxas joined in a moment later, flinging Oblivion right at the Leviathan with the Keyblade slashing its eye.

Hissing, the Leviathan shuddered with a barrier of water exploding around it, making Cloud and Roxas fly back.

The dorsal fins on the Heartless split apart, jettisoning out of its sides and back several fin-like wings spread out. With a roar, it flies, beating its wings sending a gush of air at the ship and the airborne combatants. While Cloud gritted his teeth, Roxas cried out as they both were flung back.

Holding out the most, Cloud flew towards the serpentine Heartless, rearing his Fusion sword back before firing off a Blade Beam. The attack crashed against his target, earning a roar with another concentrated attack forming in it's maw.

"Not today."

Cloud landed on the Heartless' head, slashing and stabbing at what he thought were vulnerable. Yet it quickly shook him off, with Cloud flying away in time from getting swallowed.

"Cloud." Roxas had called out to him. "We gotta get it away from the ship and follow us over there."

Cloud looked back behind him to see the rocky land mass that was above the waters and connected to the mainland. Nodding, Cloud flew forward in a feint attack with the Leviathan snapping its jaws in an attempt to take a bite out of the flying swordsman.

The Heartless blinked as it felt something land on its head before seeing the other opponent, the Keybearer, gliding away from it along with the swordsman. Growling, the Leviathan lurched forward in pursuit.

They knew that the Heartless was after them, the rippling waters with the roaring right behind being easy to hear.

Pursuing it's targets, the Heartless was drawn towards the rocky land mass as intended. It dived into the water, hoping to cut off the two blondes at some point. It was fortunate with its speed as once it shot out of the water, it gave off a mighty roar causing large geysers of water to explode out of the ocean.

Both Roxas and Cloud were knocked back from the sudden attack and collided against some rock formations before they were struck once more by a swing of its tail. The land masses broke apart from the force behind the blow. Sailing away, they had to perform an aerial recovery before bringing their respective weapons in front of themselves to block another swing of its tail. And once more, they were knocked away.

"This is getting us nowhere." Cloud stated once landing on a nearby landmass. "We just keep getting our ass's knocked back everytime it gets slightly pissed off."

"What do we do then?"

"Need to limit it's mobility to some degree, for starters."

"So we gotta ground it here somehow." Roxas said.

"We'll start with immobilizing it."

Springing into action, the two blondes leaped into the air once more just as the Leviathan came down at them again. Its mouth crashed into the rocky ground they once stood upon, flinching violently and stunning itself.

Wanting to get more air above the Heartless, Roxas flew towards Cloud. Having a feeling on what Roxas wants, he swung his Fusion sword at the greater Nobody. Placing his feet on its surface, Roxas used Cloud's weapon as a springboard as he was soon launched further up into the air.

"Now or never!" Cried out the blonde swordsman.

High above the Leviathan Heartless, Roxas began his descent. He soon avoided several energy blasts it shot at him. Gaining speed from the fall, he repositioned himself as he drew closer. The moment his feet made contact with one of the wings, he plunged a Keyblade through it and sliced through the thin membrane as he kept falling down, using gravity to do the work for him.

As the Heartless bellowed out in pain, Cloud used this opportunity to fly in close. Channeling power into his Fusion sword, he plunged his weapon through part of it's underbelly and carved up it's flesh. When trying to pry out his weapon, Cloud soon had to hold on as he was soon taking a forceful dive some moments after.

Seeing this, Roxas gritted his teeth as he saw his companion being dragged underwater. He was on guard and extremely attentive to his surroundings, wondering where the Heartless will pop up next. Instead of being close by, it was a good distance away as water exploded. Once Roxas sprung into action, he saw the creature crash into a landmass as it seemed attentional as it wanted to rid itself of Cloud.

Coming near the tall blonde, Roxas casted Curaga, having them both healed significantly. Giving the Keybearer a thankful nod, they soon went off. The confrontation soon escalated closer towards the rocky shore of the Red Keep with only the sea's rock formations being the only thing separating the city from danger.

Landing on one of the rock formations, the two fighters soon had to continue giving themselves some space. Yet they were surprised to see the Heartless coiled around the landmass they were once on and broke it apart with its strength. With it collapsing, the sea-serpent Heartless chased after them, knocking and crashing rocks away; both airborne and in the water. And it furthered it's pursuit with Cloud and Roxas firing off several magical attacks right at it, provoking it even more.

The occupants of the Sea Serpent watched on, drinking in the fight occurring before them.

Both Roxas and Cloud continued hopping around, avoiding the Heartless' attack until one more move ended up having them in front of it's opened maw. With how close they were, they wouldn't be able to dodge the upcoming attack in time. Just when it was about to fire off another concentrated beam, both blondes casted Barrier around themselves. Hexagonal panels appeared around the pair the moment when the attack fired right at them, sending them flying back some distance.

Instead of landing on one of the natural rock formations, the two blondes ended up back on the Sea Serpent.

