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.

38. Whatever Comes Our Way

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 38: Whatever Comes Our Way

The cold air of the North did little to cool the heat boiling within many of its residents.

One would say it was welcomed, given their present climate.

The bustling heat of the Southerners fleeing into the North for better safety from the Unversed and Heartless. It made many of the local lords and ladies conflicted in some matters.

They took pride in taking some joy of the Southern Houses being not so great as they proclaimed beforehand in protecting the smallfolk. Proving that the "savages" were more capable of defending the lives of man from the dark; courtesy of Roxas' actions and influence.

However, with the increased population it began causing problems for the local lords to shelter and feed them. Yes, they were able to put a good chunk of them to work, but it was hard to properly pay them their rightful wages.

With the growing fear and dread, it drew the Unversed and Heartless out like moths to a flame. As such, those who called themselves Huntsmen have been working around the clock on their patrols in slaying the monstrosities and collecting whatever rewards from their remains.

One may believe all this was the apparent thought of why the North was being heated at this time. However, something else was added which caused quite a rise.

It began on the day when Robb received word from his parents in both the Vale and at Kings Landing.

Tensions were high upon learning what occurred at the aforementioned locations. Of the bloodline theft of House Arryn with debates of who'll replace them. Of King Robert being slain in his own bed, leaving no true-born sons for the Iron Throne with only Myrcella proclaimed as the heir apparent.

These practically paled in comparison with what news arguably followed next. Perhaps they merely added on to the bonfire.

Shortly after requesting Maester Luwin to call the banners, Bran told him what caused his fall from the Broken Tower. That it was the Kingslayer who did the deed.

Robb soon asked why he was pushed, Bran told him what he saw. Of Jamie being with his sister and doing things.

It didn't take long for Eddard's eldest son to realize what Bran was implying; connecting further with the earlier news.

Throughout all this, the Young Wolf was silent. It was controlled in keeping his feelings in check so he doesn't scare his younger brother.

Shortly after, he thanked him for his honesty and understanding of the fear of worriment before storming out and going to the training yard.

From what many servants and visiting bannermen saw the vicinity became a destroyed wreck. Of training posts being destroyed and large ice formations springing up all over.

A clear sign of Robb venting his anger.

The Wolf of the North swore he'd "bite" off the hand Jamie used to push his young brother to his potential end.

And just several days prior to the present, Robb received word from Riverrun of the passing of his grandfather -Holster Tully- and the ascension of his uncle Edmure as Lord Paramount of the Riverlands.

He was saddened to hear what happened to his mother's side of the family. The recent death added more issues to House Tully. Especially with Edmure confessing in his letter that Holster was who would later cause Lysa's crimes with his ambitious own.

It was almost too much for the Stark Heir to fathom. Robb can only imagine what his uncle Bryden and his parents would be going through this.

Awaiting for the arrival of his Father's banners, the acting Warden of the North had much to prepare for. Getting things ready and underway for what's to come.

The discussion and business opportunity for the upcoming mining operation needed to be refined before the lords who'll be involved make their arrival. He needed to get the proposals done as best as possible to hopefully appease them.

Such things and more and such are obstacles Robb will need to overcome in the future.

Whereas the one mining operation could boost his reputation on top of his fighting prowess against the Heartless and Unversed, there was something else he'd need to contend with, marriage.

This topic came to mind during Robb's preparation for the coming events. He needs to have alliances reforged and strengthened for the next generation.

This came about when Rodrik Forrester revealed to him and others some good news quite recently about his family. Upon receiving the letter of Lord Gregor Forrester accepting the summons to Winterfell, he also sent word of news to Rodrik from his sister Mira. She was offered a betrothal to Wilas Tyrell, heir of Highgarden and future Lord Paramount of the Reach.

News of this came as a bit of a shock to the Forresters for good reason. She wrote to them many times in the past about how the Tyrells treated her along with her friendship with Sera and Lady Margaery. Of course, there were a number of times she mentioned Lord Wilas with there being some underlying context between the lines of there being something more between them. Of the courtship being kept on the down-low so it wouldn't draw too much attention.

While the rest of the Forresters were happy for Mira, Rodrik found the timing rather strange. It didn't take much for him to realize why this betrothal came up quite suddenly.

"It wouldn't cross my mind the Tyrells would request a lower price for my family's Ironwood for Mira's dowry." Rodrik commented shortly after dropping the news. "I can think of no other reason why this came up now of all times."

With the rise of the Unversed and Heartless, materials in combating them were quite rare. Outside of Valyrian steel, Keyblades and enchanted weapons forged by the Moogles; Ironwood and its resin had become an intensely desired commodity. And with that, the aforementioned products were in high demand with rising prices.

With this in mind, Robb needed to consider the possibility of marriage being brought up in the coming days once the other lords arrived. And to appease his father's bannermen, marriages within the North will need to be accounted for.

For example, Rodrik's betrothal with Elena Glenmore would no doubt be pushed forward before the congregated Northerners rode south of the Neck. Such things with marriages happened before and won't ever be the last.

Speaking of betrothals, Robb has been given offers. Not just of himself, but of his other siblings.

While he'd wish to wait for his parents' return and council on who would be a good match, the Young Wolf needed to reluctantly do this on his own with choices.

It'll be a while to fully figure out what to do with Arya, Rickon and Bran, given the three are still young. Though with Bran; Talia Forrester, Lyanna Mormont and Merra Reed still quickly came to mind for options. He and Sansa, however, were a different matter.

With the reveal of Joffrey being a bastard and not the true heir to the Iron Throne, Sansa's betrothal can be considered null and void; even if it hasn't been publicly revealed quite yet. He prayed to the gods his sisters and father would return safely from the capital as nothing had happened by this point.

Putting the matter of safety aside, Sansa is considered available once more. Options for her are greatly spread. Despite the troubled history of the Boltons, the son of Roose -Domeric- is said to be quite the good, young man. Robb never met him before, but he'd like to meet him and judge him for obvious reasons. And Rickard Karstark has several sons who are viable candidates.

Though in the back of Robb's mind, he was fairly certain that his sister had her heart and mind already set for one in particular. And he couldn't really fault her on that matter.

Speaking of the Karstarks, Alys was still available for marriage but Robb had to remind himself it wouldn't work out as their previous betrothal fell through.

With such a candidacy thrown out, there were so few options left for Northern women who aren't betrothed.

The only ones left available who came to mind once more were the granddaughters of Lord Wyman Manderly; Wynafryd and Wylla.

He'll perhaps consider being with one of them like he thought of beforehand, but organizing a meet-up with them may prove some difficulty if Lord Wyman wouldn't want them to leave White Harbor. But at the very least he had sent a raven beforehand to think on the potential idea. And upon the Manderly lord's arrival would bring out the end response.

If possible, Theon being brought up for candidacy by marrying one of Wyman's granddaughters. A means of connecting the North with the Iron Islands with its heir. Though that'll be difficult, given his attitude and the majority of the North can't stand the Ironborn.

"What we need is to find the right woman who can stand him and more or less be the pants of the relationship while Theon wears the skirt." Rodrik joked at the time, much to the Greyjoy's annoyance. "Perhaps a Mormont would put him in his place."

Who knows if such a thing would work out.

Back to the main matter at hand, Robb could say his action of calling the banners was aptly timed.

Upon the arrival of the last Northern lord to discuss matters pertaining to the South, something unexpected happened.

This morning, they saw a Red Comet in the sky. With the rousing issues coming around, many believed it to be an omen. A sign of Robb's coming actions towards the South will be fortuitous. Others believe that since it's Lannister red, it means the Lannisters will rule all Seven Kingdoms before long. Some servants thought it was the blood of the coming conflicts to come.

"Stars don't fall for men." Osha of the wildlings commented about it all. "The red comet means one thing: dragons."

This earned some laughs from anyone hearing Osha's proclamations.

All this was mostly ignored as the Northerners began discussing things further of what was to come.

However… things took a drastic dive upon receiving a raven from the South. More specifically, a letter from Sansa.

The news of what happened recently at the capital hit the Northerners hard. Of their Lord father being imprisoned on allegations against the crown. Of how many of his bannermen were slain in a coup in the attempt to seize the Iron Throne from the "rightful" heir, Joffrey Baratheon. And of how Roxas is arguably labeled a traitor alongside Eddard Stark.

"Treason?" Robb questioned aloud in disbelief while many lords and ladies were present. "Sansa wrote this?"

"It is your sister's hand," said Maester Luwin, "but were someone else's words."

"Joffrey has my father in chains, Sansa imprisoned in some chamber while there's no mention of Arya. And they want me south to swear fealty and kiss that bratty bastard's arse?"

"It's a royal command. If you refuse-"

"I won't refuse… If his Grace has summoned me to King's Landing, I'll be there," the Young Wolf then looked towards his guests, "but I won't be heading South alone."

This proclamation drove the Northerners into a frenzy about what they just learned. This news now made whatever tensions they had towards Kings Landing all the more vocal.

Their moods practically went worse when the spectacle in the sky happened.

Many believed the comet falling down to the earth was a sign of the gods' displeasure of what happened at the capital. Others could pretty much believe them, given the destruction the comet would bring once it fell.

However, a miracle happened.

A streak of light held back the celestial object, pushing it back enough to have it stay in the heavens above.

Now they have a second moon which greatly spells omens greater than any mortal man upon this World.

After witnessing the spectacle that'll be seared into their memories for years to come, the Northerners present in Winterfell went back to business. Yet many questions still lingered on their minds of what they witnessed.

With the war ignited against King Joffrey, with no way of getting in contact with Roxas and his father being imprisoned; Robb needed to lead the Northern army. Yet he has his concerns about this.

After all, the Northern Lords don't revere Robb as much as they do his father. He knows this and has accepted it. He doesn't have the same amount of respect and loyalty as his father, given he still lacks the battle experience and gravitas. But he is doing all he can to prove to them he can live to their potential views.

While he's earning respect from some, he hasn't acquired it from the rest.

There was a further problem: Robb never led troops before.

One may argue he has with the Heartless Hunts. But those were small bands of forces of dozens at a time. But they were about to go into open combat against an enemy army, which would require him to lead hundreds if not thousands at a time. Though for actual numbers, an army composed of roughly eighteen thousand.

Another factor was his having to learn strategy, which requires him to anticipate enemy movements and either hold or counter them.

At least he'll be seeking advice and thoughts from his father's bannermen. Not to mention learning from the past Rebellion so they won't repeat the same mistakes.

Many strategies were one thing, given the predictability of man. Such as the Neck can properly hold back any Southern army quite easily and long enough for a countering force to come in and push them back. A sizable amount of forces need to stay back at the Keeps to defend them with as much care as the ones eyeing the borders. And with combat by sea, results may vary depending on their numbers along with the present weather and conditions.

However, the Unversed and Heartless were an unusual factor.

Armies of man are estimated in numbers and strength in their forces. Yet the ones coming from the Darkness are practically unlimited.

Such thoughts and more had to be accounted for. Constantly thought on, refined and dealt with.

And with what's to come once they get past the Neck, Robb and the people he'll now lead will need to consider and plan out how to deal with the Late Walder Frey.

He's the bannerman of his uncle Edmure now. But many doubt he'll give proper support.

They will literally and metaphorically cross that bridge as they draw closer to it.

Onto other matters…

'I wish Jon and Roxas could be here with us.' Thought Robb, nibbling on some pork the cooks prepared for him and the assembled Northern lords. 'It'll settle my heart in setting my family-'

"For thirty years, I've been making corpses out of men, boy. And I've made mincemeat out of the Unversed in the Rebellion." Bellowed Greatjon Umber, interrupting the thoughts of the young Stark Lord. "I'm the man you want leading the vanguard."

Presently, the many lords and ladies of the North were within Winterfell's dining hall. Mixing business with pleasure in discussing upcoming battles while they dined on supper.

On the other end of the long table, Robb Stark looked toward one of his father's bannermen with an uncertain look.

There were many other observers of this bit of conversation as many lords and some ladies of the North were present and dining in Winterfell's dining hall.

Amongst them was the young Brandon Stark. His mind was questioning much of what was being discussed.

Despite being raised in his family's customs and history, there were still things that flew over Bran's head. Him being confused by it all.

All he knew so far was they discussing their battle plans. He originally knew the Northern fleet, overseen by the Manderlys, would help carry a good portion of the Northern forces to King's Landing. However, that had to change when a good chunk of them were recently destroyed by the Heartless and Unversed. What was left had to be used to run supply and trade runs.

With such an idea scrapped, other means of transportation had to be considered. Such as the long trek towards the Neck and beyond.

Speaking of, the only House not in attendance were the Reeds. They had apologized in advance for not attending the Northern gathering, but they would greet the other Houses when they crossed the Neck.

"Galbart Glover will lead the van." Robb said plainly and evenly.

Hearing this, Greatjon looked quite amused and crossed. "The bloody Wall will melt before an Umber marches behind a Glover." He leans forward in his seat. "I will lead the van, or I will take my men and march them home."

There was some bit of silence from Robb, his gray eyes boring into Umber's form. "You are welcome to do so, Lord Umber." He then rises from his seat. "And when I'm done with Vanitas and the Lannisters, I will march back North, root you out of your Keep, and hang you for an oathbreaker."

Greatjon snaps. "Oathbreaker, is it?" He harshly gets out of his seat, whipping his cup to the other side of the dining hall. "I will not sit here and swallow insults from a boy so green he pisses grass."

Quite the insult the Umber lord insinuates. Fighting words, even. Many of the present lords and ladies knew how much of a fighter Robb Stark was with the Heartless hunts he participated in.

Just as Greatjon attempts to pull out a knife from his waist, Greywind quickly leaps onto the table and runs across its length. He then tackles Lord Umber and bites his hand. Greatjon's yell echoed in the hall, silencing the space even further.

Next thing that happens, Greywind pries his toothy maw away, revealing the man's left pinky and ring finger were bitten off. He grudgingly got back onto his feet as Robb spoke up.

"My Lord Father taught me it was death to bare steel against your liege-lord, even an acting one at that," Robb says coolly. "But doubtless, the Greatjon only meant to cut my meat for me."

Lord Umber kicks his seat away as he steps closer to the table. "Your meat," his eyes glance to and fro for the briefest of moments, "is bloody tough."

A chuckle soon emanates from the man's mouth. In mere moments, the response was echoed by many present in the dining hall. Before long, everyone was laughing.

'What is going on?' Bran thought to himself in bewilderment.

'I honestly have no idea, Bran.' He heard Namine's voice whisper in his ear. 'I think it's just typical behavior of your people. No offense.'

'None taken.' Bran said in return, completely thrown off by this type of interaction.

Was this common? Or just a Northern thing? He was of the North so… maybe?

Even such behavior is strange to him.

In his chamber, Bran was readying himself for bed. Summer was lying on the foot of the bed, waiting for his human companion to climb into it. Soon, the young Stark heard a rapping on his chamber door. Looking over, he saw Robb opening it.

Upon seeing his present state of dress, appearing like he was going to war, Bran could only voice one thing. "You're leaving already?"

"Yes." Was his brother's solemn response.

"But it's the middle of the night." Bran argued, looking a bit distraught.

Robb released a heavy sigh, knowing this interaction wouldn't go well. "The Lannisters have spies everywhere. Even Vanitas' own from what I wager. I don't want them to know we're coming."

Bran swallows a lump in his throat. "They have more than we do."

"Aye, they do."

"Can't I come with you?" The young wolf asks. "I'm your squire and-"

Robb interrupts him. "There must always be a Stark in Winterfell. Until I return, that will be you and Rickon." He kneels down in order to look his little brother in the eye, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You are not to leave the castle walls while we are gone. Do you understand?"

Bran gives a hesitant nod to his elder brother's order.

The Heir of Winterfell gives the younger Stark a proud but pained smile, not wishing to leave his brother. "Listen to Maester Luwin. Look after our little brother."

"I will." Bran promised, making Robb ruffle his hair.

"Mother will be returning from the Vale." Says Robb, reminding his little brother of the bit of good news. "I don't know when, but she'll be back soon, I promise."

This got a little smile from the young wolf.

"I'll send letters whenever I can, but if you don't hear from me, don't be scared." Robb hugs Bran firmly and comfortingly. "And I'll be sure to bring our family home."

Breaking the embrace, Robb gave Bran one last look before leaving the bedchamber.

Bran's sight lingers on, imagining Robb is still there. After some moments, he went to focus back on preparing for slumber when he noticed someone in the dark. He was quick to recognize just who it was given his size and shape.

"Rickon? How long have you been hiding out there?"

His little brother comes into the light, walking towards his older sibling.

"Robb will be looking for you, to say goodbye." Bran stated.

"They've all gone away." Rickon muttered.

"They'll be back soon." Bran told him. "Robb will free Father, and they'll come back with our sisters."

There was a look of uncertainty from Rickon, especially when he shook his head in disbelief. "No, they won't."

Seeing his little brother leave, Bran looks on sadly. He doesn't know what to do to properly comfort him.

He knew what this was like when their mother left to seek justice for him down South. And he knew she'd be coming back any day now after what happened at the Vale. Yet Rickon thought otherwise, him believing she abandoned them to their fate.

Coming to his windowsill and peering out of it, Bran couldn't help but look onward to see the Northerner forces leaving Winterfell's gate. Them trekking onward with torchlight. More would've been present if it weren't for what was present in the starlit sky.

For when Bran looked towards it, he could see eyes. One yellowy white, the other crimson red.

Granted they weren't typical eyes, but they resembled eyes to the young Stark with their foreboding presence now.

As the morning came, Bran went to the Godswood, sat in front of the Weirwood tree and prayed as the cold breeze swept the grove.

"Please watch over Father. For my sisters and mother. For Robb. And Roxas. And watch over all the other men from Winterfell. And Theon too, I suppose. Help them come home safe. And make it so Rickon understands."

Bran would've prayed for Jon, but he sees him often as he sleeps. Namine guided him to do so while avoiding the pesky raven with three eyes. It was one of the few graces of this strange new dream phenomenon called the Dive to Heart he was able to enjoy.

Winterfell was no longer crowded. The yard was relatively silenced from the previous sounds of ringing swords and axes with the constant barking of dogs. Only that remained in the yard were the servants doing their tasks with the occasional rolling of wagons.

But the Godswood was an island of peace in that sea of chaos at the time. Bran always liked it, with how peaceful it was. But as of late, he felt drawn to it. Beforehand, the Heart Tree made him worried and scared. It doesn't anymore as the Gods were looking over him.

The Old Gods, the Gods of the Starks and the First Men and the Children of the Forest. His father's gods, but not his mother's.

He felt safe in their sight, and the silence helped him think. Helped him communicate more with Namine.

A faint wind sighed through the Godswood. The red leaves stirred and whispered.

"You hear them, boy?" Looking over, Bran saw Osha there. "The Old Gods are answering you."

"What are you doing here?" He questioned.

"They're my Gods too." The wildling serving his House hobbles closer to the bone-white tree with a look behind her mangy-haired locks. "Beyond the Wall, they're the only Gods." She then looks at the young Stark. "Even slaves are allowed to pray."

"You're not a slave." Bran argued, making the Wildling lady give him a look.

Lifting her right leg, Osha shakes it. It rattles the clamped chains connecting her legs by the ankles.

"Your friend did put a knife to my throat." The young Stark quickly pointed out.

"I'm not complaining, little lord." Osha squats down to look Bran in the eye. "Just telling truths."

