I am officially the biggest fucking over-achiever ever.
This chapter was NOT supposed to be this fucking Long
Oh my fucking god
(And even then, I feel like the whole chapter feels rushed but I like what I put into it)
Weird (?)

As a side note; More stuff about Mayra will be revealed this chapter
(What it is shouldn't be a surprise. I'm absolutely certain some of you came to the conclusion she had it too)
Oh yeah, and the re-entry of those OC's from Asshai and the introduction of Daenerys Targaryen
(Who'll be in every chapter from this point on)

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Game of Thrones

Chapter 31: The Aftermath Pt. 1

Fight back you cowards!

Run!

Where are you going?!

Lannisters and Tyrells have appeared, Your Grace!

It doesn't matter! Fight back!

Your Grace, there are too many!

Don't run!

Back to the Bay!

Stop running!

Retreat!

Stand and fight, you Curs!

Please, Your Grace! We have to leave now!

Let go of me, you dishonorable bastard!

Let me go!

A sea of banners waved in the cool winds of the early morn. The wondrous dawn broke across the horizon, shattering the somber night. Like the waves of the bay itself, the winter winds had flown through; the heat of the night before having disappeared. He watched the ships of the Reach float back and forth through the bay. Silence had befallen the prince. While the Wildfire had finally run out of fuel, the bay was still smoking from the soft glowing embers of the shredded ship hulls. Across the field, Silent Sisters and Maesters sped from coast to coast and along the beach, working on the wounded and preparing the dead.

Carts were loaded, pulled along, sloshing against the still murky waters. The stench was growing leaving a sickening taste upon Naruto's tongue. He scowled, sapphire blue eyes trailing along the horizon. While the men of House Lannister and Joffrey's personal company cheered through the victorious night, the men of Fox Company went straight to work, cleaning and repairing the damage done to the defenses of the city.

Let them cheer and feast for now. Naruto thought to himself. Our time will come soon enough, and when it does…I promise you…friends and family within Fox Company; we'll have more than enough time to celebrate our victories.

"Naruto." Bran's voice came from his side.

The prince turned to his fellow prince, surprised to see the Stark staring off with aimless direction. "What is it, Bran?"

"Don't act so surprised…we won…" He said with a near whisper. "I honestly…I didn't think we would survive this. I thought…"

He looked down, brown eyes watering. Gloves creased and chaffed against the upper limb of his bow. Bran gritted his teeth, clearly at odds with what he wanted to say. After what seemed like an eternity of self-debate and conflict, the Stark looked up to the man he saw as his brother.

"I thought we were going to die, Naruto." Bran sighed. "I thought that after everything we have done, after all the trials and the battles and the victories…I thought last night…would be our last night…"

His eyes trailed back to the bay, watching the great cogs and war galleys sizzle and crack beneath the remnants of the great Wildfire hailstorm he'd unleashed. Bran shuddered, ringing screams and great painful echoes came like songs within his tired mind. His breath grew heavy as the bay slowly caught fire before him. He could see them running for cover, clawing at their flesh as it slowly melted from their bodies. They were chaotic, fearful…dead men. Before him, pots of Wildfire fell from the sky, crashing upon the shores of the bay, spreading across the beach. His breath hitched, feeling cold winds instead of the searing heat of the night before.

He'd lost his voice.

Naruto looked at his squire with a worried expression. "Bran? Are you alright?"

The Stark didn't answer.

"Bran. Answer me…you're beginning to worry-?"

The young squire snapped straight and turned to face his friend. "I'm fine, Naruto…I just…need some time to process everything…"

Like he'd been trying to remind himself, the Battle of the Blackwater was over. No more Wildfire. No more ships. No more death. His eyes were wide, dry and fixated upon the glowing embers of the shipwrecks. Corpses floated upon the surface, bearing burns and melted breastplates. Swords, spears and axes washed upon the stony and sandy shore of the bay, ringing softly against the solemn morning. Taking a deep breath, the Stark bowed his head at the prince and quickly dismissed himself.

Naruto had a burning feeling within his stomach. Something was wrong with Bran, something that needed to be rectified or else…the prince felt there would be too many problems in the future. He ran his hand against the stone merlon, sliding dust and small pebbles from the surface.

"We won." He sighed. "We fucking won."

Naruto sat before his grandfather in the Tower of the Hand. Even before the official induction of the old Lannister, Tywin settled himself in, immediately getting to work. Stacks of papers, laws and edicts were created and the old man only seemed to working extra. Now without armor or trails of blood spread across his face, he was clean shaven and focused on the task before him. Naruto didn't dare ask where his Uncle Tyrion had disappeared to and stayed silent before the Lion of Lannister, hoping not to incur the wrath his Grandfather was known for.

Silence stayed, hovering above the two like a powerful fog. Sapphire blues watched the emerald green eyes laced with glimmering flakes of gold, trace left and right, following his rushing hand and ink slicked quill. Each scratch and pull against the paper sent shivers and cold rushes throughout Naruto's body. While men in armor with greatswords and war hammers were terrifying, actually meeting his Grandfather in this setting made him rife with a sudden fear he had forgotten he had festering within. He watched the man continue writing, dabbing the pen tip of the quill into an ink bottle.

Across the desk, a candle rested beneath a small pan. Naruto quickly surmised the brass pan held melted wax for seals to press. Naruto couldn't imagine having to do this much paperwork; it looked painfully tedious. If only Grandfather could use Shadow Clones…I'm certain he could get the job done sooner. Suddenly, the old man grabbed a powder, dashing it across the letter he had just finished, bringing it to his lips. With a quick blow, the dust had fled and in its wake, the ink had dried and was ready to be folded and transported.