Now while Roxas was a little thankful they didn't take a drink in the ocean, he seemed to share somewhat of the same feeling Cloud presently had when seeing the ship's occupants.

"What the hell are you guys doing so close?" Cloud growled out. "You need to get away!"

"You can't honestly think that we would let you battle this beast on your own?!" A man with a spear in hand said defiantly.

When Roxas briefly glanced on him, his chest tightened for some reason as he saw a younger man in the Dornishman's place. Instead of the thin beard and prominent hair-line with a widow's peak, the beard was gone with the hair on top of his head being a bit fuller. And the older man beside him, brandishing a sword, had darker hair instead of the full grey hair on his head.

Shaking his head, Roxas refocused his attention onto the Leviathan who seemed poise for another attack.

Though its wing was damaged, that did not stop it from extending out both in a menacing fashion. Water pillars began to swirl around it with the tips of its wings starting to glow.

Not wanting the ship to be harmed, Roxas ran off and glided away from the Sea Serpent with Cloud leaping into the air to soon follow after the Keybearer. The Heartless soon moved away from the ship and directed the water pillars towards the two blondes. Cloud swirled around the torrent of water while Roxas had some trouble avoiding it. He was knocked aside but recovered quickly.

The Heartless was about to pursue when it felt something pierce it's hide. Looking back, it saw some of the crew members throwing spears and firing off arrows. The sea-serpent shrugged off the attacks, but was annoyed in all honesty. Putting it's attention back towards it's current enemies, it saw the blondes charging right at it.

Cloud began charging up his energy with Roxas's form glowing alight with a white aura surrounding him.

Roxas held his Keyblades aloft and aimed them at the Leviathan before rocketing forward.

The Heartless only roared back and dived right back at Roxas. Cloud soared overhead, buster sword held with both hands and angled downward.

The pillars of water joined in the Leviathans counter charge against its two enemies as both sides drew near.

As soon as Roxas and Cloud were within range of the Heartless, they unleashed their pent up energy with their shockwaves dispelling the pillars and damaging the Leviathan.

The creature of darkness appeared to be staggered, causing the two blondes to come in close and unleash a wave of sword slashes and strikes onto their opponent. It flailed more and more as it screeched from the assault. Before long, it used a lot of strength to knock them away. As it did, it's sights soon went back to the ship nearby as it felt more spears and arrows striking it's being. Frustrated at this point, it opened it's maw, soon gathered up power to unleash a blast strong enough to destroy the sea vessel and everyone on it.

From the Sea Serpent, the people onboard quickly braced themselves for what may befall upon them all. For split moments, most of the Martells closed their eyes and grasped onto the nearest person while sending a prayer to any higher power to help save them. The others in their family couldn't keep their eyes away as they were too scared as the Heartless charged up it's attack and aimed it right at the Dornish ship.

Yet it didn't come.

After a few seconds, which felt like hours to many, those who kept their eyes shut heard loud gasps with cheers from the ship crewmen soon following.

Both Arianne and her Sand Snake cousins were the first to open them before gasping out of utter shock. Oberyn and Ellaria felt joy filling them with Lewyn and Nymor feeling utter relief by what they all were witnessing.

From on top of the Heartless' head, Cloud had his Fusion sword plunged deep into the top of it's snout while Roxas had one of his Keyblades stabbed through its lower jaw. Both of them kept the creature of darkness' jagged maw shut, making it incapable of firing it's attack and forcing it to go back down.

The Heartless tried shaking off the two blondes in a frantic state. The power behind it's concentrated attack was fighting to escape and all the shaking was not doing any good. It wasn't long before the power started expanding and erupting through some openings, appearing as it shot out at every other direction instead of forward. Even going back down the creature's gullet to do some serious damage towards it's innards.

"Roxas, now!"

"Got it!"

Channeling magic into their respective weapons, they casted Thundaga as the lightning danced across their surfaces. The spells started working together as they electrocuted the Heartless' head without harming the casters as they never went past the sword handles.

"Holy fuck…" Oberyn muttered out as most watched on in awed silence while others increased their cheers.

It was as if the Dornish prince was seeing the same spectacle he once saw years ago back at Harrenhal. Same can be said for his paramour and uncle upon witnessing the end of this mighty confrontation against what's arguably a living dragon.

As the Heartless thrashed about, Roxas started swinging his other Keyblade at the underside of their opponent's jaw. Cloud had the same idea, withdrawing a sword from within his Fusion sword with his other hand and proceeded to carve and cleave the Heartless' head.

From what felt like forever, but was more like less than a minute, the Heartless soon gave out as the creature of darkness collapsed onto the sea with part of it lying over the Sea Serpent. Roxas leaped out of the way so he wouldn't be crushed from the massive form, landing not far from the Martells with Cloud joining soon after as his angled bat wing disappeared. The Heartless' body started disintegrating into darkened vapors with a massive glowing heart floated towards the air and faded into nothingness.