Taking this into account, Bran questions her. "What did you mean, about hearing the Gods?"

"You asked them, and they're answering you." She was quiet for a moment before whispering something. "Be silent. Open your ears."

He partially does so, only hearing the rustling of the leaves and branches.

"It's only the wind."

"Who do you think sends the wind, if not the Gods?" Osha says rhetorically as they both look at the weirwood. "They see you, boy. They hear you. The rustling is them talking back." They soon look back at each other. "Your brother will get no help from them where he's going. The Old Gods have no power in the South. The weirwoods there were all cut down a long time ago. How can they watch when they have no eyes?"

"...Their roots run deep." Bran quietly said, making Osha give him a look.

"Excuse me?"

"Their roots run deep." Says the Stark boy. "My friend told me this."

"And what friend is this?" She asked with intrigue.

"Someone who helped me wake up and see… more."

Before Osha could question this, they heard a quick series of steps coming towards them. Turning, they saw Hodor naked and partially wet. No doubt he had taken a dip in the hot pools.

"Well, there's a big man." Osha says cheekily, gazing down south to see his large flaccid member. "He has giant's blood in him, or I'm the queen."

Bran ignores this and speaks to the old stableboy. "Go back and find your clothes, Hodor. Go dress."

"Hodor." Was all he said, walking back into the foliage with Osha's gaze lingering on.

"Are there really giants beyond the Wall?"

Osha focused back on the acting Lord of Winterfell and gave a response. "Giants and worse than giants."

"Worse than the Heartless and the Unversed?"

The Wildling servant paused, wondering on that matter but thus far, as much as the Heartless and Unversed proved themselves to be a terror, they had yet to eclipse what she had seen.

"I've told your brother. He and your people are going the wrong way." Osha stated a clear sign of fear in her eyes. "All these swords, they should be going north, boy. North, not south!" A cold breeze sweeps through the Godswood, causing the leaves to rustle. "The cold winds are rising, and men go out from their fires and never come back." She kneels down, looking Bran in the eyes. "Or if they do, they're not men anymore, but only Wights. Blue eyes and black hands. I tried to tell your brother, but a man who won't listen can't hear."

Bran would've refuted but took such words into consideration while troubled as he was.

All he could do now was pray his family would be alright as he looked to the sky above to see the faint depiction of the red moon.

-Somewhere-

He knew he was within the Deep Dive. The familiar darkness surrounding the luminescent Heart Platform of an apparent individual.

It's been a while since he was in one.

The last one he recalled was when he was testing Sora, seeing if he was strong enough to face the rest of the Organization at the Castle that Never Was.

Roxas recalled what Jon told him of his visits being here. Of how the bastard of Winterfell was going through a series of ordeals for some apparent reason. Neither of them knew why that was happening.

At least he had the occasional company of Bran and Namine.

Looking upon the Heart Platform, Roxas inspected much of its surface of him quickly realizing it was his. The stained glass image showed him wielding the Kingdom Key, the Twilight Town clock tower in the background, the Nobody emblem repeatedly seen on the border along with the portraits of Axel, Xion, Sora and Jon in some of the inner circles.

With this inspection taken care of, there was one question that passed his mind: why was he here exactly?

At the platform's edge, Roxas saw a peculiar light. Reaching it, the light shot out into the endless abyss and formed a stained glass pathway.

Looking at it, the Nobody felt a tug from his being. It made him realize there was something that begged him to follow.

Complying, he walked onward and did not look back. After a minute or so of steady walking, Roxas found himself at another Heart Platform.

Inspecting its surface, he momentarily wondered if this represented him. However, there were a number of things that made him think otherwise.

For one, the central figure's attire resembled something akin to what he wore back in the digital Twilight Town to what he has in his clothing trunk but with splashes of armor pieces thrown in. From there, the Keyblade the portrait wielded in a reverse grip was interesting.

Said weapon had a black handle offset with its guard being in a dull gold color and joined with the shaft of the sword to fully enclose the handle. The shaft is gray, thin, and has a very slight curve outward. Three thin, dull gold lines decorated the middle of the shaft. Two short bars connect the main blade to the teeth, which are gray like the blade and have a wing-like shape as they're composed of five curved bars that decrease in size the lower they are on the sword.

Taking his eyes away from the central figure, Roxas saw the main color scheme of the platform was predominantly green with a touch of light blue. Surrounding the edges was some repeated blockish heart emblem. In the background, the setting took place in some sort of rocky desert. And the portraits only had a few images inside of some brown-haired man and blue-haired woman while the other spots were oddly filled with Wayfinder emblems in rustic orange, light green, and blue.

"What is going on?" Roxas couldn't help but ask aloud. "Why am I here?"

"So we can talk."

Hearing the voice all so similar to his, Roxas turned around in confusion and saw himself(?)

No… not himself.

Outside of their general attires, they looked exactly the same. However, when looking into the eyes of his "other self", there was a sense of tiredness and sorrow in them.

"So we finally meet… Roxas." His lookalike quietly said.

Looking at the person before him, several things clicked into place inside of the greater Nobody's head. He had so many questions as to who this clone was but really, it shouldn't be an issue to know just who it was Roxas was looking at. Soon enough, he voiced a response.

"You too… Ventus."

Silence surrounded them both. Neither one spoke to the other. There was an odd, unexplainable feeling in the air as the two teens had at last met each other.

However, like all things, the silence came to an end.

"You've made quite the amount of problems for me." The Nobody bluntly said, making Ven chuckle lightly.

"I know and I'm sorry." Ventus says solemnly with a strained smile. "It was never my intention."

The Sins of the Father.

The concept which many apply towards. Of how a child has to suffer for the actions of one's parents if they are no longer around. While the "child" never enacted on them, they'd be held responsible for them; depending on how severe they were. An illusional justice with the payment of an eye for an eye, no matter where that eye came from. If not, then having to deal with the repercussions of the collateral damage.

Such cases had happened for years in Westeros, one way or another. The Martells having blamed Tywin Lannister for the death of Elia and her children, due to him not being able to reign in Gregor Clegane, but never really punished him and capitalized on the situation. The Brackens and Blackwoods being another with things originating with territories and escalating ever since. And of course, Robert Baratheon having his blood vendetta on the Targaryens for what Aerys and Rhaegar did to him and his family; despite the fact his grandmother - Rhaelle- was a Targaryen.

However, it's a complicated matter in Roxas' case.

In actuality, he isn't suffering from Ventus' action in a negative manner; but from a positive angle. How so many people held Ventus in high regard and prestige from his actions during the Tourney of Harrenhal and Robert's Rebellion. And due to the obvious, literally mirror appearance he had to Ventus, Roxas received heaps of praise for him as he reminded many of his supposed "father".

So far by now, Roxas hasn't met anyone blaming him for such instances. Though with how he thought of it, many of those individuals were either dead, at the Wall, or exiled over in Essos. If that were the case, if he'd met such people, he'd have to find ways to mend the issues as a sense of personal responsibility or having to fend off their redirected anger.

Back with the praises, Roxas felt they were rather hollow.

Don't get him wrong, he could practically feel the emotions coming from the people when referring to his "father". Yet it's quite nauseating and frustrating. More so when Ventus isn't his father. They merely look and sound the same, but nearly everyone placed such assumptions and went on from there.

Especially now with the lost Keybearer standing right before him.

"I bet. But now I have to deal with it." Venting this little issue, Roxas speaks about what was next on his mind. "They really were telling the truth." Roxas finally said, earning some confusion from Ventus. "About us looking and sounding so much alike."

The lost Keybearer gave a nod. "Even if you're Sora's Nobody, others somewhat wonder why you take more of me instead."

"How's that possible?" Roxas wondered aloud. "I mean… I saw him. Vanitas looks and sounds like Sora."

Silence surrounded them both for several moments with Ventus digesting this bit of inquiry. "Let me tell you what I can recall. Hopefully, this'll answer those questions and more." Ventus began to walk around the Heart Platform, his gaze becoming distant as he reflected upon the past.

"Years ago, I became an apprentice under Master Xehanort." Ventus revealed while ignoring Roxas' surprised and curious reaction. "I couldn't recall much of my life prior to that point in time. Only fragments. Anyways, one day he did something to me in some sort of experiment. It greatly harmed me in the process."

"What was it?"

Ventus placed a hand over his chest. "Extracting all of the Darkness within me, which all but destroyed my Heart."

A sense of alarm was seen on Roxas' face. Then concern and curiosity soon replaced it. "To what end?"

His lookalike held a pensive gaze, the memory flashing through his mind.

"From what I recall, it was a 'training exercise', drawing out my inner darkness to make me stronger. It failed, having Vanitas manifest from it in the process."

Roxas squinted in thought as he absorbed this information. "Wait… so Vanitas derived from you?"

"Yes… maybe… It feels like something more if I'm being honest. Something else that escapes me." Ventus responded. "Getting back to it, Xehanort wanted to salvage me in the only kind act he could think of at the time while I was in a coma and slowly dying. He took me to Destiny Islands to die in peace."

That was the last place Roxas was expecting Ventus to be taken.

"Destiny Islands? Why?"

Ventus only shrugged. "Never knew the reason why. However, after taking me there, my broken Heart made contact with another. One which was pure, light-filled which offered a piece of itself to heal my own."

"...It was Sora's, wasn't it." Roxas stated, earning a nod in turn.

"The Hearts of Children restored the universe after the Keyblade War. Healing an almost-dead person sounds like less effort. It was our first interaction. Neither of us really knew at the time. Him being so young and my mind being in its fractured state. It was only through Sleep did I recall it better."

The scenery around the Heart Platform started to shift.

It was here did Roxas see they were now in some sort of monastery, where a bald, dark-skinned man with a gray goat-like goatee escorted Ventus into the building.

At that moment, Roxas realized he was seeing Ventus' memories. And looking at the Ventus from back then, a stray thought was voiced. "You look like a zombie."

And he snorted to himself at that description.

After all, this was what Axel referred to him as during his early recalled days back in Organization XIII. Of how he didn't have anything to fall back on to have a personality or memories to work off when he began his existence.

"In a manner, I was." Ventus responded, a small smirk of his own. "With what Master Xehanort did to me, I hardly reacted to anything. My mind, body and Heart were healing and needed time to get back into things."

Roxas then saw a change in scenery. "But this place doesn't look like Destiny Islands."

"It's not." Ven stated, a reminiscent, far-off yet also pained look appearing in his eyes. "This place is the Land of Departure. Xehanort decided to leave me here when he realized I could be salvageable to his plans."

Upon seeing the memory proceed further, Roxas saw Xehanort conversing with a man with dark hair, whose hair was tied back while having a trimmed beard and wearing white-like robes. Soon after, a pair of older teens made their appearance; who Roxas recalled their images on Ventus' Heart Platform.

"Who are they?"

"Master Eraqus, Terra and Aqua." A sense of fondness and longing was heard in Ventus' voice. "My mentors. More specifically, Terra and Aqua were my friends. Practically my family." Scenes began shifting before their eyes as the lost Keybearer continued speaking. "Since I came into their care, I learned much once I was healed. I gained dreams and aspirations for what I wanted to become later in life. But overall, I was happy."

The scenery shifted to the trio of young Keybearers now standing before Masters Eraqus and Xehanort.

"Things changed on the day when Aqua and Terra took on their Mark of Mastery Exam." Says Ventus, having the memory play out of the two examinees had to fight against corrupted magical orbs with Ventus joining the fray. "Things went awry and Aqua earned the rank of Master while Terra failed."

Roxas wondered why this Exam was different from what Riku and Sora went through. But he figured it dealt with the one organizing it as it differed from each Master.

Focusing back to Terra, he saw the hurt marrying his features of not passing the exam alongside Aqua.

"Celebrations came to a swift halt when we were notified of the Unversed sweeping throughout the Worlds. One thing led to another and all of us left the Land of Departure to take care of it."

From here, Roxas saw the memories of Ventus going around World to World, even a large space cruiser to take care of the Unversed threat. Along the way, Ventus meets up with a number of familiar faces. However, on some meetups, Aqua told him he needed to return home upon Master Eraqus' request; for some apparent reason. Yet he ignored them as he wanted to be sure Terra was alright and well.

"At one point, I found myself in Westeros and took part in the Tourney of Harrenhal." More scenes played out for Roxas to see. Of the competitions he took place and oversaw with many others. Of the times he spent with Cersei Lannister, Elia Martell and Lyanna Stark. Of the fight against Vanitas which gained him a lot of fame. "A lot happened before I left to head back home."

Roxas saw Ventus give his farewells before the Star Shard suddenly acted up and had him disappear from Westeros. Next thing the lost Keybearer saw was him crash landing in front of Yen Sid's tower and being greeted by Donald and Goofy before talking to King Mickey's mentor.

After some discussions, Ventus learned of the whereabouts of Mickey and made his way to the Badlands, which both soon learned is the Keyblade Graveyard. Upon finding Mickey's defeated form, Ventus had a one-on-one reunion with Master Xehanort. From there, Roxas saw a similar conversation take place on the same topic Vanitas gave him at the Dragonpit about the χ-blade, minus a number of details.

Of course, the topic as to why Ventus couldn't leave the Land of Departure was rather interesting. For his fear about the χ-blade was too much, making Eraqus paranoid with the lost Keybearer.

Upon the end of the end of their conversation, Xehanort sucked Ventus and Mickey up into a vortex, having them wind up to parts unknown in the Lanes Between. Ventus originally sought to find Mickey, but he was driven by other desires.

"You sought answers."

"Master Eraqus kept things from me for all that time." Ventus says with a strained voice. "I wanted to know the truth. Wanted to know if Xehanort was spouting lies. I abandoned my task in finding Mickey to see if he was alright as I went back home. Something which I greatly regret doing."

The reunion with Master Eraqus wasn't pleasant. Things were problematic as Ventus' mentor and guardian sought to take him down. Before that could happen, Terra showed up and defended him.

"I wanted to help him as he was helping me. However, Terra shoved me through a Light Corridor. Next thing I knew, I found myself back in Westeros and took part in the Rebellion."

With his presence, Ventus greatly changed Westeros and even beyond with his actions. For months on end, he did everything he could to help turn the tide in hopes of finding Lyanna and freeing Elia and her children. However, Vanitas' presence made things difficult.

In the end, the Rebellion was all but over at the Battle at the Trident with Rhaegar's death. From there, they made their way to the capital… where things took a dark turn.

"After leaving Westeros shortly after the Sacking, I needed time away from it. Of course, I was reminded of my friends beyond the one World. I needed to help them."

It was there Roxas saw Ventus converse with Vanitas at Destiny Islands. With this, Ventus made his way to the Keyblade Graveyard.

"After that, I found myself in the Crossroads where I reunited with Terra and Aqua… all before we clashed against Master Xehanort and Vanitas."

The landscape swiftly changed as their fight went on. However, the three Keybearers on the side of good were on the losing side. Ventus sought to take down Xehanort at the top of the rocky peak after Terra was struck down by the elderly Master. However, he was caught off guard and was flash frozen for his efforts. He was dropped from the highrise and tumbled along the ledges before Aqua caught him.

By this point, Ventus was immobilized and couldn't move but did his best to get himself out of his predicament. During all this, someone arrived on the scene and was apparently working for the old Keyblade Master.

It took Roxas a moment but he soon recognized just who this newcomer was.

"Xigbar?" No. XIII whispered in disbelief.

"The person he derived from, his Somebody. Braig was his original name."

Aqua fought against "Xigbar" or rather Braig and prevailed. However, she was knocked out by Vanitas, who came in with a surprise attack.

Seeing this, Ventus soon got out of his frozen restraints and combated Vanitas.

"I learned too late of Xehanort's plan, him desiring Vanitas and I to grow stronger. A means of making a Heart of Pure Light face against a Heart of Pure Darkness in a climactic clash in the attempt of satisfying the conditions to form the χ-blade."

"Did it work?"

"In a manner." Ventus vaguely said at first. "Vanitas and I indeed clashed, forming the χ-blade. I don't know what happened from the outside of my body. All I witnessed -however- was what occurred inside my Heart."

The scenery shifted once more, having the two blonde lookalikes appear in the Deep Dive. However, the Heart Platform was heavily different as it represented the conjoined Heart of Vanitas and Ventus.

The stained glass image seemed to be sliced in half with the left side being red and dark blue in color. What replaced the desert background was now some sort of graveyard with odd-looking swords serving as grave markers. The portraits were now replaced with odd designs, especially the center one with two odd skeleton keys crossing over a heart. The framing designs on Vanitas' side had the Unversed emblem, representing him being their progenitor.

Before him, Roxas witnessed Ventus' combat against the Unversed Progenitor who wielded not Void Gear, but the χ-blade itself.

However, oddly in his mind's eye, he pictured something magnificent and splendor.

It was large in size. Its guard was composed of two conjoined, intersecting copies of Kingdom Key, and the token at the end of its keychain was the same with the addition of an overlayed, red-lined, stylized black heart. From the intersection of the Kingdom Keys, sprouted sharp, glowing crystals, shaped like wings. Two crystals at the top of the intersecting Keys sprouted out like spikes, conjoined at the tip to form a hollowed-out, crystalline blade.

Instead, it was all rusted and chipped with the light within it waned.

"As it turned out, for the χ-blade to properly become stabilized in this method of its reforgement, he and I had to fully merge into one being. One mind, one body, one Heart. However, I fought back and wasn't willing, in which the ensuing battle within our freshly conjoined Heart shattered it completely. As a result, the would-be χ-blade along with it."

'This probably explains what Vanitas meant back at the Dragon Pit.' Thought the greater Nobody.

The Heart Platform was destroyed, having it shatter to pieces around them. This had the two blonde look-alikes stand on an invisible surface as they saw the memory keep playing out until the end.

"Once I defeated him with the χ-blade shattered, my Heart needed to recover. I don't know how it drifted off, but I recall how it came across a nice kid around Rhaenys' age. It was shortly afterward that I finally remembered I had reunited with Sora upon retracing his warmth."

In another Heart Platform, one which was all so simple, Roxas saw a four-year-old Sora, selflessly taking Ventus' Heart into his own to heal. For the passing years, the young islander wouldn't know he harbored the lost Keybearer's Heart in order for it to heal.

"He doesn't remember."

"With it being that far back, he might've believed it to be a dream or a figment of his imagination. Same as our first interaction." The memory faded as it was just the two of them now on the Heart Platform. "Since that day, I've dreamed of his life. Eventually, I dreamt of yours." Ventus focused his gaze more toward the Nobody. "While my Heart is with Sora, I resonate far more with you."

"But how can you still be alive?"

"I can only think of a few things. I obviously don't know where my body is presently located. However, as for how I'm exactly alive could be part of Xehanort's machinations. Him making me bear a Heart of Pure Light. And added on the connection Sora had with Kairi who was a Princess of Heart, things became more unique that's really hard to explain."

Roxas scratched the top of his head. "That might explain a few things."

"Yes. Between you and Namine, who I could say is your sister."

That caused Roxas to go a bit bug-eyed at the implication when he took a moment to think about it.

Since Kairi's Heart was inside of Sora for the majority of his first journey, they had bonded in quite a deep, unusual way. Her Heart was freed when the brown-haired islander used the unusual Keyblade on himself. This resulted in the unusual creations of Namine and Roxas, who are the Nobodies of Kairi and Sora respectively. Given the circumstances, they were essentially siblings; more specifically fraternal twins.

Instead of bonding like typical siblings, their relationship is strained and complicated.