"Your silence is beginning to bore me." Lord Tywin suddenly spoke.

Naruto swallowed the lump in his throat. "Sorry, Grandfather…I just didn't know what to say-"

"You can start by explaining the arrival of the Tyrells." Tywin said, eyes still planted on the letter. He folded it thrice and reached for the melted wax. "I understand that with the death of the naïve fool, Renly, the Tyrells had no reason to stay enemies…I'm certain with some explanation this whole situation would sit better with my stomach. Why and how did you come by securing their loyalty?"

"W-Well…" The man looked up to Naruto, green eyes glimmering with a deep loathing. "I…"

"Are you going to stutter or should I give you ample time to spit it out like you're some court fool?" The old man said with a deep baritone. When Naruto nodded softly and cleared his throat, the Lannister's eyes dropped to a new sheet of paper and immediately began to write. "Go on. You're a Lannister, not a bumbling drunk like your father."

"When I was captured by Renly, I came to acquire lasting connections with certain lords and ladies among his ranks." Naruto managed to say through half gritted teeth. "Among them, Ser Loras Tyrell and Lady Margaery Tyrell, both of which have proven useful and invaluable to my successes recently."

"Do you think you can you trust the Tyrells?" Tywin asked, lowering his quill for a moment.

Naruto raised a brow at the old man. "I do, without question. They'd risked their lives-"

"Then you might be just as stupid as I feared you would be." The Lannister shook his head. Naruto deflated. "My spies say Margaery only wants to be Queen and Loras Tyrell will only stay until he gets to kill Stannis Baratheon. As far as that goes…will you still trust that they'll keep their trustworthy demeanor once they've accomplished their goals?"

"You don't know the things I do-"

"Then elaborate." Tywin placed the quill upon the desk. With an amused look upon his face, he leaned into his seat with arms crossed over his chest. When he was met with silence, Tywin once more shook his head and raised his feather quill once more. "Let me make this clear to you; you're in no position make alliances behind my back. As far as I am concerned, you're simply a great fighter of renowned skill and knowledge, not the crowned prince or king. If you ever make false claims and send me desperate requests that pull me back from a campaign that took months of planning that could have killed that Stark boy, again I will see to it that you wake up in the dungeons."

"We are fighting a war." Tywin reminded. "You had the defenses of King's Landing at your full command and yet you still deemed it necessary to call me back from the fronts. The blasted Young Wolf was in my grasp and yet you pleaded and begged me to return. You wasted my time, especially since you already had the power of the Reach. Look out the windows; Reach levies and men-at-arms present are more than enough to garrison the city and still have more left in reserve. Imagine if you'd simply let them come to fight off the Dragonstone assault without me."

Naruto looked down, biting his lip in frustration. "It was a tactical decision that I had to make just in case."

"It was a wasteful expense of resources and manpower." Tywin glared. "And know that I will never come to save your skin again."

"W-What?" Naruto gave the man a look of surprise. "What the hell are you talking about?! I stayed and defended the city with all I could give! Did you not see what I had done to the bay? Even beneath a storm of Wildfire the men of Dragonstone were not deterred-!"

"What happened, what could have happened is of no consequence." Tywin spoke with a heavy, yet even tone, giving Naruto a petrifying gaze. "I did not ask about your strategy, nor do I have the patience to hear the whining tone you've begun to bear. I will not stay here long for I still have a war to fight. Your Uncle Tyrion will continue as Hand of the King until I vanquish that Stark child. You are to stay and defend the city-"

"Like I already am?" Naruto crossed his arms.

"Silence." Tywin growled. Naruto's mouth dried. "I was not finished. You will continue defending the city but in the wake of your victory, despite how you've managed to waste mine and my vassal's time, you will be Joffrey's Lord of War and sit on his small council, now instead of going behind my back, you will be able to make these decisions on your own. Joffrey, the fool knows nothing of warfare judging by his crushing defeat in Crackclaw Point. While I commend him for creating the Royal Army, his abilities to distribute supplies and resources or creating dependable formations and tactics, are woefully lacking."

"What you are lacking in political tact, Naruto, you make up for with military know-how." Tywin commended suddenly taking an entirely new tone. "Now that I will be leaving the defense and much of the Royal Army to you, I expect you seek lessons from the worm Lord Baelish or the sniveling snake, Lord Varys. Neither of which are trustworthy, but they will teach you to understand the political game better than anyone else. Now you are dismissed. The king awaits you in the Throne Room and take this."

The boy rose to his feet, staring at the newly sealed roll of paper. "What's in it? If I may know."

"A Royal Edict explaining the extended tenure of your Uncle Tyrion as acting Hand of the King in my stead." Tywin sighed. "Having survived the Blackwater, he is beginning to prove himself more than useful. Now go. You've been dismissed."

"And one more thing, Naruto." Tywin frowned. "It takes more than shortening the list of traitorous lords to make you a player in the game of thrones, as a word of advice. But good work, nonetheless."

"..Nullified and void…"

Such words had never sounded so beautiful to the redheaded Stark girl. She wore a beautiful, yet simple gold dress and held her hair up in a similar fashion as the lady of House Tyrell. The Stark felt sour and almost terrible for thanking the gods that the Tyrell woman offered herself up to Joffrey. Beside her, Mayra Waters stood, dressed just as eloquently, all the while holding her knives and blades at the ready. The brunette was all too certain that even with their victory, events were rolling along too smoothly for comfort. Mayra worried for her Stark lover and for the safety of her friends. Most of all, what worried her the most, she couldn't point Naruto out anywhere.