"Is… Is it gone?" Arianne squeaked out.

The two blondes nodded before seeing a swirl of ethereal blue light appear before them. It then faded out before hearing a soft 'Tink' on the ship's deck. They stepped forward with Cloud being the first to pick it up as he inspected the metal tag. Upon closer inspection, he saw it had several colors which resembled the ocean itself with some calligraphy and symbols on it.

"Another Summoning Charm?" Roxas muttered.

"What do you mean 'another'?" Cloud inquired.

"I'll tell you later."

Cloud nodded as he pocketed the charm as most of the ship's occupants soon confronted them.

"Next time, when we tell you to get out of our way you do it." Cloud stated straight away.

"Have you no idea to whom it is you speak?"

"Does it matter?"

This pissed off the Dornishmen on Cloud's attitude. This prompted Roxas to step forward in hopes of diffusing the situation.

"Sorry about that, people. It's just the way he is."

"It's quite alright, young man." Lewyn said, stepping in front of his fellow Dornishmen. "They're just riled up with what just happened." The older man soon looked at the dark dressed lad and voiced something on his mind. "Can you please pull down your hood? I believe all of us would like to properly see who'd helped save us."

Roxas was so distracted in the fight, he didn't realize his hood somehow got back up. He soon pulled it down, soon earning some shocked looks from three of the Dornish.

"My word." Lewyn muttered in complete awe. "I had heard rumors of how you look exactly like him, but Seven Hells…"

"It's like looking at Ven the day we met him." Oberyn said aloud, going right up to a now slightly uncomfortable Roxas.

"Uh… Hi." Roxas said awkwardly. "I'm Roxas."

"Yes, we have heard of you." The oldest of the group said with a faraway look in his eyes. "I am Lewyn Martell. This is Oberyn, his paramour Ellaria, my son Nymor, and my grandnieces Princess Arianne, Obara, Nymeria and Tyene."

Each one that was listed off nodded or smiled or in Arianne's case, looked at him in the same manner that the women at brothels do at times towards Roxas. Tyene's on the other hand seemed to be a bit more controlled than Dorne's future ruler. Obara and Nymeria shared the same action their younger half-sister had, but instead of aiming their look at Roxas, it was more towards Cloud.

"And who, good ser, are you?" Oberyn turned to face Cloud, blinking a moment as he took note of his appearance. "Are you related by any chance?"

"I'm no Ser, for starters. Second," Cloud then motioned to Roxas before himself, "we're not."

"Truly? Hmm… I agree with my lover. You two look a great deal alike." Ellaria spoke up. "Then again, you in particular have eyes that have a nice blend of emeralds and sapphires with a feel of looking at a feline and a reptile at the same time."

Hearing that last bit made Cloud narrow his eyes at the paramour.

"Well regardless of this all, it is good to finally meet you Roxas." Oberyn said with a small grin. "After seeing what you and… pardon my manners, I did not ask for your name."

"It's Cloud, Cloud Strife."

"Cloud Strife?" Nymor repeated aloud. "What kind of name is that?"

"My kind of name." Cloud said blandly, making the young Prince blink at the response. "Now, why are you people here? There were some girls that were clearly surprised to see you here."

"Really? Someone spotted us so far out?"

"You'd be surprised."

"Regardless," Lewyn began, "we should make port and present ourselves as I believe we're to be expected for our arrival. Not to mention getting onto… safe land from the recent event."

Roxas gazed upon them all, a strange mixture of feelings welling from within. There was familiarity, relief and confusion. There was a part of him that felt actual joy at seeing them, Oberyn and Lewyn in particular.

And when seeing the three older Dornishmen looking at him, he could see the looks of vague familiarity aimed towards him with utter fondness.

Yet the confusion was just why? Why was he feeling this? And why again?

This was beyond frustrating by this point. And it all had to do with everyone here equating him to this Ventus on top of these flashes of memories that were not his own. Kinda like his last days in the false Twilight Town when having Sora's memories.

Hopefully he can solve this issue as soon as possible or else he'll go mad.

-End Chapter-

Leviathan Summon Charm: A water-elemental summon which can create a tsunami-geyser like attack upon all enemies on the field.

AN:

These past days have been quite interesting. Sure the usual song and dance number with work is ever present for us. But now there's the recent events sweeping the nation with the riots going on. Honestly that was getting me worried and hopefully this can be resolved very soon.

FMW: Hooray for madness once more, right? There's too much on my mind right now that I myself have to say about what's happening in the country right now but quite frankly, I'd rather not waste my breath. It's just a headache and a half waiting to happen. So fuck it, let's just get on with what we have and writing these stories to keep our sanities in check.

Jeb: I agree. Sure all these issues are going on around us, but it's sometimes best to distract ourselves with something productive… instead of wasting it on certain manners… no offence to anyone out there who might take this wrong.

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

R&R