Namine has been manipulated by Marluxia at Castle Oblivion to tamper with Sora's memories. From there, she worked with DiZ and Riku in order to restore Sora, yet at the cost of Roxas and Xion. Neither of them really interacted with each other since their last encounter at the Castle that Never Was.

"Our relationship could've gone better."

"No relationship ever is. Even one pertaining to family, despite how complicated it may be."

Roxas said nothing to that, only digesting more on the details.

He was so absorbed in his thoughts that he missed the mischievous look that appeared on his doppelganger.

"You know," There was a sly look in Ven's eyes. "I wasn't the best when it came to girls when I was in Westeros. But even I understood the basics of interest."

Roxas felt his cheeks heat up in embarrassment upon hearing this.

"It's not that I don't, it's just… ya know… got other stuff I'm dealing with right now."

Ventus 'hmphed' in amusement but nodded in understanding.

"I heard a lot from others about the girls who were interested in you." Roxas stated. "Ned told me Lyanna liked you. Oberyn said Elia and apparently Cersei too."

"So three for three." Ven mused aloud. "Like you with Tyene, Myrcella and Sansa."

No. XIII rubbed the back of his head. "I uh… I'm still trying to understand that."

Ventus chuckled sympathetically and empathetically. "Well, you're not alone there. Looks like you really are my "Son", huh?"

The look Ven received would have killed most but his mirror match threw his head back and laughed.

"Sorry, but come on, I could only hold back on that for so long."

Roxas maintained his gaze until he released a sigh, rolling his eyes before a small grin wormed its way onto his face.

"Yeah, yeah." He murmured, now more amused than annoyed.

Ven chuckled at the faux despondent Nobody when his expression changed into a more solemn face.

"You should tell them how you feel." Said Ventus. "I never got the chance to…"

Roxas blinked upon hearing this. "You… cared for them that much?"

"They left quite the impression on me." Ventus released a tired sigh. "Who knows what would've happened if things turned out differently at the Keyblade Graveyard? If I was able to properly defeat Vanitas without succumbing to my "unique" wounds. Or whatever it was that happened to my heart."

Roxas thought so as well. After all, Ventus obviously gained quite an interesting reputation in Westeros. Him coming back would've affected a whole lot in the Seven Kingdoms. However, what could've happened will forever remain a mystery.

"Your happiness is really important to them and theirs to you. You mean so much to them, more than you realize. Everyone seeks to find meaning and contentment in our lives. We endure, searching for that special someone, the one that completes us. Some search tirelessly but never succeed. Others try and fail for years with varying success, then some are blessed with stumbling upon them at the right time; especially after losing someone dear to them, only for someone to be there when at one's bleakest to help get them back up."

The two mirrored look-alikes locked eyes, pools of blue reflecting against each other, one of which implored the other to heed his words.

"Hold onto them and never let go. Even if the Worlds are against you. Live with all your heart and don't regret it like I did, for life's too short for regrets."

In that moment, silence quickly overcame the Nobody as he was lost in the moment.

This plea, being so soft-spoken, so earnest.

It was a wish.

Not just from one fellow Keybearer to another, but from one person to another.

Ventus missed his chance with whom he held so dear. He didn't want the same to repeat with Roxas. To avoid the same pitfall as him. To avoid making the terrible mistake he had and endure for a better future.

What the lost Keybearer truly desired Roxas to have was this: finding his own happiness and not letting it go.

Eventually, Roxas found his voice. "I will." He promised.

And then, everything began to fade.

-Waking World-

Eyes opened up. Sight was blurry, having some moments passed before they regained focus.

He could tell he was in some bedroom of sorts. It wasn't good or bad, merely somewhere down the middle in terms of conditions.

Turning his head slightly, Roxas saw Chocho resting on the bed he presently was in. Probably half a foot away with the golden feathered Chocobo sleeping.

"Where am I?"

"The Crossroads Inn."

He turned his head once more, seeing the happy, yet tired face of Tyene Sand.

Roxas groaned as he lifted himself up in the bed. "How long was I out for?"

"It's been the next day since you were out."

"That long…" The blonde Nobody looked at the Dornish girl in concern. "Are you alright? What about the others?"

"They're… fine… for the most part."

Roxas frowned as he shifted himself up on the bed. "Why did you say it like that?"

Tyene turned her gaze away from him. "Well…"

As this was said, Roxas felt a shift in the bed. To be more accurate, it was a series of shifts. He momentarily thought it was Chocho waking up and trotting over to greet his father. However, that wasn't the case.

"Uh…"

For you see, what was soon crawling up onto his lap was a baby dragon between the size of a hatchling to that of a housecat. Was mostly silver and black in coloration with a few flecks of purple from what he could spot outside from the eyes. Said eyes looked at the Nobody in a curious manner.

"What… am I looking at right now?"

She gives him a smug smile. "Say hello to Bahamut."

"Bahamut?" Roxas parroted aloud, earning a reptilian squeak from the little creature. "Isn't he supposed to be -you know- bigger? And returning…"

The Sand Snake shrugged, reaching over to lightly scratch Bahamut's little chin. "I wouldn't know the reason why on that last bit, but the whole lot of us saw him shrink down to be like that."

"...Huh…" Roxas tilted his head at the shrunken dragon. "Weird."

"Weird?" She balks. "Weird? That's all you gotta say?"

He all but threw his hands into the air. "What do you expect me to say? I'm just as confused as you are."

Roxas soon felt a nudge. Looking back down, he saw Bahamut was seeking his attention.

Having an idea of what the little dragon desired, he brought his hand onto the creature and began stroking its scales. Before long, he began petting Bahamut like one does with a cat or a dog. Soon after, the little dragon gave out a unique growl-like purr.

"Oh, that's so adorable." Tyene coos. She saw him glance at her. "You know that this is kind of insane. I'm literally seeing something that hasn't happened in centuries. You have a dragon Roxas and you aren't Targaryen. When the rest of Westeros finds out about this-"

The blond released an annoyed sigh. "Yeah, yeah, I know."

"Hey, cheer up, Roxas." Tyene said, moving to pet Bahamut again. "At least he seems to be a friendly little guy."

"For now, at least."

LIttle Bahamut was enjoying the attention from the two. Drowning a little in pleasure.

"I don't think you have anything to worry about." Tyene remarked, moving to sit next to him and lean against him. "After all, you fight crazy things like the Heartless and Unversed all the time. If little Bah steps out of line in the future a good whack outta put him in place."

It appears that the dragon heard this, looking up at the pair as if appearing to be affronted. Like a child that said both "What?" and "I can behave".

"Looks like he took offense to that."

"Aw, sorry little Bah." Tyene cooed, scooping him up to hug him close.

It appeared that Bahamut forgave her words, screeching out happily as it nuzzled against her.

"Enjoy it while it lasts."

"Afraid I'll steal your dragon from you?" She said cheekily.

"Having a hard idea imagining that."

Both were silent for the time being. A bit content at the small fragment of the present.

Tyene was glad Roxas finally woke up. She was by his bedside the entire time since they got back to the Crossroads. She hardly ate and slept a wink. But with him now conscious, she can rest easier to a degree.

Breaking her focus from little Bah, she saw a particular look on Roxas' face.

"Something wrong?"

"I wasn't saying a thing."

"But you were thinking of it." She turns to him more. "C'mon. Fess up."

A sigh bubbled out of him. "I'm just wondering how to send him back."

Normally, a summon entity would return whence they came after their task was done. Chocho's and Jojo's cases were different as they were born in this World and didn't go off to some summon realm. But Bahamut's situation will be difficult.

Thinking about it now, Roxas did something on the summon charm Addam gave him. He recalls it cracking and breaking as he was summoning the mighty dragon yesterday.

'Might explain why Bahamut ain't returning where he originated.' He pondered. 'Might have to make a new summon charm… hopefully.'

Clearly, one of the first stops he'll have to make once back in King's Landing is to Tobho's shop to see if a Moogle has any idea like how he and Cloud got charms for their chocobos.

Speaking of chocobos…

"Kweh?"

Glancing over, Tyene and Roxas saw Chocho was awake and seemed a bit peeved with what was happening before him. The growing bird trots over and nudges Roxas' hand away from the dragon before trying to snuggle into the appendage. Little Bahamut squawks on the loss of touch before glaring at the Chocobo and hisses. Before long the two creatures began to squabble. The hisses Roxas and Tyene could hear from Bahamut were like a crocodile or a snake giving out a warning.

"What's up with Chocho?"

"I think he doesn't like Bahamut."

"Why?"

"Territorial, I wager. You have a new 'child'. The one 'sibling' being annoyed on the recent arrival."

"...Talking from experience?"

"Plenty."

With her being the fourth child of her father and first of her mother, Tyene has a plethora of experience being the middle child. Not to mention seeing often how Arianne acts around Trystane and Nymor with the lack of one towards the absentee Quentyn.

There were some moments of silence. Neither Roxas or Tyene knew what to say next as their minds were focused on the little scene before them. Of how the blonde Nobody having to separate the squabbling between the two creatures -his two "children"- on the bed.

Amongst his attempt to calm the pair down, Roxas saw a Keyblade in the room. One which didn't belong to him leaning against the one wall.

Perhaps the mightiest weapon to ever exist and the only defense against the darkness. Specifically, the Heartless and now the Unversed. A light within the dark to help bring happiness to everyone. Keyblades can only be wielded by chosen individuals who are strong of heart.

And this one, Missing Ache, belongs to someone.

"Who's-?"

"Mine." Tyene saw the confusion on his face as his attention was now solely focused on the aforementioned weapon. "I'm still surprised as well."

A litany of factors floated from his mind as his eyes inspected it. The slightly rusted and battered appearance shows off its age. Him feeling some connection between it and Tyene. These were amongst the many but one came out of his mouth first.

"You haven't willed it away?"

She became a bit timid, holding her Keyblade with clear uncertainty. "I don't know how to. I'm… new to it now."

He slowly nods. "How did you even get it?"

"Found it amongst the chaos yesterday. It appeared with many others. I merely took it and used it as best as I could."

Such a thing of her actually being bequeathed with a Keyblade is tricky. For starters, it was unusual, given she never underwent any ritual from what Roxas read in his one grimoire. She only found a Keyblade whose owner died long ago and in the midst of a desperate battle. So for it to have chosen Tyene must've been drawn to her Heart.

'Perhaps that's why my one Keyblade didn't automatically return to me at that time.' He thought with a curious expression.

"Apparently it stuck around while the others left."

Roxas came out of his musings when hearing this. "Left?"

"All of the other Keyblades just floated up and were sucked into some dark portal." She nudges her head back to Missing Ache. "That never left my grip."

It didn't take long for all that occurred due to Vanitas. He summoned them from the Keyblade Graveyard and no doubt returned them to whence they came.

"While I'm not a Master, it seems I'll need to teach you more as you wield one of those now."

One such lesson was dismissing and calling a Keyblade. He's gotten some experience teaching this trait with Arya with Needle. While the young She-Wolf didn't have a Keyblade, the application applied to her given her family's ancient roots in magic. The same applies to how he recalls Sora's memories towards Donald and Goofy. So hopefully such lessons will be easier to work with on the Sand Snake.

"A Master?" She remarked.

"I'm not a Keyblade Master, Tyene." Roxas stated.

The Sand Snake raised a disbelieving brow. "You seem like one to me and everyone else."

"Yet I don't hold the rank." He saw the scrunched-up look on her face, clearly confused about the argued factor. "...It's complicated."

He was never given instruction from a Master. He's never undergone the Exam. All he has from the start is Sora's memories of how to fight along with many of his skills among other things he received from his Somebody.

"When you have such power like mine, it's tempting to think of every problem as a nail to hammer down, but sometimes you can with words rather than a wallop."

"Oh I can tell, but it's rather hard to argue that given the life and death battles we've been through lately." Tyene's eyes lingered back to Missing Ache. "It just paints a bigger target on my back now."

He sighs, nodding in agreement. "With the Organization around, clearly."

"Not just them as other Houses would clearly want my allegiance, among other things."

He didn't think about that. Roxas gives her a sympathized look, knowing she was right.

Since the presence of the Keyblade came upon this World, it made one's wielder suddenly become much more important than they realized. With them having a better connection with magic, among other factors, it made them become either beloved or ridiculed by one's perspective. In court and events, it's done further to curry favor with the Keybearer so one's House can be elevated further.

Ventus and Vanitas were clear examples to show how grand and terrifying they were. Both were nearly untouchable when they made their debut back during the Tourney of Harrenhal. Years later, their presence is still felt. The same repeated itself with Roxas. And now Tyene has joined the prestigious "club".

Despite being a daughter of Prince Oberyn of House Martell, she is a bastard. Many highborns can't overlook that; especially with them soon learning she not only has access to magic but a Keyblade as well. Said people will eventually seek ample opportunities to exploit having her married off to someone to solidify unions with House Martell either to some ally or even a rival to settle grudges. Roxas had experience with this when suddenly betrothed to Princess Myrcella, so one can imagine how worse it'll be for Tyene, given her birth status.

Frankly made him hate Westerosi politics all the more than he already did.

Wrapping an arm around her, he pulls her a bit closer into his side. "I'm sure your family will guard you to the best of their capabilities."

A smile graces Tyene's face on both the words and action. "They most certainly will. But I won't be going out without a fight."

Eventually getting up and out of bed, Roxas felt a bit stiff as he inspected himself a bit more to see most of his usual attire was taken off so he would rest better in bed. Glancing over, he saw his Organization coat, boots, pants and other accessories were placed on a nearby chair. Heading over, he began putting them back on.

During this, he heard the Dornish girl release a sigh. "You need to rest more."

"I believe I've rested long enough, Tyene."

Giving himself a once over, he double-checked if everything was in order before making his way to the rented room's door.

"Where are you going?"

"I don't know about you, but I'd rather not be in this room longer than necessary."

"Are you sure?"

"I need to stretch my legs and see the status of things." The Nobody soon felt a small rumble in his stomach. "Besides, I'm feeling hungry right now."

Following close behind was Chocho while Bahamut leaped off the bed and gilded before landing and perched on Roxas' shoulder.

As she left the room and went after Roxas, Tyene took Missing Ache into her hand before closing the door behind her.

Since she has no idea how to magic the Keyblade away and return to her, the Dornish girl will need to carry it around or find something to harness it to her body. It's gonna be very impractical, but what could she do until then? She wasn't going to be idiotic and leave it alone for someone to take. Especially with who is presently occupying the territory around the Crossroads Inn.

Making their way downstairs, Roxas soon heard the main floor's chattering and began hushing up. Reason being was everyone was looking right at him. Not just him, but Bahamut.

"Uh… don't mind me." Roxas said awkwardly. "Carry on."

With the shaky command, the assembly of Stormlanders, Westerlanders, Northerners, Dornish and so forth resumed their morning meals. Others, however, ended up going outside in a rushed manner.

Situating himself at an available table, Roxas plopped himself down with Tyene seated in front of him with Chocho fluttering up to sit beside his father. Some moments later, one of the inn workers hesitantly came up and placed down some food and drinks. One such plate was just an uncooked fish placed near the little dragon.

"Thank you."

"No, thank you, milord." The server said quickly, eyes darting slightly to Little Bahamut before scurrying off.

"Uh… Is something the matter?"

"You'll find out once outside." Tyene saw Roxas give her a curious look. "Just eat. I'll explain once we've partaken in our morning meal."

He complied as he dug in. Several questions lingered on his mind in the process.

During all this, Roxas witnessed the hushed whispers and silence coming from the others in the present space. Not just towards himself but to Bahamut, who crawled down his arm and was eyeing the plate of uncooked fish. They were clearly uneasy towards the latter, not that he could blame them. After all, dragons have been extinct in this World for over a century. Leviathan was the odd exception, but Bahamut was an odd factor to consider. Especially with what was done yesterday to save the World from the Red Comet, now referred to as the Red Moon.

The Greater Nobody realized what they were feeling: fear.

Everyone in Westeros and Essos knew of dragons. Children were raised on stories and cowed into obedience just by uttering their very existence. Now the people here were forced to meet one of the creatures of legend that helped force what were once Seven Kingdoms into a single one. The reveal was softened somewhat based on just how little Bahamut presently is when being introduced to an unknown number during Roxas' slumber.

While Roxas was concerned with the looks Bahamut was receiving, he knew that they would bring his companion no harm, given his association with the Keybearer.

After all, the little "lizard" with wings had the potential of rapidly growing into an enormous "fuck you" dragon at a moment's notice if you pissed it off.

'Then again, I have no idea if Bahamut can do that or not at this time.' He thought with a pondering look. 'He ain't a normal dragon, so I don't know his full capabilities.' At that moment, he saw Bahamut wasn't eating unlike Chocho, who was gorging himself on a bowl of meat and fruit.

Cutting off a small piece of fish from the one plate, Roxas presented it to Bahamut for it to eat. However, it wouldn't dig in at all.

"Is something wrong?" He mutters.

Did dragons not like this particular kind of meat? His mind wandered about, trying to think of a solution.

Yes, Bahamut ain't like a cat or a dog… or a chocobo who have certain diets. It's more like they could eat but would dragons prefer eating it raw-?

Wait…

Holding up his other hand, he snapped his fingers and created a small ball of flame. He used it to begin cooking the piece of fish to the point where it was no longer rare in appearance.

Once cooked, Roxas presented it to the little dragon who finally dug right in.

"Now I know how to properly feed ya." He says before cooking the fish a bit more so Bahamut can eat to his heart's content. Witnessing this, Tyene hums aloud and draws her lover's attention. "Yes?"

"Just interesting to see you interacting with him more."

"Really?"

She soon gestures to the others in the present space. "Not just me but everyone else."

"How come?"

"Just about everyone is proclaiming you as a Valyrian descendant with you having him." She states. "You and Cloud."

"Because of Leviathan?" He asks, earning a nod in turn. "Thought as much." He scratched his head a bit. "But I don't really know any Valryian speech to do any commands."

"Then how will you command him?" Asks Tyene.

"Uh… like normally." Roxas ponders a little. "Does it really have to be in Valyrian?"

"As far as the stories go, yes."

"That's annoying." He ponders some more. "I think it's more about conditioning. Having them know what commands and all that. And the Valyrians were doing the language barrier just so other people can't command them all that easily. Besides, Bahamut isn't a typical type of dragon, in case you didn't notice."

Thinking it over, Tyene hums in agreement while recalling more details about the infamous people. Using apparent blood magic to bind the dragons to them all those years ago during their glory days. From there, it's all about traditions with Valyrian speech to command and condition them.

However, Bahamut was far different than what stories she read and was told over the years. The little dragon appeared from out of nowhere from the summoning charm Addam Velaryon gave her beloved. Said creature was capable of pushing back the bloody comet into the sky with its own fire breath. So there could be other extraordinary things about it in comparison to the norm in centuries past.

With their bellies full, Tyene and Roxas left the Crossroads Inn with Chocho and Bahamut. There they saw the large assortment of people going about, both of their company and those sworn to the Lannisters.

Last time Roxas was in this territory was when he was on his way to King's Landing. Of how things took quite the turn with Joffrey's actions of him galavanting about while dragging a reluctant Sansa which led him being harmed by the direwolf Nymeria when he tried to harm Arya; all before the small trial which didn't fall to his favor with his lies. With all that frustration, he had to leave Westeros to clear his head, all of which led him to winding up in Wallachia.

'So much has changed since then.' Roxas then turned to Tyene. "Now what was it that was causing the inn worker to act…?