Joffrey smiled cheekily, garnering a few cries of praise from the ladies of the court and a sundering applause that echoed all too redundantly throughout the confines of the Throne Room. She could see it as clear as day that the Tyrells were trying to get close to the king, but no one would dare call the heroes of the battle out on their honeypot. Mayra smirked, crossing her arms beneath her bust, eyes examining the men and women present within the room. A true turn of events these last few days had been, more so the night before.

While she saw little action in fighting the invading Dragonstone force, she could see and feel the flames and heat of the Wildfire. The night had turned to day in those moments and the winter had disappeared with the shadow. Mayra was impressed and intrigued all the same. With power like this at their disposal, she was certain that her prince would attract more attention from across the Narrow Sea. Frustration grew within her as she clenched her fists, fighting back the growing scowl. Watching the Baratheon bastard king act like he was the true hero of the battle, she was finding it difficult to not explode on the spot.

Lady, sensing her discomfort, pawed her leg with a dopey look on her face. The direwolf was happy and seemed ecstatic, relieving the Waters of her thoughts. She bend down, scratching the wolf's ear, gaining Sansa's attention finally.

"I told you Lady could help." Sansa smirked.

"Now, now. I wasn't the one who doubted this marvelous pup's ability." Mayra cooed at the wolf. "What a fine warrior she was."

Sansa blushed at the compliment. "I've been training her well, is all…"

"Now bring forth Brandon Stark and Podrick Payne." Joffrey called out after silencing the crowd within the room.

"What does he want with Bran?" Sansa asked worriedly.

"Who knows…?" Mayra subconsciously rested her hand on a knife. "We should wait this one out before reacting."

From the built orange block formation, stepped the rather tall fourteen year old, Brandon Stark of House Stark. He stood proud, garnering a few shouts of approval from his peers and comrade within Fox Company. From what Mayra could tell, the young Stark was struggling to keep his smirk from splitting across his face. It was then that it came rushing at her like a thousand hammers. He was getting promoted to the rank of knight! At his age, that was something unexpected. Mayra suddenly felt the smile growing on her own face. Looking over, it seemed that while Sansa was still on the ropes, she came to the same conclusion.

Their faces and cheeks ached and threatened to split their faces in two. Bran deserved this victory. The Starks deserved the victory. Even when the king fought a war against the Starks, they had a guardian angel that knew to give credit where credit was due. Mayra could see his face already feeling elation rush over her body. At the base of the Iron Throne, Bran and Pod knelt before the king, their heads lowered in respectful reverence. While Bran obviously felt no allegiance to the current king, out of respect for the prince he swore his life to, the Stark deigned from making a scene.

Joffrey drew his sword, resting the length of the blade upon Bran's left shoulder before bringing it over to rest upon his right. Taking a step over, he did the same to Pod, nodding and sheathing his blade. "Now rise, Ser Brandon Stark of Fox Company and you, Ser Podrick Payne of House Lannister. As per request, Ser Brandon, you will ride at Prince Naruto's side as his personal aide and companion. Also, as per request, Ser Podrick, you will accompany my Uncle, Lord Tyrion on his journey home to Casterly Rock."

Before the two newly inducted knights could make a move, the great doors of the Throne Room shot open, revealing none other than the missing piece to the party. Like a scene from the tall tales of the Age of Heroes, upon a black steed bearing an armor of orange hue sat the prince himself. Wearing a great black sash over his orange colored Lannister armor, the blond prince looked fierce and menacing all the same. He carried with him a powerful aura and a sense of leadership that only those of Fox Company were graced to feel on a daily basis.

Ser Loras, along with his sister and brother, nodded their heads at the blond. The Tyrell trio received respectful bows in return. Behind the prince, Ser Delran rode upon a standard armored destrier bearing a great orange cloth garb. Next to him, Lady Taerina rode upon the large Tiger known as Lady Soresha with her custom arakh and scimitar clanging at her sides. Behind them, the Summer Islander respectfully known as Prince Jalabhar Xho rode his own mount, with his left leg in bandages. Behind him, covering the rear, the five Hedge Knights who were beyond deserving of proper titles, rode with smiles upon their faces.

"Your Grace." The eight spoke together as their heads dipped in respect.

With synchronization of envious proportions, the men and woman dismounted and landed together in perfect unison. Ser Delran and Jalabhar grabbed Brand and gave him a series of congratulations and praise all the while, the prince took to the steps of the Iron Throne. He smiled, nodding at his brother, all the while handing him the letter.

"What's this?" Joffrey asked confused.

"Open it and read it, why don't you." Naruto crossed his arms over his chest. "The seal is unbroken for a reason."

The king tore the seal, haphazardly unfurling the parchment. Green eyes scanned over each word and sentence. Within seconds, he handed the Baratheon the paper and almost seemed…relieved. He took a deep breath and headed back towards the Iron Throne.

"I've received new information. Ser Podrick…it seems you'll be staying in King's Landing for a while longer. My uncle Tyrion will continue to be the Hand of the King in my grandfather's stead." He returned to the fore. "From this day forth, I name my brother, the leader of Fox Company and the mind behind the defense of our city, my Lord of War and he shall sit on my small council. Lord Mace Tyrell…with the absence of my uncle Stannis, you will be my Lord of Ships and command the Royal Fleet. Now. Lord Baelish, Lord Varys…lead the new small councilmen to the chambers."

"As of now; this meeting is adjourned." Joffrey smiled at the gathered men and sauntered away.

Two weeks later…

Naruto watched the other councilmen, eyes planted on each and every one; even going so far as to examine his uncle. Mind numbing and honestly repetitive, the Baratheon was wary of speaking too soon or too late. Each moment was a precious tool that had to be used at the right moment. Sadly, even with two entire weeks of inane and mundane actions of signing off requisition and going over strategies with his Uncle to further the push against the remainder of the Dragonstone resistance still loyal to Stannis Baratheon, he hadn't learned a single thing about his fellow councilmen.