Before he could finish asking his question, someone approached him. "Good day, Roxas."

Turning his attention over, the Nobody saw it was Tom the Bard. "Hello there." He greets him before inspecting some of the wrapped-up wounds which weren't concealed by clothing. "You alright?"

The Bard waved off his question.

"I've been better. Nothin' to really concern yourself with." Tom soon held up his hand. "And yes, I'm sure. Just a number of burns and scrapes with what happened yesterday. Will take a few days to properly heal, more or less."

A nod was given. "That's good to hear."

"You should see more with the others. Some got it worse."

"I can imagine. Now, is there a reason why you came to me suddenly?"

"Just heard you're awake and wanted to greet you. More will follow throughout the day." Said the Bard. "That and I wanted to voice a complaint."

That drew some confusion from the blonde Keybearer. "A complaint? For what?"

The Musician looked torn. "I honestly have no idea what to write for your song now, Roxas."

The Nobody held a bemused look.

"How come, Tom?" He asked in good humor.

The bard of the company drew out a long, dramatic sigh. "So many feats within a short span of time, one more fantastical than the next. Makes things complicated on the details on what to compose."

A hum bubbled out from Roxas' throat. He figured this would happen yet again. Him hearing the usual issue from Tom and a number of other bards since making his presence known in the North.

Soon enough, Roxas decided to humor the musician with a simple question. "It can't be that bad, right?"

Instead of saying a thing, Tom turned Roxas and tilted his head towards the sky.

The blond teen's eyes widened considerably and his jaw partially dropped once he saw what held the attention of many others, not just in this vicinity, but likely from many, if not all corners of Westeros and Essos and perhaps beyond them.

"What the…"

He could see what was a crystalized crack resembling an eldritch tree stretching towards the very heavens. Its form glowed from the sunlight and was reflective, making things relatively brighter with its contained power. It is a mystical structure that'll be rooted in this World for who knows how long. And if seemed to notice in terms of comparison from yesterday, the tree seemed to be growing bigger.

No, this isn't what really drew Roxas' attention. In reality, it's what's behind it.

From the apparent ripped-up sky, which showed many stars from the heavenly tear, was a red moon. Formerly the Red Comet, its presence was also seen alongside the other moon which was seen further away. And there was an indentation on the red moon's surface of a keyhole of all things.

"You made all that, Roxas."

"I… what?" Was the blue-eyed teen's response, jabbing his finger at the Red Moon. "That?! You're telling me I somehow made that?!"

"Aye," Tom said with a nod. "It was… Seven Hells, I don't even know how to describe it. When all the madness came to its crescendo yesterday, that tree sprouted and didn't stop growing until it reached farther in the heavens above. Far more than even any dragon had ever soared to."

Roxas recalls the crystalized tree being created by both him and Vanitas during their battle at Harrenhal. That he had previous knowledge on. Yet the new Moon to this World and the tear were things he couldn't recollect all that well. It was merely a blur of him trying to stop a cataclysmic catastrophe.

'How in the hell…' Roxas thought to himself.

Seeing the troubled look on the blonde Keybearer's face, Tom gave him a brief "sorry" before walking off to resume composing a song in Roxas' actions.

The Nobody's gaze lingered on the ethereal tree and new moon.

His gaze was intense and analytical, a stray thought crossing through his mind.

'Is this… Did I actually find the Keyhole to this World?' Roxas pondered, looking at the Red Moon in the heavenly distance. Addam Velyaryon said the Keyhole would present itself under certain circumstances. Very vague and complicated with when and where it'll pop up. Though for the briefest of moments, Roxas thought the Red Moon contained this World's Keyhole, only to realize something. 'While it's connected to this World now, it's not native to it. The Keyhole is elsewhere. I just have to be patient.'

However, the Red Moon apparently was part of the prophecy the lost Valyrian spoke of with old and new beliefs. How far all that will be is up for debate and Roxas would learn in due time.

But for the time being, the blonde Nobody could feel something different in the air and on the earth. It was being saturated with magic and he can already tell it's coming from the new celestial object in the sky. Well not just that, but the crystalized tree he created alongside Vanitas.

"Was all that what you wanted to tell me, Tyene?"

Tyene, who was off to the side, finally spoke. "More or less."

"What else is there?"

Instead of answering, the Sand Snake merely pats his shoulder with a brief smile. "I'll just have to show you for now."

Tyene walked ahead, causing Roxas to follow after her.

"...Lord, cast your light upon us. For the night is dark and full of terrors."

"For the night is dark and full of terrors." Repeated the congregated mass of soldiers and other individuals in a somewhat high volume, due to them all together.

Hearing some commotion, the pair came upon what was a sermon taking place. The one enacting it was Thoros who more or less wrapped things up as he stood on some pedestal or crate.

Roxas tilted his head, frowning slightly. He knew that Thoros was a Red Priest but he'd never seen him actually do anything of the religious sort. The Nobody assumed he was just a Red Priest in name and certain practices only.

Approaching him, No. XIII called out to the man.

"Thoros."

The Red Priest turned and saw the young pair, more specifically Roxas.

He gave the Nobody a small smirk. "Finally awake, I see." He states. "How do you like my sermon?"

"It's… a bit different from what I sometimes hear." Was Roxas' answer.

"From the Sept of Baelor? No argument there." Thoros gruffed out. "Them spouting the Light of the Seven and all that hogwash."

"You seemed indifferent about them then."

"Aye, I was for a time." Thoros admitted, a far off look in his eyes. "You could imagine my lack of faith when seeing the state of things in Westeros and the rest of the world, seeing how little faith had to do with the actions and decisions of men."

"What changed that?" Tyene inquired, curious herself to know.

The Red Priest released a good-hearted scoff and jabbed a finger at the blond.

"Take a wild guess."

Roxas blinked. "Me?"

"Yes, you." Thoros said as though the answer was obvious. "You're at the epicenter of it all, lad. All the change, the surge of the fantastical and magic that was once prevalent during the Age of Heroes. Ventus may have had that moment long ago during the Rebellion but everything that's been happening started with your arrival here."

"But I didn't do any… well… I don't know if it was me, me." Roxas' expression scrunched up in uncertainty. "I mean, the Heartless could've gotten here sooner alone. Or… all the magic and that red comet-"

"More like the Red Moon now." Tyene adds in.

"Doesn't matter, lad." Thoros interrupted. "All the songs, minstrels, bards and even scholars and Maesters have already begun their recording of history. And you are the spark that started it all in this new era."

"New era?" Roxas and Tyene parroted.

"Aye, this will undoubtedly be heralded as a new era long after we are all bones and ash." Thoros mused aloud. "Those stories regaled from the time of Harrenhal to the end of the Rebellion was one matter but everything that is transpiring is not isolated as it was then. The entire continent is experiencing and witnessing this change. What the outcome will be," he brushed his hand through his beard. "Now that'll be a scary and fascinating outcome."

Roxas and Tyene shared a look before the former spoke up again.

"So, is that why you're doing sermons?"

Thoros bobbed his head from side to side, a thoughtful look on his face. "A bit rusty, but after what happened, I believe it was time to start doing them again."

"And the masses?"

"The comet was coming down and the end of the world was going to happen if you," Thoros then gestured to the baby dragon on the blonde teen's shoulder, "and Bahamut hadn't intervened. The people's faith is greatly shaken and now seeking guidance."

"And you decided to help out in turn." Tyene remarked.

"There's no septa or septon around of the Andal faith, so why not?"

"What about those of the Old Gods?" Roxas brought up.

"There's always a Weirwood for them. Will be a while to find any really nearby." Thoros glances towards the crystalized tree in the far distance. "And there's that, but… don't know what to make of it." The priest waves his hand dismissively. "Regardless, this makes it easier really. But my friend, you should know this. After much of my time spreading the word, and the songs and bards throughout Westeros itself, the people are beginning to believe you may be the promised hero to save us all."

Roxas raised a brow, having come to learn of this supposed prophecy on his travels. "You and they think I'm Azor Ahai now?"

While not really hearing Thoros' sermons, he at least listened to the history the priest of Myr spoke of his old faith in order to try and get a better understanding of him and his past.

Thoros gave a non-committed shrug. "That's rather up for debate, given the circumstances of the one prophecy to foretell his return."

"And what do you think?"

He saw a wry smirk appear on Thoros. "Who's to say? Maybe I can make some coin out of all this."

Roxas gave him a half-lidded stare which changed when he saw the Red Priest's expression change into one of conflict.

"Also, something… terrible… and unusual happened." Thoros looked Roxas in the eyes, speaking before the teen had a chance to ask what had transpired. "Beric perished during the fight the other day."

Shock and sorrow washed over Roxas. "Beric died?"

"He got better."

That derailed whatever horrendous feeling of guilt and anguish that washed over him was replaced with confusion. "...What?"

"Brought him back to life." Thoros said with a distant gaze. "It happened before you saved us all."

Roxas opened and closed his mouth several times until he blurted out the only word that made sense right now. "How?" He bewilderedly asked. "How do you get better from death?"

"Sephiroth did the deed in slaying him. I desperately prayed to R'hllor as the fires roared around us." Thoros heaved a haggard sigh. "I just didn't want to see Beric gone. I didn't want to lose my friend." The Red Priest looked Roxas dead in the eye. "I just never imagined my god answered my pleading call and brought him back from death."

No. XIII held a slightly disturbed and confused frown, his brows furrowed in thought.

"I've been meaning to ask about that myself." Tyene spoke up, her own troubled look evident to see. "How was it-"

"Like I said, I just… prayed," Thoros said distantly yet resolutely. "I put all my heart and soul and… Beric started to breathe once more." There was a far more determined look on Thoros now. "My faith in R'hllor is more renewed than ever before. Everything that happened these past days made sure of that."

There was a brief awkward pause until Roxas gave him a particular look.

"Just don't do the burning sacrifices I've heard about."

Thoros snorts out a laugh. "I surely promise I shall do nothing as barbaric as that."

"That's all I needed to hear." Roxas commented, Tyene unable to prevent a small giggle. "I'll see ya later, Thoros."

"Don't trouble yourself over me, Azor Ahai." The Red Priest said with a teasing grin, laughing at the deadpan Roxas sent his way.

As the two teens walked away from Thoros, Tyene soon broke off from Roxas.

"Where are you going?" He asked.

"I need to check on a few things." Tyene says as she walks away. "Don't wait for me. I'll find you later."

He watched her jog away and he in turn turned his attention to his surroundings. There were many men walking around, doing either their duty or whatever it was that occupied their time. But they all took a few moments to stop and bow at Roxas with respect and reverence, making him feel a bit awkward as they only showered him with praise and adulation.

So he needed something or someone to distract him.

And as luck would have it, he spotted just the person to help in this regard.

Looking ahead, Roxas saw Beric Dondarrion conversing with his squire, Edric Dayne.

Walking over to him, the blonde Nobody noticed a few things as Beric looked different now. Not just with the noticeable eyepatch on his face, but a certain feeling about him was stranger than usual.

The young squire was the first to notice Roxas.

"Prince Roxas." Edric greeted with a wide grin and just as he was about to bow, Roxas stopped him.

"Please, no need for that and for the love of all the Gods out there, don't call me a Prince."

"So what should we call the hero of Westeros?" Beric asked in good humor.

"Just Roxas, thanks." The Nobody blandly said, turning to the squire. "Come on, Edric, try it."

The young Dayne heir opened and closed his mouth a few times, his years of education in addressing nobility and such clashing with Roxas' request.

"R-Roxas." Edric stressed out slightly.

"Jeez, don't give yourself a headache." Roxas remarked in bewildered amusement, the blue-purple-eyed boy blushing and looking away.

Beric chuckled lightly, ruffling his squire's hair. "No need to strain yourself, Ned."

Looking at the scene, Roxas smiles slightly before glancing back to the Stormlander's injury. "Beric, I'm sorry about-"

"The eye?" The Lightning Lord finishes with a solemn smile in place. He delicately traced his fingers over the fabric covering his lost eye. "Appreciate it. It'll take some time to get used to such a crippling trait."

"Isn't there anything we can do?" Roxas asked.

"Unless you have a magic that can reverse the damage, I'm afraid this is permanent." Beric commented with an airy tone.

'Maybe not with magic… but maybe science?' Roxas thought of the technical achievements of Radiant Garden as a possible place to obtain a unique prosthetic. "What were you two talking about before I interrupted?"

"What most people are talking about all day."

"Mind being more specific?"

There was a small screech, making Beric eye Bahamut on Roxas' shoulder. "Your little dragon, for starters."

Roxas glanced at the little lizard that stared back at him.

"Yeah~ I can imagine the topic of conversation."

"Over a hundred years and the first known dragon reappears not upon the shoulders of Targaryens but that of outsiders from this continent."

"Weren't Targaryens also not of this land?" Roxas shot back.

"That's beside the point, my friend." Dondarrion said goodnaturedly. "I'm fairly certain you are intelligent enough to realize how this will affect people's views on yourself and Cloud, no? Dragons are a symbol of undisputed power-"

"I think Cloud and I can dispute that." Roxas remarked.

Beric was about to continue on with his speech when what the Nobody said registered with his mind and he broke down with a small laugh.

"Well, that is not hard to dispute after what I've seen." The lightning lord cheekily said, tapping at his good eye. "Feats that are indescribable and fantastical."

Roxas shook his head at that jest.

"Anything else happen while I was out?"

"You not being the only person to receive an extraordinary gift."

Didn't take long for Roxas to realize what Beric was implying. "Tyene."

"Indeed."

"Still can't believe Tyene wields a Keyblade." The young Dayne says with childish glee. "Now two Houses of Dorne hold legendary blades."

A chuckle emanates from Beric and Roxas' mouths.

"So they do." Beric says to his squire. "Even if Tyene wields a Keyblade, by being worthy to possess one, it doesn't automatically make her a great warrior. It'll take time for her to rightfully earn such a trait." He states. "Much like many who wielded Dawn in your family's history."

"He's right on that. You can't automatically be a great fighter, regardless of being natural or trained. It takes time, dedication and experience to make it happen." Roxas stated.

"Who taught you to wield the Keyblade?" Edric inquired, making the Nobody open his mouth to answer when he closed it and opened it again, repeating the process a few times until he found an answer.

"Actually, I never had a teacher. Most of my fighting style and all the techniques and magic I've developed were self-taught. Refined over a long span of time through trial and experience."

"Truly?" Beric said, actually surprised by this. "But the manner in which you fight…"

"Let's just say with all the Heartless I've faced and many enemies akin to Sephiroth, I was forced to sink or swim."

"Sink or swim?" Edric repeated in confusion.

"He means all that he learned was through many and continuous trials by fire." Beric elaborated, picking up on the context of the phrase. "Either you persevere and live or drown and perish."

The young squire released a small "ah" of understanding.

Beric processed what Roxas said, turning back to him.

"So there are indeed others like Sephiroth and Vanitas?"

"Like them?"

"Those who have greater power like yourself and Cloud just… not as inclined to use it for the sake of others."

"Organization XIII, remember?"

"Ah yes," Beric was clearly troubled by the reminder. "Them… Seven Hells, I fear we are not prepared." He shudders at the thought. "Hardly any proper numbers of combating the likes of them. We can't solely rely on individuals such as yourself and Cloud."

"We'd be exhausted to an unimaginable degree." Roxas wryly said.

"The war against them, on top of the war of what's to come, courtesy of King Joffrey," Beric spat out, "Gods knows how we'll survive the conflict at hand."

"Here I thought you and others might be happy for war."

"A foolish thought. People seeking glory and immortality through remembrance. In truth, war is young men dying and old men talking." The Lightning Lord tiredly said, placing a protective hand upon Edric's shoulder. "There is no victory in it, not in those who have to fight in it at the very least."

Hearing the phrase, Roxas recalled a particular detail. "Hey uh, not to sound weird or anything but… what's this I heard about you dying?"

Beric snorted mirthfully, shaking his head.

"Briefly. Somehow Thoros brought me back." Raising his hand, sparks emanate from Beric's palm. However, instead of traditional yellow, it was richly purple. "Though it seems I didn't come back alone."

"Whoa," Roxas quietly said, frowning in deep thought. "Beric, I know this might not make sense or maybe with you, it does," He saw the lightning lord tilt his head in curiosity. "Other than that," Roxas pointed to the purple electricity dancing around his hand. "Do you feel anything else? Like, the air or atmosphere being different?"

Dondarrion had his head inclined down, mulling over the question. He closed his hand, the sparks dissipating, the hum of electricity still coursing through him.

"I somewhat do. Though I believe it's courtesy of the dragons, the new moon we have now to the tree you crafted by Harrenhal."

"Still have no idea about what is up with that."

"Perhaps something with the Old Gods or something more."

All Roxas could do was shrug.

Taking focus in the air once more, Beric inhaled deeply.

"There's this sensation in the air," He slowly said with an intense gaze. "I'm still trying to adjust to it. I can feel it permeating my body, entering through every breath I take, through my skin, my senses. It's all… overwhelming. I can feel much from myself. I can even feel from you more clearly than I can ever imagine."

Roxas gave him a sympathetic gaze. He understands the feeling to a degree. Best he could compare himself to what Beric is undergoing was the time he had his memory stripped and he had to essentially rediscover himself in the digital Twilight Town.

"All this will take a long time to get used to. One thing topping the other. Just take it one step at a time." He assured.

"Speaking from experience, lad." Beric stated rather than asked, knowing this to be likely true coming from Roxas. "More will follow, that I know. With this apparent new age with magic making its grand return, I don't know how I'll be dragged more into the mess."

"A mess?"

"Able to use magic in a more freeing way. Less constricting than before when Thoros helped awaken it from within me. It will give me more prestige, no doubt, but will others think of me differently or the same as they knew prior."

The young Dayne beside Dondarrion spoke up. "I still think of you the same, my Lord."

Beric smiled at the boy, placing a hand on his shoulder again. "Mighty kind of you to say, Edric."

"Why'd you believe such a thought?"

The Stormlander regarded the squire's words and responded. "Having plenty of time to think since yesterday. Death and coming back paved the way to such thoughts. And with the coming war, had to reflect on not just me but everyone else." Beric releases a sigh. "Noble birth to a commoner. We all want something. We aren't so different in the end as we deserve better. And the same will apply with those who can use magic. They would and should command respect, but given people's views with faith, it'll leave us as outcasts at one point. Our kind would be used and discarded one day, like tools; yet we are men, so why must we die as less? I'd rather pass on in my own turns like everyone else."

Silence fell within the small vicinity of Beric, Edric and Roxas as the two younger fellows began digesting the words.

"How have you used your life and what connections have you made?" Beric asks. "My father said this to me days prior to his passing and I became lord of Blackhaven and lord of my House. One question that lingered on in my mind for years. After dying and coming back, I recalled such words and… so much weight behind them."

"Talk about a mid-life crisis." Roxas mutters out, earning a bitter chuckle in turn.

"Most certainly. Yet it'll be a question I'll now need to figure out on my own for the rest of my days of my new lease of life." The Nobody nods, walking away when saying a few parting words. "One last thing before you go," Beric halts Roxas with the coming request. "There was one thing I was curious about for a while. Same with many near the end yesterday."

"Being what?"

"What did you become and how did you return to normal?" Beric asks out of concern. "I felt this… dark void when I saw you as… whatever you were. It's so hard to describe it further."

Roxas stared silently, eyes widening as he remembered that transformation that he had undergone yesterday.