While it was obvious as the light of day that the Lord Tyrell was a bit too far on the side of being a fool, the others were veterans in this game. Lord Baelish was a worm…no, more of a snake. Naruto could see it in the man's dark eyes. He spoke like poison with each syllable that left his lips. He was conniving and Naruto was beginning to sense something else was afoot with the man, but he just didn't have the proof or spies to counter the Master of Coin. Naruto twitched slightly, thinking of the man's position on the Small Council.

Despite being the simple treasurer of some sort, he still manages to keep the kingdom in debt and somehow pays for the extensive spy network he has at his disposal. From what Mayra was able to tell him of both Varys' and Baelish's networks, they spanned beyond King's Landing and the city's courts but even as far as Meereen in Slavers bay and from Mayra, there were a few that made it as far as the Saffron Strait on the banks of Asshai. How the two managed to amass such a network was beyond him, but it was admirable beyond recognition.

Both were old, but neither seemed as old as Lord Arryn before his death. Despite the old man's resilience, he was beginning to show his age and it wasn't pretty. Baelish in Naruto's eyes looked to be no more than in his late thirties. Varys in his mid-forties, no more, no less. But somehow in their time, a Eunuch and a lesser noble, have become two of the most powerful men in Westeros. How Naruto was supposed to learn from them had him in a bind. Baelish could scarcely meet him eye to eye without looking away with that mocking smirk on his face and Varys would barely acknowledge him and his existence, only for information to relay to Mayra.

Naruto stared across the table, eyeing the Grand Maester. He was released from prison when Tyrion returned to being the acting Hand. While the dwarf wasn't too fond of the idea of having the old lecher on the council, he abided the request and once, almost as if his eyes betrayed him, Naruto found the youngest child of Tywin having lunch with Cersei Lannister having a conversation with civility between them. With the probable reconciliation, Tyrion's standing among his peers in court had risen considerably. But like the other, more reputable members of the small council, Naruto found it exceptionally difficult to read his uncle, even though he spent most of his time with the dwarf.

Overall, the Baratheon felt he had a lot to learn, but he was slowly getting the hang of it. Or so, he'd brought himself to believe. The games the high lords played were vicious and each second was spent evaluating their rivals waiting for the inevitable mistake that would be exploited until it exploded out of proportion and the lord fell apart from within his own powerbase. It had happened recently to a Reach Lord who held tightly to the death of Lord Randyll Tarly with revenge in his sights. Before the lord could garner support in the name of insurrection similar to that of the North's rebellion, the lord was cast down through cloak and dagger.

His house was uprooted and replaced by a near extinct house of decades past. The power the lords of the Small Council held was unbelievable to the prince at first. To him, battles were fought by armies and wars were fought by men who faced one another. But with the recent anger at his ascension through the political ranks, the new Lord Tarly was proving to be a thorn in his side and Naruto was truly beginning to consider killing off the house in similar fashion as his fellow councilmen had done. Reminisce and mental plots had become the norm for the young prince as of late. With these men constantly at each other's throats, Naruto had to either adapt or quit while he was ahead.

Like hell I'll quit. Naruto clasped his fingers together before his face, sapphire eyes watching the men as they watched him.

"Alright, now what brings us here today is what to do with Lord Stannis Baratheon." Tyrion spoke, finally alleviating the stinging silence. "As we all know, he has rotted in our darkest dungeons for the last two weeks after we caught him on the parapet."

"I say we execute him for the traitor he is!" The boisterous Lord Mace Tyrell bellowed as he always did, spewing loyalty as if he was a supporter from the start.

"Oh Lord Tyrell, excuse me, but weren't you a traitor at one point as well-?" Baelish spoke softly but clearly enough to get the desired reaction.

"Alright, my lords." Naruto spoke up, knowing where this was going. "I've spent two weeks listening to you rile up Lord Tyrell like a child. And you, Lord Tyrell, with respect, you're only giving Lord Baelish satisfaction when you react the way you do. Please. Stop."

The Baratheon ran a hand across his face. "Now, Lord Naruto. I don't think you should make threats to a high lord-"

"Like to told Joffrey's men out on the parapet during the battle." Naruto glared daggers at the Master of Coin. "I could kill you where you stand and I'll still garner the support of my men. Which…excuse me, but Fox Company now numbers at five thousand men; the original force I was promised to have at the onset of the war. You, my lord, are in no position to threaten me, chastise me or even correct me when I'm the Lord of War and the Lord Commander of the City Watch."

"Wars are not the only way to prove greatness." The worm responded. He gave the Baratheon a knowing look.

Is he…teaching me? Naruto tilted his head slightly but nodded either way. Baelish smiled, shutting his eyes in victory.

"Either way, we have gotten off track." Tyrion said, pouring himself a chalice of wine. "We need to know what to do with the lord."

"We can't outright kill him." Naruto crossed his arms. "With the death of my father and the murder of my uncle, Stannis and I are the only legitimate heirs remaining for the seat of Storm's End and the Stormlands. But of course, not many people even still believe that I am a legitimate heir myself. If Stannis dies, we'll throw the southern kingdoms in complete disarray. How many lords have vied for the seat of Storm's End?"

"Too many to count, I'm sure." Baelish responded. "We know, despite his grace and the wisdom he carries, succession laws and titles might be too much for him to handle."

"Interestingly enough, we have spoken of this before." Varys chimed with a thoughtful expression. "The Stormlands have fallen with no leader and no force to give them guidance. I would have decided at first thought to appoint you the acting lord…but we're already dealing with Northmen revolts and Ironborn revolts and losing…we cannot deal with a third. Especially now with a situation as delicate as this."

"I concur." Tyrion sipped away at his wine. "We may have secured our position here in King's Landing, but we are far from having victory of any sort. If anything, we've simply awoken a new beast of difficulty in the defeat of Stannis Baratheon and what he'd left behind in his wake. We simply cannot risk plunging the entirety of Westeros into war. Imagine if Dorne were to join; they hate us enough already-"

"And they have my sister." Naruto sighed. "I agree. We cannot antagonize the Dornish at all. If we start executing high lords of great houses, it'll only be a matter of time before Myrcella returns to us with her head in a box. It was smart, I suppose, sending her to Dorne. It was a reassurance that they would be free from attack and war. Now…I'm not entirely certain they would be keen on keeping the status quo."

"We don't have the forces to mount a full scale invasion upon the lands taken by the Northern rebellion. We don't have the fleets to fight the Ironborn, I ironically saw to it to Wildfire every last ship in Uncle Stannis's fleet. We especially don't have the men to keep the noble houses that are pissed at me in line. If you ask me, all of this sounds like bullshit. The scale is tipped so far against us, I'm beginning to wonder if the Blackwater was sheer luck or just plain stupidity on my Uncle's part."

"Either way, beloved Nephew." Tyrion smiled. "A victory is a victory. Even when the odds are stacked high against us, we have to take what we can, else, you'll end up like Stannis. Bitter; cold; wanting."

"I say we hold trial for the murder of my Uncle Renly; his own brother." Naruto said. "I've told you this before, Uncle. Stannis used black magic to kill my Uncle. I was lucky enough to have been protected by Brienne of Tarth and Ser Loras, but they were too late to save him. My uncle must be held accountable for his actions. Black magic or no, what he did was the worst of any of the sins. He must be punished for kinslaying at least."

"Blacken his reputation farther than it already is?" Tyrion asked, giving the boy a look. "I suppose that could work…anyway…onto other matters."

"What's wrong?" Naruto asked.

"Daenerys Targaryen."

"Tsunari…" Kai looked at his cousin garnering her attention. "I think that's her."

"Daenerys Targaryen?" Tsunari asked. "That's the mother of dragons?"

Kai stared at the silver haired beauty amazed at her physical appearance. Her dress was beautiful, bearing a professional mixture of teal, turquoise and gold. "What, don't tell me you were expecting more?"

"I mean…" Tsunari crossed her arms over her chest. Eyes rolled over the Targaryen as she nodded her head at the various men and women. But to the woman, she was not impressed with the Qartheen noblewoman garb. "For a descendant of the Targaryen Dynasty, I would have assumed someone…that looked more…royal. She looks like she just walked out of the slums."

"She is a Khaleesi, need I remind you." Kai shook his head. "They don't have much when it comes to material possession. And please…that dress looks exquisitely made."

"To you maybe…" Tsunari dropped the subject, her eyes trailing away to the various denizens of the Qartheen gathering. There were merchants, nobles, warlords and Dothraki bloodriders examining the various gold statues and decorations. Every man and woman examined one another, almost as if they were in a trance. Kai didn't even need the sharingan to realize the Qartheen nobles and merchants were nothing short of living a lie. Outside the walls, thanks to chakra rushing to his ears, he could hear the screams and begging cries outside the great walls of the city. Winds blew cold from the sea, but warm and deathly from the wastes.

Since he and his troupe of shinobi had jumped ship in Qarth, the Qartheen people and their attitudes did not sit well with the Asshai'i. These blind fools acted as if the Red Wastes just outside of their castle walls weren't a danger. With Khalassar after Khalassar that no doubt crossed through the area, their views made his stomach churn uncomfortably. They were a painfully strange folk, the young shinobi heard their half-assed spiel of how Qarth was the greatest city that ever was or ever will be, and the shinobi didn't buy a single second of it. But he and three other shinobi were here for the sole purpose of finding the Mother of Dragons.

Kai though, had a different mission on his mind. While their job was to find the Targaryen and convince her to fly east to help defeat the darkness with dragon fire, he needed to find the shadowbinder who called upon him. While priests and priestesses were able to see visions and flames, this shadowbinder was different and knew one of the most famous priestesses; Melisandre. Quaithe had come into contact with the young Uchiha sometime before chakra was reborn. She spoke of destiny and filled his head with both fear and a sudden stomach for adventure. As he searched, black eyes jumping from face to face, in the distance, Kai caught sight of the woman he was seeking; Quaithe. She clearly had an ulterior motive for letting him know.

Leaving his cousin and fellow shinobi behind, he pushed through the crowd of Qartheen nobles and lords. Once he found her though, she simply raised a hand in his direction, eyes planted on the man she drew tattoos upon. She was smooth and slow with her actions, despite knowing the boy was desperate to know what she wanted. Once she finished the final intricate design, she motioned the tattooed man to leave. With a simple bow, the man walked away leaving the two in privacy.

"I know why you are here, young Uchiha." Quaithe smiled. "Come and I will show you."

He gave her a strange look, but complied either way. "Since I have no other choice…"

The woman clasped his outstretched limb and walked by his side. "Instead of delving into history you no doubt have no idea of…I will get straight to the point. Uchiha Kai…you are descended from two of the greatest shinobi bloodlines our sad world has ever seen…you might not know your true potential now…but you will have the ability to rise and realize your power."

The two walked at a slow pace, with their voices held low. "And how would that happen? You wouldn't happen to know any shinobi jutsu scrolls still left in good condition now would you?"