"That…" Roxas looked down in thought.

Recalling the request Addam Velaryon gave him at the True Isle of Faces, and Ventus to an extent, Roxas didn't know how to properly answer Beric's question.

"You can say that is what a Nobody is in a greater position."

Beric frowned at the vague response when seeing the young Keybearer leave. 'What aren't you telling us, lad?'

"You think he'll be alright, my lord?"

"Who knows, Edric. Who knows."

Making elsewhere in the encampment, Roxas eventually finds Cloud. When coming closer to him, Roxas saw the Blonde Wolf fiddling around with something in his hand.

"Cloud." He called out to his fellow blond with a wave and smile.

"Roxas." The taller blond greeted pleasantly, the two clapping hands together. "You've been busy."

"And you haven't been?" Roxas rhetorically retorted.

Cloud only gave him a look that gave the Nobody the answers he needed.

"So, what happened on your end?"

"What have you heard to begin with?"

Roxas shrugged slightly. "Only a few things while I was at Riverrun. You dealt with Tyrion's trial by combat to revealing Baelish's bloodline theft on House Arryn with him collaborating on Jon Arryn's death."

"That's the broad summary." Cloud commented, crossing his arms with a small sigh escaping him. "But things were way more messed up than you realize."

"With what's happening at the capital? No kidding."

"How is that gonna be cleared up? It'll take days to get back. Not to mention planning out how to get the others out."

"Not in the conventional way, for starters. Mostly how you got to the Vale is one idea."

"It had crossed my mind, but doubt it'll work with more than just a handful of people."

"As for the rest… I'll think of something." Roxas sighed out. "Other than that, anything else happen on your way here?"

"Aside from me escorting Tyrion, I picked up a few strays."

Roxas raised a brow at this description. "Like who?"

"A sellsword named Bronn." Cloud motions his head over to what's essentially the main Lannister tent in the distance. "He's sticking close to Tyrion for the time being in order to get his payment. He's actually been involved in this since Catelyn Stark made her accusation at the Inn."

Roxas frowned on the particular reminder that started a whole sort of mess. "Right. And who else."

Instead of Cloud answering…

"Greetings."

… the answer came from a lower level.

The blonde Nobody turned to see a red-furred quadruped creature speak up from nearby, who inclined his head at Roxas.

"Who's this?" Roxas inquisitively asked.

"I'm Nanaki. Though I'm often called Red XIII."

As opposed to others when meeting the red-furred lion-wolf thing, Roxas reacted rather calmly and rather unphased. After all, he was used to the unusual.

"Nice to meet ya. I'm Roxas."

"So I've heard." Nanaki quipped. "Your name parts from the tongue and mouth of practically everyone here."

"I've gotten that a lot since coming-"

"To this World?" Nanaki interrupts, earning a look from the Keybearer. "I'm not from this World either." The quadruped then looks at the two creatures staying close to Roxas, both by his feet and perched on the shoulder respectively. "And who are they?"

The young blonde blinks before making the small introductions. "This is Chocho, my Chocobo. And Bahamut, my… dragon."

"Kwa!"

*Hiss*

"Pleasure."

At this point, the Keybearer saw a rectangular device in Cloud's hand. There was a black case around it with a clear, reflective screen that shined in the light.

"What's that you're holding there?"

Cloud momentarily forgot he had the item out before answering. "It's a Gummiphone."

Roxas didn't quite understand what he just heard. "...A what?"

"Cid got help in making it." Cloud elaborated. "I actually forgot he was working on this. It mostly takes pictures, takes notes, plays games and songs. Most of all, I can talk to others in any world I'm in."

"Excuse me?" Roxas all but looked at the device with speculated fascination. "Did you just say that it has cross-world communication?"

"Yup."

Roxas had a small joly and shook his head as he processed this information. "How'd you get it? Have you had it all along? If so, then why hadn't you contacted them-?"

"I got it relatively recently, courtesy of Nanaki." Said the Blonde Wolf. "He and a few others actually went out looking for me after my previous encounter with Sephiroth."

"Others? Looking for you?" Cloud nodded. "And where are they?"

Nanaki answered in Cloud's stead. "I don't know where Vincent is at, but Cait Sith tagged along with me but we got separated when coming to this World."

"...Who and who?"

"Friends of ours." Cloud answered.

"And have you kept in touch with them? Vincent and Cait Sith, I mean."

"We haven't. Don't know if they lost their Gummiphones or if something else happened to them." Answered Cloud. "But we have been able to keep in touch with the others in Radiant Gardens."

"That's good to hear."

Soon enough, the Nobody began asking more about the Gummiphone and its other functions. Upon hearing them more in detail, Roxas' mind drifts over to the Glass Candles he's heard about here in this World to the Transmission and Carpathian Mirrors from Wallachia; especially the batch he has in his possession. Before long, he got an idea. A very good idea.

'I'll need to remember talking to Alucard later.' He thinks with determination. Before long, Roxas voices a thought crossing his mind. "Would you know where Jamie is?"

"He's with his brother." Cloud gives Roxas a curious look. "Is there a reason why you're asking for him?"

"Not just him, but both of them. And it's somewhat of a family matter to them."

Cloud hums a little. "If you say so."

"Don't let us hold you up." Adds in Red XIII.

Elsewhere, within the camp of the Lannisters, the two sons of Tywin were in a private tent as they were going over all the recent news that had been flooding in.

Westeros has been on the edge now, teetering on total chaos with how many revelations had come about in recent weeks.

Though there was much going on within Westeros, there was a particular bit of news from King's Landing that had Tyrion and Jamie shocked. And that was just the latest in the long list of jaw-dropping and shocking events.

"Ser Barristan was dismissed?" Tyrion balked. "What madness drove Joffrey to even consider such an action, let alone executing such a thing!"

Jamie's feelings were no better with this last particular bit of information.

This was just another thing to add to the pile that seemed to be growing at an exponential rate.

Ned Stark was labeled a traitor.

Lewyn Martell is dead.

Joffrey has taken total command of King's Landing.

And now Barristan the fucking Bold had been dismissed from the Kingsguard.

The last true living legend of the once famous Kingsguard under the last Targaryen King.

To some… actually, this is quite a shock to just about anyone who is well-learned of the famous figures of Westeros. Barristan the Bold is a name virtually everyone knows of, whose deeds and undisputed honor are respected and revered by all. It was how his reputation remained above reproach, even after the Rebellion.

Not only is dismissing Ser Barristan from service insulting, but utterly idiotic. His reputation alone still strikes fear and prestige. And having the legendary knight on in the Kingsguard keeps much loyalty and backing from untold supporters.

Just another idiotic action done by the apparent new King of Westeros, Joffrey Baratheon.

What happened in King's Landing in such a short amount of time for this to happen and more importantly, how in the Seven Hells did this happen?!

Lewyn Martell's death plus the imprisonment of Ned Stark?! Joffrey wasn't asking for war with the North and Dorne, he was goading and demanding it.

Westeros was already gearing up for war against Vanitas and his ilk but now it has to contend with the likeliness of fighting each other.

Again.

"The world was simpler in those days. Before Harrenhal." Jamie mutters. "And men as well as swords were made of finer steel."

A romanticized time of being a knight, a true warrior of the people. Of knights being gallant in the songs and stories with them saving the day with beautiful maidens thrown in for flavor.

Sadly such wonders and dreams ended, having him wake up to reality when the Rebellion began and ended.

Jamie was -for all intents and purposes- now the last of the Kingsguard who served King Aerys II. The last remnant of a good era of the White Cloak Brotherhood.

The present members of the three-hundred-year-old order were split down the middle, more or less, of being honorable. Half were for all intents and purposes Lannister men. The rest were just. However, it's all been wrong.

A part of him was glad he joined them when he was transitioning between being a boy of fifteen and becoming a man.

'When did that happen exactly?' Jamie internally asks himself. 'Did the boy die when I took the white cloak? Or was it when I opened Aerys' throat?'

He dreamed of becoming the next Ser Arthur Dayne. Perhaps even Ventus, with his fantastical adventures. Instead, someplace down the path he trod, he became another Smiling Knight.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the front of the tent flapping open and in walked a familiar face wearing his usual black clothing.

"Roxas." Jamie said, a look of pleasant surprise at the arrival of the Keybearer.

"The Light of the North." Tyrion jokingly said, producing a wry grin and with a small toast that turned into a small chuckle at the look he got from the teen by this title.

"How can I be called the "Light of the North" when I wear this all the time?" Was Roxas' greeting, gesturing to his black cloak.

"You do put on a flashy show during combat." Jamie noted with a thoughtful look. "I hear you've been busy."

"That's putting it mildly." Roxas said, shaking his head at everything he had been going through since leaving King's Landing. "Tyrion, are you alright? Cloud told me what you've been up to with him."

"A harrowing journey for the bards and minstrels of Westeros." Tyrion dramatically said. "But I now owe Cloud Strife a debt that I believe no Lannister alive can repay. To live out my boyhood dream-"

"I heard." Roxas remarked. "How'd you like it?"

For once, a rarity to be certain, the wordy and talkative Lannister Imp lost the ability to speak as the memory of riding upon Leviathan flooded his mind.

"Unless my soul can leave my body right now, an out-of-body experience to be sure." Tyrion stated after a prolonged moment of silence. "Oh if our uncles and father were to witness it."

"Same as I." Jamie includes.

One of the first things Tyrion spoke of after their reunion was him riding the unique dragon from the Eyrie.

Had it been another time and age, Jamie may have dismissed such a story, even if it was his brother who told him of this. But the eldest Lannister has now seen more than his fair share of what could be considered the fantastical and impossible.

And there are more than enough eyewitnesses to all but confirm his brother's insane tale of riding atop a serpentine dragon.

Truly, the world was only escalating into madness.

And dragons were just scratching the surface of it all.

Before their conversation can go any further, both Lannisters jolted back slightly at the golden chicken-esque bird that had hopped up on the table the brothers were seated at.

It didn't take long for the younger of the two to recognize what this bird was nor even ask for its name.

"Ah, Chocho. Now I finally get to meet the other Chocobo." Tyrion remarked with intrigue, leaning upon the table, eyeing the growing bird as he walked over to a plate of unfinished food and began pecking at it.

"He's grown bigger when I've seen him last." Comments the Kingslayer.

Chocho let out a small squawk of appreciation directed at the knight before resuming its meal.

*Hiss*

The two brothers froze momentarily and turned over to the source, soon eying the dragon in the Keybearer's possession. He momentarily eyed the two other blonds before his gaze landed upon the food Chocho was nibbling on.

"Oh right, this is little Bahamut." Roxas said, taking the small dragon from his shoulder and placing him down on the table. "Don't know if you guys had the opportunity to meet."

Both Lannisters could only stare in bewildered astonishment at the scaly creature that made a beeline for the plate Chocho was eating from.

The Chocobo let out a small indignant squawk whilst Bahamut hissed back when Chocho pecked the top of the dragon's head.

"Oi." Roxas grunted out, giving his Chocobo a look. "None of that now, ya hear? Share with him."

Chocho huffed his feathers up whilst Bahamut gave the bird a smug look, quickly biting into some chicken.

"A dragon." Jamie murmured, not fully believing what he was looking at. "You have your own bloody dragon."

It was still a bit of disbelief for him to witness after yesterday. After all, he and many others saw the colossal "fuck you" dragon shrink down to the size of a kitten and stayed that way since.

"All my boyhood dreams are coming true." Tyrion said in reverent awe, gazing at Bahamut with a glimmer in his eyes. "He's a beauty."

Bahamut seemed to regard this compliment and preened at it. And Roxas noticed the reaction in kind.

"Would you like to hold him?" Roxas asks suddenly.

The stout Lannister almost didn't believe what he just heard.

"...You'd let me?" Tyrion all but squeaks out.

Reaching forward, Roxas carefully picked up the dragon, walked around the table and came right to the short Lannister. Carefully placing Bahamut onto the dwarf's lap, Roxas saw Tyrion feel awkward about how to proceed. Not that he could blame him.

*Hiss*

"...Honestly surprised he's not… crawling off or clawing at me." Tyrion commented, tentatively reaching for the head of the small dragon. Bahamut regarded the digits for a few seconds before it seemed to accept the gesture, bumping his snout against them.

Tyrion laughed in astonished disbelief, stroking the top of Bahamut's head.

"I think it's just you not being hostile," Roxas glances over to the Kingslayer, "unlike some people."

"What's that supposed to- oh."

Jamie sought to retort, only to realize he had his hand gripping the handle.

*Hiss*

Case in point, Bahamut glared at the tall Lannister with the loudest, tiny roar it could manage out. The little dragon began calming down when Tyrion began stroking its scales as gently as he could muster like how one treats a feline.

"Seven fucking Hells." Jamie murmured, his hand running through his hair. "I had heard upon the lips of all who had seen another dragon at Harrenhal but to think… I can't really believe it. I don't know what to believe anymore."

"Everything is a reasonable conclusion, my dear brother." Tyrion chides. "And I doubt I would ever want to harm one of these."

The Nobody coughed into his hand, having both brothers look at him once more.

"Jamie, Tyrion. I would like to speak with you on some matters."

"Consider me bought for the time." Tyrion chuckles out, continuing to stroke the dragon.

"What is it you wish to speak of?"

"Just wanting to see how you two are holding up. Not to mention seeing what thoughts you have right now."

"Pertaining to what?" Jamie asks.

"I believe he's asking about the state of the realm, dear brother."

Roxas scoffed. "If it wasn't for what was happening here, I'd be back in King's Landing breaking Joffrey's jaw in a heartbeat."

Tyrion nearly guffawed at such a brazen admittance whilst Jamie found himself grimacing.

Joffrey may be his son, yes, but he wasn't a blind fool.

It was easy to see just what kind of boy Joffrey was and he hated to admit to himself just how much his first son reminded him of the Mad King. Maybe the Gods really do exist and they just love playing their sick jokes upon the people of this world.

"We are still trying to make sense of it all." Tyrion said after a few seconds. "With all that is happening across Westeros, I am frankly waiting for something mundane to happen. That is likely to be the most shocking development to come after all that had transpired."

"Hopefully it'll all depend once the coming storm settles."

"That I can agree on, my soon-to-be-nephew."

Roxas gives the dwarf a flat expression, making Tyrion chuckle to himself.

"Anything else you need of us?" Jamie spoke up, an inquisitive and slightly expectant look on his face.

"For now, none comes to mind except…"

"Except for what?"

"I have a gift for you. Well… either of you. Both of you. For you and your House."

This caused a bit of odd confusion as this was said.

Reaching into his pocket, he produced a small bag. Both men cocked their brows at the bag which turned into astonishment. The mild magic "trick" the brothers saw became more amazed when Roxas inserted most of his arm inside before withdrawing a greatsword, still sheathed.

"A sword?" Tyrion muttered aloud, looking up at his brother's who's eyes glinted with intrigue.

A soft smile graced the greater Nobody's lips. "Not just any sword." He turns it around, having the lion head pommel face them. "One that belongs to your family."

A questioning look was unknowingly shared by the brothers. A pull came from Jamie as he reached towards the handle. Soon after, the blade was unsheathed to have it fully revealed to the two Lannister brothers.

It didn't take long after the inspection for the appropriate reaction to be made.

The rippling pattern of Valyrian Steel.

The lion's head pommel.

The stylized handle and guard.

The gold engraving within the fuller.

Just what it was their uncle Gerion Lannister went missing in Old Valyria for.

"Is this… no. NO! It can't be! How in the Seven Fucking Hells did you acquire Brightroar!?" Jamie Lannister "roared" aloud in stunned disbelief. He almost couldn't even describe what he was experiencing right now and his brother Tyrion, despite not being a warrior, shared in this feeling as the Imp stared with his jaw dropped and eyes as wide as saucers at the blade their favorite uncle went off to search for having never returned home when he left years ago.

"...Would you believe me if I got it from a forest hermit?"

Calling Addam Velaryion this was the simplest label the Nobody can place on the ancient Dragonseed.

Tyrion was baffled. "A forest hermit?"

"It's complicated."

"What isn't complicated with you?"

"It'll take a while to compose an appropriate list."

Jamie exhaled, feeling properly overwhelmed.

The Kingsguard felt a sense of whiplash from everything he had just spoken of and experienced in these short few minutes.

From learning of the madness of King's Landing to seeing the dragon of Harrenhal to now gaining the long-lost sword of House Lannister. It was such an overstimulation that the knight collapsed into his chair.

The Kingslayer released what he would describe as a hundred sighs of pure, spiritual exhaustion if one could call it that. His green eyes were on Brightroar, a surreal feeling of disbelief still permeating his soul.

"There was a time I would give up my right hand to wield a Valyrian blade, let alone hold one." He suddenly revealed, making the younger blonds gaze at him. "The same applied years ago in Harrenhal of holding Ventus' Keyblade only once."

Jamie would've indeed lost it yesterday to Sephiroth. If his arm was raised a bit higher or moved in a different direction, his sword hand would've been cleaved from the rest of him. All that was cleaved in that pathetic excuse of a battle was his sword.

'Better that than my hand… or my life.' Was his thought. "Now to actually be holding Brightroar…" Jamie shook his head. "I truly… I have no words. Roxas. This is an indelible gift that can never truly be compensated."

"By our standards." Tyrion quickly cut in. "Knowing our father-"

"Damn what our father thinks." Jamie cut his brother off, actually stunning him into silence. The older Lannister held up the Valyrian sword, gripping it tightly. "This is beyond any measure of wealth of even repayment that we can even offer Roxas. Father always prattles on about legacy this, legacy that. This sword is part of our legacy. And Roxas just gave it to us without a second thought. What kind of repayment can we possibly give him?"

Tyrion stared at his brother for a few moments, brows raised and lips tugging upwards.

"My, my, where did this come from, dear brother?"

Jamie only laughed, shaking his head and leaning back into his seat.

Tyrion chortled, turning to Roxas to give him a particular expression.

"I doubt you're doing this out of the kindness of your heart."

Roxas hummed aloud. "Now that you mention it…"

Tyrion sighed, having a feeling that such a topic may come up. "...What do we owe you?"

"Just to use Brightroar in the times to come. Something's coming and you'll need it more than you'll realize."

The brothers blinked upon hearing this. Jamie chuckled quietly.

"What? So you wish for me to be a noble knight of Westeros, defend the weak and protect the future?" Jamie rhetorically asked.

"Yes." No. XIII said without an ounce of jest or uncertainty, his crystal blue eyes piercing Jamie's green ones. "That is what you swore on."

The Kingsguard reared back slightly at the admittance and for the briefest of moments, his perspective had a brief shift to a memory of another time. Of one where he was far younger, far more naive but stood in front of a fellow blond that held the exact same face, hairstyle and eyes though with a gaze not as jaded as Roxas'.

"Westeros is on the brink and we all know it." Roxas spoke in a deadly serious tone. "What needs to be done from all of us is to do our part and do what we can to help each other."

"Easier said than done." Jamie retorted, some of his usual faux arrogance returning with a large amount of mirth. "I'm not sure most of Westeros would accept me as a hero."

"It doesn't matter." Roxas refuted. "Jamie, I gave you Brightroar not just because it belongs to your House but because you, out of everyone in it, can do the most good with it. And you can. Though if you want to ponder more on it, use it to fix and mend what you've done."

The older Lannister tried to find the right words, a snobbish, smug response was what his immediate mind wanted to say yet instead, his response came from his heart.