"It will take more than jutsu and knowledge of the past to make your potential come to fruition." Quaithe reprimanded. "The chakra within you and your fellow shinobi is new and immature. The chakra coils have not fully developed. It will take time for your bodies to get used to the power at your disposal."

Kai frowned, not liking the response. "We've had the power for a year at most. How have our powers not matured yet?"

"It's simple, Kai." Quaithe laughed softly. "You, yourself, are not matured. Your body is not ready for power of this magnitude. The gene pool has diluted and the coils that distribute chakra have weakened. Now with the rebirth of dragons and the return of chakra…you among many of your peers will have to learn to cope and force your bodies to mature. Chakra is more than power that the priests and shadowbinders covet, and far beyond the magic that the warlocks hold in such high esteem. Chakra is alive and when used as masterful as a blade, it is more than just power."

"So an extension of my own body?" Kai asked. "How…can I learn to do this?"

"Chakra flows through you shinobi and all those with the right bloodline…there is a Baratheon prince in Westeros that has awakened his Chakra…" Quaithe frowned. "As disappointing as it is…there are no known chakra users that have lived through the centuries to teach us. There are no books or scrolls left behind in good condition. This power is as new as it was when it was first conceived."

"So we're on our own against the darkness?" Kai asked worriedly. "I doubt you called me here to tell me something we already knew."

"Of course not." She sighed. "You shinobi think everything is lost, but you need to have at least a little faith in your abilities if not your god."

Kai nodded at a few nobles as they passed him and his Asshai'i companion. "But how…without knowledge on how to control our power, we're no better than normal men."

"I guess you will need help." Quaithe smiled. "Uchiha is a powerful name and you have many ancestors that have left behind great teachings. That Sharingan of yours can be trained with time."

"How will I learn? How many Uchiha are even remaining?" Kai asked. "Last I checked, my father, the last who carried the name before me was an orphan with no siblings-"

"I never said they had to be among the living to teach you…"

One week later…

Naruto ran a hand across his face in frustration. His uncle Stannis was proving to be a royal thorn in his side. He stood before the king with a victorious smirk on his face. The council that sat to oversee the judgement continued but in awe and surprise at the man's declaration. To oversee the trial of Stannis Baratheon and the witnessed murder of his brother through banned black magic, he turned defensive and threw the prince's plans out the window. Naruto didn't like this and leaned into his seat, before running the same hand through his blond hair.

"I-I don't think I h-heard you right." Joffrey stuttered.

"I said, I demand a Trial by Combat, you dolt." Stannis declared once more, dropping a few more insults towards the bastard before him. He turned his blue eyes to the offended Queen Cersei. A dark smirk grew on his face. "Inbreeding ruins the mental capabilities of the spawn as well, your grace."

"Watch yourself, my lord." Naruto spoke up with a glare.

"I'll say it again." Stannis boomed. "A Trial by Combat. I will fight any champion you put before me. My god will determine whether I will live nor not."

Despite how dangerous it was to give Stannis enough chance to prove himself, Naruto knew it was risky to outright deny the demand. Joffrey's hold on the Seven Kingdoms was all but gone to begin with, but to deny a lord a Trial by Combat was sinful, even if his god was not the same as theirs. Joffrey had to go through with it. The prince frowned though, thinking of who would be good enough to stand to Stannis Baratheon in a battle of blades. While he was not the best swordsman in Westeros, he was still extremely skilled and a bloody veteran of countless battles. Every name that popped into the Baratheon's head ended with death and the release of his uncle. His uncle Tyrion adopted a look that seemed to mirror his own.

Clearly, the two Lannisters on the small council were thinking on the same lines. But just like Naruto, the stout Lannister could think of no warrior short of his brother Jaime that could stand up to the staunch Baratheon. In the midst of mental brainstorming and mind-numbing recollection, Naruto's eyes scanned the men and women present, waiting for their reaction, listening to their comments as they came in earnest. Many were disgusted and almost teetering on the line, offended by the self-proclaimed king's demand. Many of these nobles were fiercely devoted to the Faith and found Stannis's very appearance appalling. A heretic demanding they follow their laws, the laws of their gods.

Men and women were in uproar, declaring Stannis a heretic and a murderer. They cried out obscenities and foul words of varying degree, each plunging deeper than any knife. The Baratheon storm lord seemed unfazed, taking their statements and snide remarks in stride. He stood proud, that confident smirk still planted on his face. Naruto narrowed his eyes at the veteran of war. Stannis was hoping for someone simple minded to fight…Naruto knew the old man was no zealot. Naruto knew Stannis cared not for the gods and the laws the septons placed and created. This was simply a ploy to return to Dragonstone.

Naruto wanted to plan this correctly for even the smallest misstep out of place, and Stannis would be freed and they'd find themselves with more problems than their plates and hands could handle. It was nothing short of a mind-numbing situation that needed a more delicate mind to truly relish and understand. His eyes trailed to Lords Varys and Baelish, finding their eyes examining all the same, silent as the spies they had employed within the crowd. While Varys carried a worry in his cold eyes, Baelish reflected a sniveling glimmer within his, akin to that of what Joffrey held before losing his courage.

"Who will be your champion?" Naruto asked, speaking up for his faltering brother. "Those who demand-"

"I will be my own champion." Stannis chided. "I'm not the dwarf where I need someone to fight my own battles."

"I don't understand why you continue to insult my family." Naruto glared. "Continuing on this trail will lead to unexpected accidents, my lord."

"You won't kill me." Stannis smirked. "Kinslaying is the last thing I'm certain you'd want on your already stained reputation."