"I… will do what I must." He resolutely declared and the grin Roxas gave him made Jamie chuckle, looking away in hopes that the Nobody didn't see the glossy eyes he suddenly had.

To have such faith be given to him… it was… nice. Truly nice.

On Tyrion's end, he saw a subtle change in his brother. Something which was strange for the Imp but not unwelcomed.

'Doing us quite the service. Seems we owe him more than we realize.' Thought Tyrion.

"I'll see you guys later." Roxas said, both Lannisters muttering their goodbyes to him.

Taking Chocho and Bahamut with him, Roxas walked out of the Lannister tent and went elsewhere in the assembled encampment. He talked with many present in order to see how they were holding up. Helping check the status of things while formulating thoughts of what will need to be done all so very soon.

What he didn't know was that his actions in the passing time was bolstering more and more of his reputation with the combined armies. Him showing he was being a thoughtful commander, in a fashion, in looking after those below him.

At one point passing an impromptu training field, there was a noticeable amount of commotion. Investigating, Roxas saw what all the hubbub was about.

The last thing he expected was to see Tyene standing in the center, breathing heavily, holding her new Keyblade. Some distance away were wooden poles and logs that were either burnt, scorched, frozen and broken apart.

"Why is everyone standing around here?" Roxas asks one of the observers.

"Watching Lady Sand with her new weapon."

Upon hearing this from someone wearing Lannister armor, his eyes turned back to her, seeing her get in an awkward position, making a face before adjusting her posture.

What happened next made Roxas' eyes widen slightly as Tyene threw her Keyblade forward, only to let out a startled 'eep' as a torrent of water came out from the tip, far more than anticipated and she was sent hurtling onto her back.

There was a collected "oooh" and a number of winces from the gathered men, which was silenced somewhat by the annoyed look Tyene directed at them.

"It can't be just that, right?"

"Why wouldn't it?"

Seeing this ain't going anywhere, the Nobody pushed past the crowd, walking over to his friend/lover. She made a glance to see who it was, turning back to the training dummies after seeing it was Roxas.

"You alright, Tyene?" He asked straight away.

"Fine," She exhaled, holding up her Keyblade. "Just trying to get used to this thing."

"I can see that." Roxas mused. "What, weird grip or something?"

Tyene's head bobbed side to side. "Kind of. My father taught me how to use many types of weapons but this is a first. It's really unusual. The weight is vastly different from what I'm used to with typical swords. How in the world did you master yours and with two no less?"

Roxas shrugged. "I dunno, it was natural. But it doesn't seem like it's just that. I saw your magic just now."

"Yeah, it feels…" Tyene's face scrunched up in thought. "I think… enhanced? Is that the right word for it?"

The blond hummed at that. "Possibly, yeah. Keyblades are powerful weapons after all. You already have been practicing with magic. Guess your new Keyblade is helping your growth rate."

"But I can't keep up with it." Tyene murmured in frustration.

Roxas made a face. "Well, of course not. You just got this thing yesterday. Took me a while to get the whole gist of having a Keyblade and I'm still learning." He said, thinking back to his Keyblade Grimoire which was quite the example on that factor.

"So how did you get used to it?"

"Trial and error." Roxas answered. "But I think you look like you're trying a bit too hard. Or… what do you feel when using it?"

Tyene was silent for a few moments, carefully considering her words, her expression becoming intensely contemplative.

"It's… different."

Roxas held a blank stare, one that Tyene noticed.

"Sh-shut up." She stammered out, blushing in embarrassment.

He chuckled, patting her shoulder.

"Don't worry about it, since I'm here now, let's get the next stage of your lessons under me started." With a smile and a nod, Tyene begins following her lover's instructions for quite some time once he begins a lecture. "To begin with, the Keyblade is not an extension of yourself like whatever weapons you've trained with and used in the past, it's literally a part of you now. It augments your fighting ability and…"

-Sunset-

Time passes in the territory surrounding the Crossroads Inn. The assembled armies of Roxas' forces and the ones serving under Ser Jamie Lannister are a bit more relaxed, in a fashion. Tension between them is thin at most, courtesy of what's happening at the capital. All it would take is some slight to have things erupt and cause quite the outbreak of infighting.

Tales and rumors spread like wildfire on what would happen in the days ahead. War against the capital, who would side with whom, and so on and so forth. Speculations are up in the air of what's to come.

Some of which just so happens to be planned out inside of the main Lannister tent where a little war meeting took place. For quite some time, there were also discussions with a number of individuals on the next course of action in heading out towards Kings Landing.

"You mean to tell us you'll get us there tomorrow?"

"I… have a way to make it happen." Roxas earned a number of skeptic looks. "Trust me. Just be ready tomorrow."

"More magic, no doubt." Spout out one of the Lannister captains serving under Jamie.

From one end of the table, standing on a chair, Tyrion oversaw part of the map of the Riverlands. "With some plans on the capital relatively taken care of, another matter needs to be addressed. For the time being, since it'll be difficult to keep everyone here at the Crossroads, I suggest we have our people stationed at Harrenhal."

"How come?" Questioned Jamie. "It's basically no more. It's more ruined now than before."

"House Whent is no more, my lords. The land is cursed. Yesterday is proof of that."

"It can still be salvaged, to a degree. Just needs to be cleaned up." Beric notes aloud.

"Which will take time, which we don't have." Argued the Lannister captain.

"You got the amount of people. Better to be put to work instead of lazing about." Cloud retorts.

"What do you say, Strife?"

Roxas sighed hearing some of this debate go on between Cloud and some of the Lannister men. Well, more specifically Jamie.

For some hours earlier in the day, Roxas trained Tyene more on handling Missing Ache in both her fighting style and her magic. She's still got a long way to go to adjust with her Keyblade. Afterward, the pair moved elsewhere to explore more of the combined encampment to see more of the forces. Several other things occurred all before Roxas ended up pulled into a war meeting.

He'd rather be anywhere else but here, but his attendance was necessary for what was to come.

"Reason why I seek to have our people stationed in the lands of Harrenhal is its strategic point. It's essentially the heart of the Riverlands."

"Which will plant quite the target on our backs. Did you forget, brother, the North has it out for us?"

"I have not. They'd have blind rage towards us, due to Joffrey's actions. It'll be harder to convince them to not have their swords at our throats or through our bellies."

Roxas speaks up, interrupting some of the argument. "Is there anything else?"

Clearly seeing the blonde Keybearer wanted to change subjects rather quickly, the Imp gave a response. "A raven has come from Casterly Rock."

"What does Father say?" Jamie was quick to ask.

"Given the circumstances, he cannot send out additional forces. What we have here is all we possess for the unforeseeable future."

"Why's that?" Asks Roxas.

"He wishes to secure the safety of the Westerlands in preparation of the coming conflict. Mostly a repeat of what occurred in Robert's Rebellion."

"He means to act when the conflicts ahead are nearly over."

"Seems that way. Though that'll prove difficult if Joffrey has any issues about it."

"And how would that go? Word is he's to be Lord Hand now." Cloud notes.

"He is. Unfortunately, our Father doesn't wish to leave Casterly Rock for the time being. As such, he has decreed me to act in his stead."

"...You're joking. How the bloody hell did you manage that?" Jamie looked at his brother quizzically. "You tricked him, didn't you?"

"If I can trick Father, I would be emperor of the world by now." Says the Imp. "No. I merely wrote a very lengthy letter with some compelling arguments. I am as shocked as you when I read his response. I can imagine it's mostly that he can't trust our sister to reign in Joffrey as before."

"Is that a good thing or a bad one?"

"A little bit of both. Joffrey despises me, courtesy of Cersei's lovely influence. I'll be there to advise Joffrey, though that'll be a failing task." Tyrion sighs aloud. "If the attempted actions tomorrow fail, I'll have to do what I can to keep the seven kingdoms stable."

"You mean to risk your neck against Joffrey?" Asks Beric.

"I don't fear him or his executioner, Ser Ilyn Payne. I fear for those Joffrey sees as an obstacle to get what he wants."

Some muttering was made with the people within the tent.

"If nothing else is needed to be discussed, I say we'll conclude for the night." Says Tyrion.

"Best so." Says Dondarrion. "We'll need to talk to our people on the plan for tomorrow morning. And it'll take a while to find the particular individuals."

Before long, the assembled people exit the tent. Each of them needed some fresh air with some getting to business right away while others sought some proper entertainment before the coming storm in the horizon.

The sun had set some time now with the pyres blazing brightly into the night. Assembly of people were enjoying themselves as best as possible with singing and merriment. A means to at least make themselves happy for what may be their last night.

At one of the pyres…

"The living king of sermons

Was delivered from his evil

But he couldn't talk his last

Because the gods took out his throat

Gods' crossbow took out his throat"

"Can you not sing a happy tune?" Spoke out Anguy to the bard nearby.

"I believe he's run out of songs to sing." Says Bronn, earning nods and chuckles from others.

"Sing a foot-stomper about adventure," Riddell suggested, "and daring and courage."

"No," says Gattins. "Sing something… about a woman, a large woman."

The one bard from the Westerlands ponders slightly, shrugs and begins to play his lute.

"Fancy army, darling

I loves you all to bits

I'll climb up to your chamber

And under your mountainous tits"

It was by this part did Roxas make his appearance as he soon sat beside Tyene. It took some moments to realize his presence before smiling at him.

"How was the meeting?"

"Interesting, more or less. Long story short, we'll be needing to head out tomorrow."

"Figured as much. Best to reach the capital as quickly as possible."

Roxas was going to say more to this when Tom all but butted into the performance. "Enough out of you, lad. Bother some other pyre."

"I've been here longer."

"And you're boring them. Now off with you."

With a huff, the Lannister bard left.

"Now why'd you do that?" Gattins complains. "He was doing fine."

"He did fine enough. Now it's time to grace your ears with something new."

"What you got for us Tom?" Asks the Sand Snake.

"Quite the few songs. Took all day, but believe I have written some masterpieces."

"And how much headaches did they cause you?" Asks the greater Nobody.

"Plenty. This first one, at least, had been working on for days. I have to at least thank you for that, Roxas."

"Of what?"

"A song you gave me some lines, but believed I finished what your former compatriot started. Inspired from what we've all witnessed yesterday."

This took the one Keybearer's interest with several others with Tom starting his one song. The strumming of the lute gave way to the beginning of what may be quite the cold set of lyrics. And his voice soon begins being carried through the air.

"Far over the misty mountains cold

To dungeons deep and caverns old

We must away ere break of day

To find our long-forgotten gold

The pines were roaring on the height

The winds were moaning in the night

The fire was red, it flaming spread

The trees like torches blazed with light"

After what felt like a deep melody at first, it began to feel lighter with the relation to the first beginning of Tom's new song.

"Oh, misty eye of the mountain below

Keep careful watch of my brothers' souls

And should the sky be filled with fire and smoke

Keep watching over Torrhen's sons

With a war coming in the horizon, much worry is present. Especially those originating from the North, such as the Starks of Winterfell with them so spread out.

If this is to end in fire, then we should all burn together

Watch the flames climb high into the night

Calling out father oh, Stand by and we will

Watch the flames burn auburn on

The mountain side (high)

And if we should die tonight

Then we should all die together

Raise a glass of wine for the last time

At the mention of this, many present did so for a mild cheer for the conflicts to come.

Calling out father oh, Prepare as we will

Watch the flames burn auburn on

The mountain side

Desolation comes upon the sky

Everyone was thankful the Targaryens -as far as they know- no longer have their dragons. Instead, Roxas and Cloud have theirs and are using them for good.

Now I see fire, inside the mountain

And I see fire, burning the trees

And I see fire, hollowing souls

And I see fire, blood in the breeze

And I hope that you remember me

Oh, should my people fall

Then surely I'll do the same

Confined in mountain halls

We got too close to the flame

Calling out father oh, hold fast and we will

Watch the flames burn auburn on

The mountain side

Desolation comes upon the sky

Everyone still knows the story of Harrenhal with how it greatly obtained its notoriety with Aegon the Conqueror and his sister-wives. However, the Tourney at Harrenhal added more to the tale. None more than what occurred yesterday with it now a crumbled state as it's no more.

Now I see fire, inside the mountain

And I see fire, burning the trees

And I see fire, hollowing souls

And I see fire, blood in the breeze

And I hope that you remember me

Those from the North remember. They were silent, remembering the stories passed down from generations of the shame Torrhen Stark bared for his people. In a manner, to their shame, they kept forgetting his sacrifice.

And if the night is burning

I will cover my eyes

For if the dark returns

Then my brothers will die

And as the sky is falling down

It crashed into this lonely town

And with that shadow upon the ground

I hear my people screaming out

Now I see fire, inside the mountains

I see fire, burning the trees

I see fire, hollowing souls

I see fire, blood in the breeze

I see fire

Oh you know I saw a city burning out (fire)

And I see fire

Feel the heat upon my skin, yeah (fire)

And I see fire (fire)

And I see fire burn on and on the mountain side"

After the last series of musical notes played by the one bard, there was a bit of applause from the garnered audience. Others, however, merely thought more on the aspects of the song in wondering if Tom ended up unsettling others with his one work.

"Thank you. Thank you. You are all kind." Tom laughs aloud as he and the others bowed. "Now it's time for my next piece."

"You have another for us?" Roxas spoke out.

"Oh yes I do."

"Were you able to use everything you desired of my 'accomplishments'?"

"Not even close." Tom drew some looks from the others. "Realized trying to cram all of your deeds in this next one would be impossible since coming on this quest of yours. It soon occurred to me to do something better. Not just of your accomplishments but of others. Not to mention factors relating to the present."

From Tom's harp, he strung several of the strings. It wasn't long before Tom began to sing.

"Whatever comes our way

Whatever paths we follow

I will share your pain

Your laughter and your sorrow

Suddenly, several other bards present began strumming the chords of their lutes and banging their drums in a soft beat. There were even some flutes thrown into the mix. This was all due to some other bards coming over in a surprising fashion to take part.

The river running wild and free

The winds of fortune gently flow

There is a wonder in the weave

So many forks upon these roads

For a burden that is shared

Is much easier to bear

We will not fall to despair this darkest day

Whatever comes our way

Whatever paths we follow

I will share your pain

Your laughter and your sorrow

And should we prove ourselves

Lose ourselves

Nothing's gonna send us astray

Whatever comes our way

I will be there

Whatever comes our way

I will be there to share your pain

These hearts of shadow, hearts of fire

Sharing memory and mind

Our hope is strong in moments dire

Through our mysteries entwined

For a gift can be a blight

Or a kind word be a slight

In a world of fading light and disarray

Whatever comes our way

Whatever paths we follow

I will share your pain

Your laughter and your sorrow

And should we prove ourselves

Lose ourselves

Nothing's gonna send us astray

Whatever comes our way

I will be there

Whatever comes our way

I will be there to share your pain

To sing a somber song of night

Or belt a ballad bold and bright

Fate spins

To quell the urge beneath the skin

Or take the gifts and let it in

Fate spins

For a burden that is shared

Is much easier to bear

We will not fall to despair this darkest day

Whatever comes our way

Whatever paths we follow

I will share your pain

Your laughter and your sorrow

And should we prove ourselves

Lose ourselves

Nothing's gonna send us astray

Whatever comes our way

I will be there

Whatever comes our way

I will be there to share your pain"

The rest of the musical number was wrapped up with the instruments still playing while the assembled bards sang "whatever comes our way" several more times with several "oooh's" thrown in. With the last few notes played, the assembled crowd applauded.

"Now that is a keeper."

Hearing enough of what has been played, Roxas says his farewells for the evening. He soon makes his way to his rented room at the inn in order to make a long-desired conversation.

From her spot, Tyene looked on with a lingering gaze as she soon followed after him.

Inside Roxas' room, he was having a conversation with Alucard. After some bit of catch-up with the Wallacian, from introducing his new dragon to other important bits of information, the Nobody soon got to the intended matter.

"You wish to borrow my father's mirror?" The half-blooded vampire said in surprise.

"I need it to transport my people to the capital tomorrow instead of taking us roughly two weeks of travel. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can save Ned Stark, his daughters and anyone else-"

"I see." The dhampir interrupts his friend. "If you insist."

"So you'll let me?" Roxas asked with a hopeful tone.

Alucard silently mulled it over in his head, sighing a moment later and giving his friend a pointed look. "Yes, but you'll need to return them after you're done. I do not want the shards to be exploited any further."

Roxas' shoulders sagged in relief, shooting the Dhamphir a grateful smile. "No problem at all."

After their conversation came to an eventual end, a Samurai Nobody made its appearance holding up a sized chest before placing it on the corner. Giving a bow to its leader, it disappears in gray and white vapors.

A few knocks came to the door to the room shortly after. Coming up and opening it, Roxas sees Tyene there.

"Hey."

"Hey." Tyene says simply. "Can I come in?"

Roxas silently nodded, gesturing for her to walk in. The Sand Snake approached the blond teen, seeing him set aside a small chest.

"What's that?" She inquired.

"Just a little something from a friend." He answered, patting the chest. "We'll need it fairly soon."

"In getting us to the capital, as you proclaimed?" She sees him nod, having her ponder slightly and having her stumped. "How?"

"I'd like to have it be a surprise." Came his cheeky response.

She quirked a brow at this, narrowing her eyes a moment later. "Any hints you can give me?"

"Sorry, spoilers."

Tyene deadpanned at him, hoping this would serve as a means of making him break and tell her but he deflected her attempt rather easily, making her puff her cheeks momentarily.

She looked around his room, noting two critters were missing.

"Where's Chocho and Bahamut?" She asked.

Roxas thumbed to one part of the tent while pointing to another corner. "Chocho is asleep under the bed and Bahamut is in a cage."

Tyene spotted said dragon resting within said cage, occasional puffs of smoke emanating from his snout. "Would've figured he'd be more rowdy."

"Did use a Sleep spell on them both." Roxas revealed.

Dark eyes blinked as she focused more on the little dragon. "Would've thought he'd be more resilient."

"Probably if he was in his bigger state." The blond remarked, Tyene humming in agreement, plopping herself down on his bed.

Roxas gave her an inquisitive expression.

"Is there something you need?"

"I've waited long enough. I've been patient, but with what's going to happen… I need answers for my questions." She looks at him with concern. "Questions about yesterday. What is a Nobody? What were you? Your other self said you were a Greater Nobody."

'I see how it is now.' He exhales a sigh with this in mind. 'Might as well answer now than delaying the inevitable.'

No. XIII looked conflicted, something that troubled the Sand Snake. She reached out to him, taking hold of his sleeve and gently pulled her towards him.

When he didn't look at her, she quietly said his name, placing a hand on his cheek to make him turn to face her.

There was a moment of silence between the pair until Roxas released a haggard breath, closing his eyes to gather his thoughts before speaking.

"What is a Nobody", you ask. They are nonexistent. Living, yet not living in a contradictory manner." Was his beginning response. "You see, Tyene, I wasn't born in a traditional manner, but created in an unnatural way." Roxas slowly said, expecting the look of pure bewilderment on Tyene's face.

"What are you saying?" A confused smile appeared, almost as if she were expecting to hear a jest.

"I'm saying I'm a Nobody."

Tyene's bewilderment only increased upon hearing what was said.

What in the Seven Hells was that supposed to mean?

"Nobody? Greater Nobody? Roxas, you're the last person I would describe as anything but a Nobody." Tyene remarked with a humored 'hmph'. "Your name is known on the lips of almost everyone in Westeros by now. How can you ever call yourself such a thing?"

Roxas gives her a bitter smile. "I take that as a compliment, Tyene. But there's more to the concept of what Nobodies are."

"Really now?" Tyene's brow was raised expectantly. "By all means, explain that to me."

He proceeded to elaborate on the further details of the Heartless, how they came from Darkness within the Hearts of all and in turn soon led towards the creation of Nobodies. Of how they are the animated shells of certain strong-willed individuals and he was a greater variant of such creatures. Nothing was held back from the truth he had to say. And when getting to the part he dreaded most…

"Wait, what?" Tyene now spoke up in alarm, cutting him off. "What do you mean you'll "disappear" one day? What in the Seven Hells is that supposed to mean?"

"Exactly that." No. XIII said with a heavy look in his eyes. "One day, I'll fade away back into Nothingness. No body for anyone to bury. Nothing but memories. It is the fate of all Nobody's."

He wondered if he would end up like Xion. Of how those closest to her forgot of her existence, just like him and Axel. But he remembered her… sometime after rejoining Sora in order to make him whole.

'Such a sad thing that would happen for them.' He thought sadly. 'Everyone here forgetting about me.'

He focused back on Tyene, who he saw was getting frustrated and confused, just like Ned had in his reaction toward Roxas about what a Nobody is.

"Roxas," Tyene appeared to be greatly stressed now. "You better start making sense or I'll… I'll…"

The blond silently waited for a response before the Sand Snake gave up, releasing an unidentifiable sound of frustration, and threw her hands up.

"How in the Seven Hells are you meant to disappear?" Tyene poked his chest. "What will happen to you?"

"Frankly, I don't understand it entirely myself." Roxas freely admitted. "The whole idea of a Nobody and just what we are… we aren't a natural part of the world. We just… are. We exist when we're not supposed to."

"Stop talkin' like that, you're not making any sense," Tyene said with a raised voice, actually shoving him though she pushed herself back more. "Not meant to exist? How and why are you here then? Just to make people miserable when you fade away? What kind of… how am I…"

The Sand Snake turned away from the Nobody and his shoulders sagged slightly.

He should've expected this kind of response.

Silently, he walked around to stand in front of her and she was about to turn away when he gently placed a hand on her shoulder. Her instincts told her to shrug him off but her heart… her damned heart felt comfort in his touch despite the turmoil it was going through.

She turned back to face him, tears threatening to spill from her eyes with Roxas moving to brush them aside.

"I'm sorry." He sincerely said. "I… I would have preferred it that I never told you something like this."

"Then why did you?" She quietly asked.

"Because you deserved to know." Was his immediate answer. "I care about you. I wanna be with you, with Sansa, Ned, all the friends I've made here. I know it's still hard to grasp but… at the very least, you should at least be ready for if or maybe when that time comes."

There was a beat of silence between them both.

"I should hate you." She murmurs.

Roxas gazed into her eyes. "But you don't."

Tyene didn't answer right away, only looking back at him with a look of pain.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Do you even understand what I'm saying?" Roxas retorted.

"The only thing I heard was that you might vanish." The Dornish bastard rebuked, fresh tears threatening to spill from the corners of your eyes. "Roxas… how can you even say such a thing?"

"It's the truth." Was his tired response. "I'm not meant to exist. It's extremely complicated. One day I'll fade away and never come back. You and everyone else will never see me again."

"No, no, no." She shook her head. "I can't… I can't bear such a thought, such a reality."

Tyene felt as though her heart was about to stop. She can't lose Roxas, she just can't. He's the love of her life.

No one in the entire world had ever made her feel like this both in the best way imaginable and now in such a way that it felt like her soul was being hurt just by thinking of losing him.

'This must've been how father felt in losing Aunt Elia.' Tyene made fists with her hands. 'Of… of me losing Grunkle Lewyn.'

How scared she is with the idea. Of how painful it was to hear the genuine truth.

"So that's it then?" Tyene was now openly crying, silent tears streaming down her face. "You'll one day vanish like your father did and never come back?"

"Not like that." Roxas said with a shake of his head. "Look, Tyene, I know this is a lot to take in…"

She silently scoffed, turning away from him only for him to take her hands into his.

"But I'm telling you this now because you deserve to know the truth. If this ever were to happen-"

"I don't want to know that. I never would have wanted to know." She argued but Roxas detected the conflict in her voice.

The girl was now shaking, taking her hands away from Roxas' to rest them on his chest.

"Roxas… please…" Her tone was desperate. "You can't. You can't leave the people who care for you here. You mustn't."

Roxas was clearly conflicted on what to say in response to this.

"I-"

"People here love you, Roxas." She cut him off before he could speak. "I love you."

The intensity behind that statement actually stunned the blue-eyed teen slightly.

And he wasn't the only one surprised by this proclamation. Tyene had said these three words before but this one felt far more deeper.

Before it felt like an airy feeling, something genuine that she could say with no sense of reservation but at the thought of losing him… a fear and panic unlike any other seized her.

It made her realize she indeed loved Roxas more than she realized. Not just the proclamations she's made during this trip in the Riverlands.

This blue-eyed, blonde warrior had completely taken hold of her heart and soul and she couldn't fathom her life where he was absent in it.

Some would call it a fairytale dream, a story told to children about dashing knights and lovely princesses. Others would say that she was just young and didn't fully grasp the world, which would make her scoff at such an insinuation.

Her father was Oberyn Martell and if there was one thing he made sure to teach his daughters was that this world could be harsh and cruel to those who were unprepared.

And here she was. Truly unprepared for the mere thought of Roxas one day disappearing in more ways than one.

It was like someone had plunged a bony hand into her chest and grasped her heart and soul tightly, teetering on the edge of ripping both out.

Digesting this more, a phrase flows out of her mouth. "The life we live is strange, but it's also beautiful."

"What?"

"My grunkle told me this before leaving the capital. Just something I never thought on really appreciating… until now." She hiccups a little. "Now I'll never see him again. Then you tell me something like this and I-"

Roxas pulled her in for a hug and she now wept, clinging onto him.

"You can't leave, Roxas." She said again, repeating it in a small ramble, clutching the black cloth of his Organization coat. "You have to stay here, with us. With me."

He hugs her tighter, doing his best to soothe her.

"The power I have may mean absolutely nothing when it truly matters. I hate that I got roped into so much of this." He then pulls her away in order to look at her, taking her hand into his. "But I don't ever regret meeting those I care for. I just wish things could've been better. Life, existence, is not easy and we have to hope for the courage to live a difficult one."

The pair remained in this position in silence for a number of minutes, Tyene slowly calming down with her tears drying up not long after.

"Roxas…?" She quietly spoke up, tilting her head up to look him in the eyes.

"...Yes?"

"Do… Do you love me?" She asks softly. "Love Sansa? Myrcella?"

The question was one that caught him a bit off guard but at the same time…

"I'm…" he paused as he tried to find a true answer. "I'm not sure… I don't know what it means to love someone like that. For the longest time, I didn't even think it was possible for a being like me." He looks into her eyes, and recalls Ventus' words and plea, all before giving an honest response. "But now I want to find out."

That was all she needed to hear. By this point, she already knew what she had long wanted to do with Roxas and now was as good as time as any.

She cups his face, leans in and whispers low enough for him to hear. "Then let me help you."

A kiss soon follows. It being tender and soft. Much passion was behind it, given how much she was expressing her feelings towards him. Before long, he reciprocates which makes her happy.

Breaking away, she looks into his eyes and voices a demand. "Please, Roxas. Don't ever leave us. Don't leave me."

Roxas didn't respond at first until he nodded. "I won't."

That wasn't enough for her. "Promise me."

The Nobody just felt an unusual sensation wash over himself. In an odd way, it felt like history repeated itself. Different people, but the deep desire of the particular situation happened once more.

"...I promise."

They resumed their embrace, kissing once more, but with heat in it.

Before the Nobody knew it, let alone realized it, they were disrobing and discarding their clothing.

It was clumsy for the both of them, Tyene having to work more to get his clothing off compared to her and soon, he found himself only in his black pants and boots whilst Tyene had already removed all her clothing.

This was… certainly a new experience for the Nobody.

His eyes were about to go down when they shot back up into the Sand Snake's eyes. And that appeared to be the wrong move for her.

"Look at me." Tyene suddenly demanded.

He gave her a strange look. "I am looking at you."

She playfully shoved him as she stepped back, arms lowered but slightly angled up as a way of pronouncing her body more. "Look at me, not into my eyes; me."

With the distance between them now, Roxas' breath was caught in his throat.

He had seen her constantly in her nightwear, leaving little to the imagination of what she was like underneath. Those breasts with the stiff nipples, the developing muscles on her arms and legs; especially her thighs. And the sweet, plump little rear…

Such thoughts shifted differently, given he had realized Tyene was naked.

The candlelight from within the room and the unique moonlight coming from the window greatly enhanced the sight before him.

Her slightly tanned olive skin was completely smooth and creamy. There were imperfections from the scars marrying parts of her flesh, but it gave her something unique about her. Her short hair had grown since leaving the capital. Her womanly parts were already blooming, clearly beyond that of a normal girl of her age. Dark and large nipples greeted Roxas' eyes and her taunt breasts were perfectly shaped. Then, of course, was the most sacred area of her body, which was partially seen between her toned legs. Every bit of her body from below her face was hairless, aside from a small patch of hair above her lower lips which had hints of being trimmed some time ago.

Roxas finally breathed, the apparent beating within his chest was getting stronger and faster. His throat felt dry at that moment as his face slowly flushed. And that reaction gave a thrilling sensation up Tyene's spine, her eyes beginning to shine with love and lust.

"Quite the compliment you're giving me." She saunters over in a slow manner. "For a young woman as beautiful as I." She sits down beside him. "Am I not the most beautiful woman you have ever seen?"

His tongue was practically tied, not knowing what to properly say. Though he does have a comeback. "You are one of the most enchanting, courageous and strongest women I've known in my existence."

Her face flushes in turn, but she keeps up the smile. "Enchanting? Why thank you. But you didn't answer my question." She leans in a bit to peck his neck and trailing up his cheek. "A great warrior who has slain countless Heartless and Unversed, one who has a mighty dragon at his beck and call, yet finds himself at the mercy of the most beautiful woman in the world."

"Tyene…" He whispers, trying to focus. However, his thoughts were slowly fogging up. "Why?"

"Why? I told you before, Roxas." She huskily whispers into his ear. "I am yours." She nibbles it slightly. "And I would love to spend a fantastical night with you before our lives change further tomorrow."

"But…" He swallows the lump in his throat. "But what about me being-"

"A Nobody?" She pulls back, her dark eyes boring into his blues. The light reflecting off of her eyes showed a growing desire within them. "I'm a bastard. You're a Nobody. I don't care what you are. I love you just the way you are."

Grasping his hand, she brought it to her naked breast. There he could feel the beat in her chest, once he ignored how soft, smooth and firm her one breast was. Roxas took in a sharp breath, trying to keep this unknown urge boiling in his body under control.

"I am here and I don't want this heart of mine to go out without you." She places a hand on his chest where his heart resides. "Just like yours to die so easily."

Still seated beside him on the bed, Tyene leans in and kisses him first as she breathes softly through her nose, taking in the scent she's grown to love.

Soon enough, Roxas reciprocates once getting an intake of air. Coming back in, he pressed his lips against hers, but this time it was more confident and firm. Roxas ran his hand tenderly from her neck to her cheek, cupping her jawline as he enjoyed the taste of her sweet and luscious lips. This drew a pleasant shiver down her spine.

Without breaking their seamless kiss, Roxas lifted Tyene and placed her on his lap, welcoming her arms around his neck. His arms snaked around her waist and held her close, meshing their bodies together. Slowly, Tyene pushes Roxas onto his back and climbs on top of him, her lips still attacking his. She was pretty much grinding against him by this point, feeling the heat from her netherregions growing. Even smirking when feeling his growing arousal from underneath the pants surrounding his lower half.

The thirst she had now needed to be quenched this night.

She nibbled on his lips until they parted as she snaked her tongue into his mouth, coiling itself with his enthusiastic one. Each moan that escaped their lips fueled Tyene's excitement, especially when his hands began exploring her exposed flesh. His hands caressed her hips down her supple thighs, and her calloused fingers made their way into his hair, combing through his sandy blonde locks as the beats within their chests grew more and more. Nearly regrettably, Tyene broke away from the kiss to breathe. It allowed her love to see her heaving chest as her breasts moved up and down with her rapid pants.

"How do you think of me?" She breathes out, faces flushed.

"You… You feel so sweet."

"Oh?" She bites her lower lip slightly. "Is that all?"

"It's… It's…" His mind was a garbled mess right now.

"It's my first time as well." She tells him, caressing his cheek. "Wanted to save it for a man I desire most in life."

She had been given lessons by her mother in preparation for how to please her bed partner after her first bleeding. She experimented with a few girls back in Dorne, but never with a man. Even having a pact with Arianne -who was surprisingly her first female bedmate- of sharing the same man one day in taking their virtues.

Unfortunately for her cousin, she was going to break it this night without her. Of course, she means to make it up to her in the future; with interest.

"I… I don't know what to do." He says bashfully.

Her smile widens seeing this look of his. It made her more aroused as her Dornish blood grew hotter.

"Don't worry, my love." She pecks him on the lips. "I'll lead and show you."

She wishes she had some moontea on hand, in case of anything. However, it was already too late to back out now. She wanted to feel all of him and then some. And if anything were to happen afterward… well, she knew that it wasn't just from the throes of lust and passion but from love. True love.

Lying on the bed, Tyene spread her legs, allowing him to see her virgin pussy. She gestures for him to follow, rubbing her lower part in anticipation, hoping he understands what to do. If not, well, Dorne didn't have a promiscuous reputation for nothing.

She sees him take off his boots and pants before his underwear covers his lower half. The Dornish girl bites her lip upon seeing his length before beckoning him to come closer as he climbs onto the mattress as well. Grabbing his member, Tyene held a saucy smirk at the shudder she achieved from her lover. Gently, she lined him up and inserted the head into her, before looking back to her face which bore a loving determination.

"Go ahead, I'm ready." Tyene quietly says to Roxas.

He took a breath, pushing his cock into her. Both groaned a little upon experiencing this sensation. How hot, wet and tight Tyene was to how big Roxas was. He slowly penetrated deeper into her tunnel, which was hard to describe before feeling some barrier. He notices her brief look of pain, which has him halt in his path journeying further inside. She told him to pull back before going forward in order to finally penetrate her.

Her hymen, her virginal barrier, broke through Roxas' thrust. She can already imagine her maiden blood trickling down his prick, staining the flesh.

Roxas didn't move at all, not wanting to hurt her after what happened. Tyene merely told him to stay there for about a minute, letting her adjust to him.

Once the pain subsides, she motions him to move. Wasn't long before the remnants of pain gave way to pleasure.

Pistoning in and out of her, Tyene soon combed her fingers through his sandy blonde locks. They began digging into them as this went on.

She clenched her eyes shut as he pulled out a couple of inches and pushed back in further. The pressure bordered on pain at first, as she felt like she was being pushed apart and pinched. Slowly, she relaxed, and as she did so, his slow, gentle thrusts started to reach deeper inside of her. His thrusts became easier to take. Before long, his thrusts began increasing in tempo and strength, having her gasp and rapidly breath.

She begins to moan. "It feels so good."

She wrapped her legs around him in response. She was ensnaring him like a snake, not wanting him to leave.

Time passes between them. Sweat slowly coating their skin as this went on. The pressure bubbling inside of their respective loins was reaching its limit.

"Ty-Tyene, I… I…"

"J-Just ho-hold a little longer." She desperately whispered, clinging onto him as if her life depended on it.

This caused Roxas to increase his thrusts, causing Tyene to lose her breath, gasping from the overwhelming pleasure she was experiencing.

He was hitting her in the right angle and depth, driving her crazy. Her taunt breasts were swinging more as this went beneath her lover. Though they were squashed when he soon laid on her more when he was nearing his first climax.

Tyene reached her peak first, tumbling over and down into a blissful chasm. Her body seized, the shock of ecstasy running her through like a bolt of lightning. She shrieked, clenching at Roxas' firm shoulders in a desperate bid to steady herself, failing spectacularly.

Agonizing, exquisite heat bloomed from her core, her pussy tightening around the rod that skewered it. A moment later, she felt his cock twitch and throb in turn. Roxas hissed through grit teeth, following Tyene over the edge.

She felt him pulse inside her, each jerk sending a shot of warmth straight into her silky depths. She could feel the heat splatter against her insides with his essence. Every shot from his churning balls was even more wonderful than the last. All the while, Tyene wailed in joy. Her first time with a boy- no, man. Not just any man, with Roxas, the man she gave her heart, soul and first time to. The one who made her better than before.

It was -to her- perfect.

They rode out their pleasure together, writhing, trembling through the waves of ecstasy that lit their bodies on fire.

It took the young lovers a full minute to calm down from their intense, special moment. Once her legs weren't locked around him, Roxas pulled out of Tyene, making her mewl in slight discomfort. Her hand reached down to her aching lower lips, feeling his essence slowly pouring out of her. She was shaking even in delight as Roxas lay beside her.

Tyene leaned into a kiss again, this one gentle and sweet instead of steamy and hungry.

She broke the kiss and looked into his eyes. "How… how was it?"

"I… I…" He managed out, voice slightly croaking.

It was hard for Roxas to describe as he experienced his first climax. His mind was hazy from the pleasure he just experienced. However, in the midst of all this, something was clear and seemed to slip right through his mouth.

"I love you."

Tyene practically stilled in placement, looking at Roxas in growing surprise.

"What… did you say?" She whispered in disbelief wanting to make sure she didn't mishear that.

Roxas soon blushes, realizing what he just blurted out.

Not once since being together, with her admitting her feelings first, has he spoken his feelings. Granted her learning he is a Nobody explained a number of things, but it hurt her slightly. However, hearing those three simple, but complex words made up for it dearly.

"I… I love you." Roxas says, squirming slightly. "I… I…"

She looks at him, seeing him being conflicted and confused in a number of ways.

"I needed to tell you how I feel. It's the best I could say it, but-"

He stopped talking as her hand brushed against his cheek. She silences him a bit more, bringing her lips towards his.

The Nobody reciprocates, bringing his one hand up to her cheek to keep their kiss together a bit longer. He almost breaks it out of surprise when he feels her hand caressing his sensitive member. Almost jolting when gripping it and jacking him off agonizingly slowly. He groans in response, earning a giggle from the Dornish girl.

Before long, he ends up breaking the kiss, panting. Roxas opens his eyes, seeing the cheeky look she bore as if she won some competition between them. This soon shifts with what she says next.

"Don't tell me you're already tired." She says with a mockish pout.

"Wha-?"

She giggles, halting what he intended to respond with.

Prying away, she got up from the bed. Him still lying on his back, Tyene straddles his waist. She rubs her lower lips against his slick member before raising herself. Grabbing his privates, she slowly inserts his sword into her sheathe. Both moan and breathe in adjusting themselves.

After some moments, she began to move. Up and down, up and down, Tyene slowly rides him. On occasion, she gyrates her hips for added reaction.

His eyes were firmly on the bounce of Tyene's breasts and of the sultry roll in her every motion. She didn't move without some sort of gesture, like occasionally leaning forward to have her hands on his firm chest and rubbing it to lean back to present more of herself while still connected to her love.