"I never said I would kill you." Naruto responded with a steady tone. "There are more ways to make one suffer; death just happens to be the most permanent of the choices available. You think yourself untouchable, indestructible even; I'm sorry to tell you this, but you're just as deluded as I've come to believe. That Red Witch of yours has done questionable things to your head it seems."

"We shall see." Stannis stood straight, expression held constant.

Naruto scowled, looking to Joffrey's worried looks and the otherwise unaffected council. Tyrion continued thinking, sipping softly at his wine. Varys and Baelish were silent in the midst of Naruto's outburst and Lord Mace was silent, finding his voice gone. He sighed in frustration. The lords of King's Landing and court demanded the death of Stannis outright. The Council was indecisive but leaned towards the trial by combat.

The decisions they had at their disposal weren't many and were definitely not entirely in their favor. Leaving him to rot was out of the question. Naruto knew that Stannis could break free from the dungeons having spent time in King's Landing for a long while as the Lord of Ships for his brother, Robert Baratheon. The Baratheon could not be given a chance to return to his forces and kingdom in the Narrow Sea.

Gods damn it all. If we give him a fight, who would stand up to him short of Uncle Jaime? Naruto frowned. Grandfather would never give in to one of my requests again, so getting the Mountain isn't a choice either. Maybe Ser Delran or Jalabhar…no. Too risky. None of the companions will fight Stannis. The only reason we managed to get him was because he was tired and ALL of us were together. Stannis would cut them to ribbons if he was given a one on one fight. Maybe Ser Delran could stand up to him…but what if he can't…no.

Naruto rose from his seat and leaned over to Joffrey. "Joffrey. Let me give the verdict."

"Are you sure?" The king gave him a glare. "I'm the king-"

"Yes, yes. I don't care." Naruto returned the mirth. "I didn't ask. Let me give the verdict."

Joffrey shuddered beneath the prince's gaze. After shaking his head, the king nodded his head, all the while leaning into the Iron Throne. Naruto turned to the crowd, his expression almost a mirror image of Stannis's own expression. The self-proclaimed king looked confused and in just an instant, his façade of confidence and power had vanished.

"By the power vested in me by the gods and our king." Naruto pointed at Stannis. "Stannis Baratheon, we accept your demand for a Trial by Combat. I have taken it upon myself, as the Lord Commander of the City Watch, the Lord of War and the sole anointed defender of this city and my dynasty…I will be the champion of the king."

Night had come, bringing with it the cool of the growing winter. Men and women had fled the streets and returned to their hovels. Gold Cloaks and Fox Company patrolled the streets, catching thieves and rapers lurking the shadows. Banners flapped in the winds, slapping and clapping against nature's breath. Bells tolled softly, sound barely left the confines of their tall towers. Men and women slept in relative peace despite the massive battle that had taken place barely three weeks ago.

Through the vermilion halls and great corridors of the Red Keep, upon a bed wrapped in linens, Naruto and Sansa lay. Their eyes locked in silence, examining each other's features. Sansa's hand rested on his bare chest with a light lush on her cold cheeks. She was scared for his life, having heard of the things his uncle had done in his long history as a warrior. His victory at Storm's End during Robert's Rebellion made her shiver with fear. A man of that caliber, of that experience, of that knowledge of war, will fight Naruto tomorrow.

Her hand slid against his sweaty skin, fingers running against the troughs of his scars and muscles. She caressed him, holding him until her palm rested upon his scarred cheeks. Ice-blue eyes glowed in the dim light of the moon with a ghostly aftertaste. Her eyes examined each gash, feeling the depth of the damage. Sliding her fingers against them sent electricity through her body, from her hands to the base of her spine, reminding her of a mixture of fear and excitement. Without a thought, she leaned her head into his neck with his chin resting upon her scalp.

"Naruto…" Sansa's soft voice vibrated against his neck. "Are you sure you can do this?"

The prince stayed silent for a few minutes. The longer he held his silence, the greater the Stark's anxiety grew. "What do you mean?"

Slowly, her hand slid once more against his skin to rest on his bare chest. "Don't play coy…you will be fighting your uncle tomorrow…"

"I…I know I can win this." Naruto's eyes slowly shut as his arms snaked around Sansa's nude form beneath the bed linens. "It's what happens afterwards that I'm more worried about…"

"Kinslaying is never a good thing, even with a Trial by Combat." Sansa frowned, fingers sliding against his skin. "Do you have a plan for what happens if it comes to that?"

"I do." Naruto sighed. "It's unorthodox so I'm not entirely certain people would like it…but if push comes to shove…"

"You will do the deed, won't you?" She shook her head into his neck. "Everything has been stacked against you since my father died…everything has been stacked against us…"

"It won't have to be that way, Sansa…" He brought his thumb to her chin, slowly bringing her eyes to meet with his. "Soon…I promise…we'll be wed and we won't have to worry of any of this…"

"I will hold you to your promises, Lord Naruto." She smiled. "On your honor, swear it…"

A chaste smile spread across his face beneath the dim light of the moon above. "I swear it…on my honor as a Baratheon and on my honor as a Lannister…we will be wed…we will have everything we deserve…"

Sansa didn't say a word and simply snuggled closer into the Baratheon's chest, relishing in his warmth. Her arms held him tightly, not daring to let him go. While the two enjoyed one another's embrace, through the closed doors of the prince's balcony entrance, there sat a woman with eyes glowing hot with anger. Her hair was tied into a long pony-tail, letting the brown locks flow in the winds. While she would have joined the two lovers in their sexual escapades a little longer, she had other things on her mind. With a hand rested upon one of her dagger hilts, with staunch vigilance, she examined the distance and the endless horizon beyond.