She gasps momentarily when she feels his hands on her breasts. The sensation of him fondling them made her heart beat faster and harder. Difficult to tell which was the more dominant description of her heart rate with her present actions. However, it escalated a bit more when she leaned forward to give her love more access, as she gasped when she felt his lips on her nipples, suckling and nibbling on them. How he dutifully worshiped them got her more on edge now.

The unhesitating passion that came on stronger without much sense of restraint or hesitation. It was just the pleasure of them expressing their feelings towards each other. How steadily the rising excitement and passion weren't fought back. Roxas most certainly didn't as he writhed happily beneath her, his member throbbing excitedly in the embrace of her warm womanhood.

"I-I'm g-gonna-" He groans, a twisting mess growing needier and hotter by the second. He tried to hold back, wanting to keep on feeling the delectable sensation, but Tyene began to move faster and harder in order to make him cum. A frenzied passion rose within the Dornish girl as her own climax was beginning to be unleashed.

He erupted his essence inside her hungry pussy like almost no other pleasure in the world could. She moans as the tingles of her climax happened shortly after. Her one hand rubbed her belly where she felt his warmth entering further inside. Yet she kept riding him to prolong the settling of the climax while her body buckled and she heaved.

It wasn't long before things changed.

"Oh, gods, fuck me, Roxas!"

"Tyene!"

"Oh, fuck me… oh yes… oh fuck, fuck, FUCK!" She screamed out, her entire body shaking with every thrust.

At this point, they were in the traditional style with her on her hands and knees while he took her from behind. They grunted and heaved all while Roxas was hammering into her. The continued sounds of flesh slapping flesh emanate in the room with the wet sounds coming from their joining in the mix. His movements were unrelenting, throwing everything into each thrust.

"So fucking good~," she babbled, gripping the sheets in front of her for dear life, drool lightly coming out of her. "R-Roxas~! I'm going to… going to… !"

She shrieked as her cunt spasmed around his length.

Her mind was whirling with how great he was. Roxas did not lack in stamina and it appeared he had no intention of finishing anytime soon. Until then, Tyene mildly wondered when she'd become a babbling mess.

She grabbed the wooden frame of the bed to prop herself back up for more support, slipping a few times due to her arms trembling.

He grabbed her hips more firmly and started fucking her harder and faster, mesmerized by how her as rippled every time his hips hit it.

"Oh gods! Oh gods! OH FUCKING GODS!" The Sand Snake threw her head back, eyes almost rolling back before it dropped again.

Tyene's scream echoed through the room as she was coming undone. Roxas groaned at the sensation of her suddenly vice-tight tunnel spasming along his length. She ended up letting go of the headboard in response, lacking the momentary strength to hold herself up after her latest orgasm.

The Snake momentarily wondered if he was done. However, that wasn't the case as Roxas hasn't released his essence quite yet.

Pulling her up, Roxas hugged her body from behind as he practically devoured her neck with kisses and nipping. He ravaged her with anything that came to mind.

"R-Roxas~" She moans in delight, her hands reaching back shakily running through his hair.

Shortly after changing to a standing position, Tyene leans against the nearby wall for support as Roxas resumes taking her from behind.

"Oh gods!" Her breasts meshed against the cool wall, thrusts shook her body, and burned her loins. "It feels so good~!"

The Nobody had cum some time ago but kept on going. Losing track of how many times so far. Him not getting enough out of the Dornish girl who earned a place in his "heart". There was a raging fire within him right now that had consumed his entire being and Tyene was taking all of it.

Not that she was complaining.

He pulled out of her, making her moan momentarily before he flipped her around and pushed her back against the wall. He fumbled slightly to reinsert himself back into her quivering womanhood. The heat was welcoming and truly inviting with its velvety viceness.

Her legs were quivering in pleasure. She didn't know how long she could stand without falling over. Soon an idea popped into her mind to relieve some of this burden. She curls one leg around his waist before the other joins soon after as he was now carrying her weight while locking him in place.

She cried and moaned out in ecstasy. Her smile became infectious to him in a way, given he was focusing more on the pleasure he was giving and receiving.

They changed spots, more or less. His back was against the wall now while hers was more free towards the rest of the room. Her hands gripped the back of his neck as she leaned back as he kept thrusting into her. They were joined, practically hanging by their bellies like two sparrows. She seemed to be tighter around him as she moans out her passionate grunts.

"You're... so good at this~" Tyene gasped, shuddering as she came once more.

"I'm... really not..." Roxas concedes as he forces himself into a calmer pace.

"So you say" She panted out. "But... at least... you can only get better... with practice~ practice~ practice~" Tyene purred all so sweetly. "Keep satisfying me... and I might show Sansa and Myrcella the ropes, just so they can experience this feeling~"

Roxas stiffens... in more ways than one.

"Oh? That excited you, didn't it~?" Tyene smiled, feeling him harden further inside of her. She laughed at his expense. "Oh, you naughty Nobody~~" She cooed, moving once more to get some groans out of him as they went into another round.

Tyene honestly couldn't wait to have the Stark girl and the uncrowned Queen of the Seven Kingdoms join their bed. And it'll take some convincing to have Roxas take Arianne as well. Such a tantalizing sight that would be.

Such thoughts were shoved aside -for now- as she focused on their pleasure.

He brought her back onto the bed as he kept rutting inside of her. Them kissing all the while as their fingers were interlocked with each other. An unknown amount of time between them of skin sliding against skin, flesh slapping against flesh, bodies grinding together in fervent pleasure. They cried out each other's names before they climaxed one last time for the night.

Both were really sweating, chests heaving and eyes not breaking from each other. They were lost in each other's gazes before kissing each other once more.

Wordlessly, Roxas brings the covers over themselves so they can keep the warmth between them in the room. Their eyes grow heavy as exhaustion takes hold of them and succumb to slumber.

-Morning-

He could feel the company's eyes all on him. More so than yesterday as Bahamut was perched on his shoulder and Chocho by his side.

Beric and Thoros in particular appeared especially mischievous.

"Had a good night's rest?" The former candidly asked.

"I did." Was his honest response.

"Hopefully you rested well enough." The latter tacked on, one of the largest shit-eating grins Roxas had ever seen.

This off-put the teen. "I have."

"Most certainly would after what happened." Thoros tacked on, a glimmer in his eyes that wasn't unsettling just… well, Roxas was really weirded out right about now.

Waking up this morning felt different than previous ones. Those were mostly mixed of either being indifferent, stressful, relaxed and so forth. This morning, however, was something else.

Roxas knew what would be happening today. Normally such things would greatly trouble him with so much weighing on his mind. Yet he had most of it relieved, making his mind feel clearer and his consciousness feels lighter.

It also helped when waking up, Roxas smiled when seeing Tyene sleep. How affectionately she was snuggled with him before waking up with barely contained glee. Like how their worries were nonexistent outside of the one room and they were in bliss.

Everything seemed relatively right in the world.

However…

Reality had to seep back into them. Of what transpired and what they'll be facing soon enough.

"Are you feeling well, Roxas?" Beric inquired with a light tone.

No. XIII's brow was raised at that but he found himself answering honestly all the same.

"I mean… yeah? I feel alright."

"Good, I'd wager?" Dondarrion pressed on, Thoros appearing to be reaching a breaking point. "Had a good night's rest?"

They were really starting to weird him out right now. Repeating the same questions as asked earlier, for some reason.

Regardless.

"Yes," He slowly answered. "I said this before and I'll say it again. I slept well last night."

It was then did the metaphorical damn Thoros had been holding back finally broke free.

"Of course he would, why wouldn't he?" The Red Priest bellowed out with a laugh, roughly slapping the teen on the back. "Our boy became a man."

"...Huh?"

"And it's not a stretch to determine that Tyene can be considered… a woman fully bloomed and grown." Beric said in amused mirth.

"Oh, of that, there is no doubt." Thoros said, his manic grin seemingly becoming even more mischievous somehow. "Mayhaps we should be speaking with her."

"There wouldn't be any fun with that, my friend." Beric said, eyes twinkling in amusement. "After all, her being Dornish, not much of a challenge there, is it?"

"True, very true." Thoros chuckled, scratching his beard. "She let us know her own way last night."

It was then that the pieces slowly began to fall into place. At the mention of Tyene, last night and the Dornish bit… Roxas' eyes began to widen with steam rising from his head.

"Wait… wait… You… did you… you heard us?" He squeaks out.

"Roxas, I think the inn and most of the nearby tents heard you," Beric stated, trying to sound sympathetic but coming out as anything but.

If it was physically possible, Roxas would be both blushing and paling right about now.

This would… honestly explain the blushing, quiet actions one female inn worker had when she made their bath. Roxas was pretty much oblivious to all this but saw Tyene's look making him think she had something funny on her mind.

Of course, she quickly distracted him and all but avoided answering such questions when Tyene brought him into sharing the bath and having what she called a "quickie" before setting out for what was to come today.

"Oh… Oh GOD." Roxas slammed his forehead down on the table and Thoros burst out laughing, placing a hand on the teen's shoulder and roughly shaking it.

"Come on, Roxas, what's there to be embarrassed about?" The Red Priest teased. "You're a fully grown man now and even more desirable than ever. Every lady here can no longer deny their curiosity after your showing last night."

Roxas released the loudest groan he had ever produced, making Thoros guffaw and Beric chuckle, the lightning lord patting the blond's back.

"Don't touch me." The blue-eyed Nobody rebuked, only causing further laughter from the two adults.

"You should probably find your lady love, my prince." Thoros said, a Cheshire grin in place. "She's Dornish, remember? Not one to withhold such escapades-"

Roxas abruptly stood up and left the pair, the Red Priest bursting out laughing, slapping the table several times whilst Beric released a small sigh but laughed all the same.

Roxas pretty much hunted down the Dornish girl with Bahamut fluttering behind and Chocho trotting beside him.

By the time he found her, he saw a scene play out.

Tyene was literally glowing. She was giggling like a bashful maiden as a number of her fellow Dornish women who were in their company were practically gossiping now.

"How big was he?"

"How long did he last?"

"We heard you were up all night."

"By the Gods, is he truly blessed by Mother Rhoyne, the Old Gods and New?"

"You two broke the bed?"

"And the wall?"

"And what's this I hear about cracks in the ceiling?"

Roxas' eye twitched with annoyance. "Tyene, none of those three things happened last night." He says once close enough.

Tyene whirls around, wearing a Cheshire smirk. "It felt like it after what you did."

He emanates a groan from his throat. "You are incorrigible."

She bounded over to him and wrapped herself around him, both her arms and a leg. She all but grinded against him. "As all good Dornish women are," Tyene whispered into his ear before playfully biting it. "More so towards the ones we love the most."

"I really don't know if you truly are your father's daughter."

"And my mother's, don't forget that." She cheekily said, taking no offense to that comparison at all. "Though I am more selective on who I take to my bed and only people I like. They, however, take anyone and anything to their bed." Tyene pecks him on the lips as she giggles. "Oh, they and the rest of our family would be so happy if they witnessed this. Not only me being a Keybearer, but also claiming you."

"Claiming me?" Roxas retorted with a raised brow. "Does you nearly passing out a few times last night count as you "claiming me"?"

Tyene only giggled in response, feeling herself heat up with excitement at the mere thought of last night, her face flushing at the memories.

"It's my favorite kind." She sensually whispered, making Roxas really dive in deep for whatever restraint he could find at this time.

After last night, there was a beast that had now been unleashed and threatened to overtake the greater Nobody every time Tyene was in proximity to him. It was now gonna be a herculean effort to not succumb to such desires around her.

And the lingering thoughts of what she planned to do later…

Thankfully, those damnable whispers and giggles from the other Dornish women helped reign him in.

"Tyene," He almost whined. "Do you need to do it in front of your friends?"

"Why not? They need to know whose man this is." Was her husky response, nibbling on his ear. "Especially with who this belongs to." She adds in, cupping his privates.

That almost broke him. He almost wanted to throw her over his shoulder and run to the nearest bedroom, this time making sure to soundproof it with his magic if needed.

But damned if he wasn't resilient. Yet the teasing can only push him so far until the breaking point.

"Come on Tyene, you know we can't right now." He grunted, prying her hand away from his nether regions. "We have a job to do."

She playfully pouts as she relents. "Fine. But afterwards," she smiles once more with a lick of her lips, "I want to celebrate in more ways than you can imagine."

"Tyene, no!"

"Tyene, yes!"

For some odd reason, it was like he was Sypha while Tyene was Trevor.

In Wallachia, Alucard shuddered in utter disturbance in his castle. And elsewhere in said world, Sypha suddenly smacks Trevor across the head for some apparent reason.

In another world, a particular green-eyed redhead had the odd feeling he was missing something rather important and was utterly annoyed to have missed it.

In Essos, Xion had the sudden urge to protect her dear friend. Which was strange, given their present location and not knowing of details beyond the one continent. Thus all she assumed was Dany and nothing more. Still… there was a possessiveness that came with that protectiveness.

At the Westerosi capital, Sansa and Myrcella suddenly felt annoyed and wanted to harm someone. For some reason, they felt like it had something to do with Roxas and missing some great opportunity. Nevertheless, they had each other to have some form of happiness in their dire time of need.

"Tyene…" Roxas placed both hands on her shoulder, lightly pushing her back. "We've got serious business to do today. Not…" he grits his teeth, looking away momentarily at the sensual expression she is giving him right now. "Not now."

She releases an exaggerated sigh. "Fine. Spoil my fun, why don't ya." With a playful huff, she leaves with some laughs coming from the Dornish nearby.

All Roxas could do was smack his head onto a nearby pillar's surface with a following groan.

"So…" Roxas turned to see Cloud Strife leaning against a wall, arms crossed with a mirthful and understanding smile on his face. It looked unsettling to see from him of all people. "Is today making fun of Roxas Day? Or did I miss the memo?"

Roxas grumbled, looking away from the swordsman. The man let out a rare chuckle, pushing himself off the wall to go over and place a sympathetic hand on the teen's shoulder.

"Trust me, this will be as bad as it gets." Strife remarked assuredly. "Ya just gotta push through the bullshit. But if you let them keep at it then… don't expect it to end any time soon."

Roxas looked up at his friend with a confused look.

"You sound like you had a similar experience."

Cloud coughed into his fist, looking away from his fellow blond. "Tifa was… something… after our first time. She managed to calm down over time… but she still has her moments. God knows how she'll be when we see each other again."

Roxas was surprised to hear this but he was strangely reassured. And not at the same time. Kingdom Hearts knows how long Tyene will act like this. And if she's anything like her father and mother…

And that doesn't include what Tyene shoved into his head last night and this morning with-

'Nope. Nope! Can't think about that now.' Roxas furiously thought.

"Yeah, just like I was when it started." Cloud commented understandingly, easily picking up on Roxas' thought process. "It's the worst, isn't it?"

Roxas felt like a depressed child with the look he gave Cloud and the man released an exasperated sigh, though not directed at him.

"Don't worry, just don't dwell on it. Otherwise, other people will lord it over you till the moogles come home."

No. XIII hung his head, knowing this was likely the truth considering that it was Cloud of all people giving him this advice.

A thought then crossed his mind.

"Do you… miss her?" Roxas quietly asked.

Cloud stared at him in slight surprise and released a small 'tch', giving the Nobody a pointed look. "Course I do. Her and the others."

"Don't worry, you'll see them again… well… being with them."

"Hopefully soon." Cloud shook his head. "No need to distract each other with that. God knows how much Tyene is gonna do with you."

"Don't remind me."

Once eating the morning meal, Roxas finished getting ready and awaited for the others outside of the Inn. One by one, they all gathered.

Before him were the party of roughly 100 people who came with him on the quest to hunt down Vanitas. Not everyone was originally there from the beginning. Some were no longer there or staying behind, even those who were essentially camp followers to people who would essentially "drag them behind". Others were added on during their travels through the Riverlands.

These people here, either conscripted or volunteered, will risk their lives for what's to come.

Opening the container filled with the Carpathian Mirror shards from Castle Dracula, the pieces flew out and floated in the air. They formed a large wall that glinted in the morning light.

There was quite the amount of amazement coming off from the individuals witnessing this.

"What we're about to undergo will result in a great change in Westeros," Roxas spoke out to the assembled mass of fighters, soldiers, archers, etc. "The plan is simple: rescue Ned Stark, and his daughters. Protecting them and Myrcella Baratheon. They are the top priority. We are to infiltrate the city, meet up with the lingering Northerner and Dornish forces and make our way to the Red Keep and liberate the four of them."

Approaching the central area, Roxas traced his fingers on the surface to write out a litany of runes with a particular location in mind. Before long, the image of the outskirts of Kings Landing appeared.

"There is no accurate way of knowing what a ruler thinks or acts, even if you have known them for a good portion of your life to merely a sliver of it. Sometimes it's hard to understand. I certainly am amongst such people. But I do know one thing, we're soldiers and we must know what we are fighting for. I don't want to fight for a man or a woman who sits on a throne made of swords. I want to fight for and defend the innocent, the unjust, and for preserving their lives from an untimely end."

Before long, the people joining Roxas on this mission moved forward as they soon approached the large Carpathian Mirror with various levels of hesitation. One by one, they began making contact with the enchanted mirror and disappeared from the Riverlands and reappeared in the Crownlands with no issues at all; whether they be on foot or on horseback.

Tyene joined the masses with Beric and Thoros soon after on the rest of their original company and then some since the beginning of their journey once departing the capital. Now they'll make their return to finish things in a different matter entirely.

With the last person stepping through, Roxas had the shards return to the container before he summoned a Samurai and handed it over. It disappeared soon after, with the task of returning it to Alucard.

Before long, Roxas opened up a Dark Corridor. Drawing up his hood, he made sure little Bahamut stayed tucked away on his person before walking through it where it disappeared soon after.

-End Chapter-

AN:

This took longer to upload than I would've thought. Mostly due to the amount of content I was putting into this. May not be perfect, but it's the best that could be done on this. Sure I can already tell some complaints will be coming soon of saying chapter has too much exposition or something of the like. Well, sorry, but that's sadly a thing with the two series that we hold extensive knowledge over.

So close to finishing off Season/Book 1 that it's ridiculous. So long it took to make it happen. Hopefully the next season/book events I'll cover will be done quicker than the long drag than what happened in the past year for obvious reasons.

Now I'll need to clarify this to everyone, Tyene's Keyblade isn't Ventus' from KHUX. There are just multiple copies of that particular Keyblade just like many others. I kept getting reviews on this and was annoyed by that. I mean just watch a lot of the cutscenes of both KHUX and Birth by Sleep to see what I mean.

Also we have a new cover image for the story. Credit for it goes to Carlos M on Deviantart where Free Man Writer commissioned him for it.

FMW: Yeah, we finally got the first art piece done for this story and we have a lot more on the way. Long overdue really. Like this chapter, as Jeb said earlier. Took way longer to write than initially anticipated but by god, we finally got it done. We were so busy on Infinite Wars and Age of Remnant occasionally, we neglected our KH crossovers but now, we can resume focus on them since we've entered into a hiatus with Infinite Wars, plus, we're still in the process of mapping out Age of Remnant. Key Of Dream and I'm Nobody also still need work done but we hope, with our collective knowledge and synergy, we can get a few more chapters out sooner than later.

Asides from this, it's Christmas Day. Possibly my last chapter I'll upload for the year. So I wish you all Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.

FMW: What he said above, Christmas, New Years and all that good holiday cheer. Let's hope 2024 is as productive with multiple stories than being limited to just one.

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

R&R