Mayra needed to protect her prince and she had received uncomfortable news of Asshai'i shinobi aiding Daenerys Targaryen in Qarth. Asshai'i Shinobi who were gifted with strange abilities that seemed inhuman and impossible. She gritted her teeth. They ran up walls, ran up trees, jumped more than ten feet into the air…the list of their amazing abilities astounded her and sent shivers up and down her spine. Her chocolate orbs trailed back to the prince's room, taking in the image of her Stark and Baratheon lovers. They were in bliss, holding one another like lost lovers. A genuine smile found its way onto the bastard's face.

Her heart hurt to admit, the two looked adorable together. At the least she had both of them to herself, and she loved every second of it. Mayra leaned against the stone bricks, head resting in place. With one leg slung over the railing and the other resting upon its surface, the woman sat in silence, the heated glare having never once left her face. As she stared further, she came to accept that her biggest fear has become her reality; shinobi were among them. There was no way in any of the seven hells that she'd forget her confrontation with the Asshai'i that was sent to kill Naruto more than a year prior. He was fast and he was strong…and as far as she knew, he didn't share the same power as these new shinobi who sided with the Targaryen. Mayra leaned against the stone wall, pressing her head into the bricks with frustration.

She kept her mouth shut as she kept her watch. The city was quiet and the bay was just as silent. The scars of the battle of the Blackwater remained, like horrid festering gashes. Trees were gone on both sides of the bay and ship hulls still remained protruding from the surface of the bay. Their banners and shredded sails flapped in the winds, casting a plethora of dancing shadows across the glimmering waters. Golden shimmers flashed in her tired eyes from across many different points of the city. Thanks to Naruto's orders of more night patrols, the Gold Cloaks effectiveness had increased substantially as opposed to the last few years.

Berating herself for leaving her lovers early, Mayra crossed her arms over her bust, brown eyes trailing down the taverns and inns still open at this time. The moon was high, telling her it was past midnight and in normal circumstances, these businesses would have closed an hour before. Darkness…she reminded her tired mind. In the shadows, that is where her enemies lurked. A scowl was adopted, replacing the glare and examining looks. She was finally alone and free from the prying eyes and worried looks of her peers, despite the two most important ones were in the room behind her. She shook her head, eyes trailing to the banners of House Tyrell.

While she had no issue with Lady Margaery, finding her a great player of the game. What made Mayra like the woman further; she was genuine, despite her skill at playing the game of thrones. She was kind, caring and above all else, cunning. Mayra respected those features and enjoyed the few talks she had with the Tyrell. What she didn't enjoy though; her sister Kathryn. The damned whore had returned with Margaery from Storm's End, keeping her image as a simple handmaiden. How the woman was able to keep her façade going for this long made Mayra question her abilities.

About abilities… She raised a hand, staring at the bare palm, shivering as she could feel energy swirl and run thought her bloodstream. What will Naruto say about this…?

She was dying to tell him; tell him that she knew his secret. She wanted to comfort him, she wanted to remind him that Fox Company would respect and follow him to the ends of the earth. She wanted him to confide in her and she wanted to do the same with him. Mayra bit her lip, hands twitching softly as they trailed over the various knives and smaller handheld blades strapped to her body. From head to toe, she felt a familiar warmth spread throughout her body. As opposed to the piercing cool of winter's breath, she could feel energy, a warmth that seemed to belong to only one other person before her. She wanted to tell him…that he wasn't alone.

"Naruto…" Bran looked nervous as he cleaned the prince's bastard sword. "You're certain you can do this?"

"Why is everyone doubting my ability?" Naruto asked with a heated glare. "Sansa said the same thing last night, Mayra said the same thing. Ser Delran, Lady Taerina, the bloody Hedge Knights. I can fight him and win."

"We're not doubting you, Naruto." Bran frowned. "We're worried for what might come afterwards…remember, we're trying to make you king. Last I checked, many lords don't like Kinslayers, or at least, they say so to curb the wrath of the High Lords. You two are the last Baratheons…it would be a shame to end the line here and now."

"Like I told everyone else…" Naruto shook his head. "If push comes to shove and he forces my hand, I will do my duty and end him rightly. Until then, I will keep to my plan."

"I promise, Naruto." Bran glared. "If it's a replay of the Blackwater…give me some context, at least a real hint at what your plan is."

"Now why would I do that?" Naruto gave the Stark a confused look.

Bran gritted his teeth. "I'm a bloody anointed knight and I'm also your personal aide in battle. I have a right to bloody know!"

"Hey, hey." Naruto crossed his arms. "Knighthood or no, I'm still keeping my plans to myself. Only when it comes to Company based tactics, I'll let everyone know. But for now, enjoy the surprise."

"Not everything has to be a surprise, you know." Bran sighed, rolling his eyes softly.

"When the people demand a show, they'll get one." Naruto laughed. "Especially when it comes to the lords and the game of thrones."

"You keep talking about the game." Bran frowned. "How many lords have we killed or…taken out of commission for the sake of playing the game?"

"You and your sisters became players of the game the instant you stepped past King's Landings walls." Naruto reminded. "I think it would be best if you, an anointed knight, start paying attention to the happenings between the lines. Look to the crowd Bran…"

"What am I supposed to be looking for?" Bran asked, scanning the men and women walking past one another, taking and pulling seats in the stadium. Fox Company levies stood at every entrance aided by a Gold Cloak. Men and women cheered and called out to one another. There were a few that already had roasted boar and a rotisserie chicken already sitting pretty upon a silver platter. Bran was at a loss for what he needed to see.

"Watch them…tell me how many lords you see?" Naruto asked. "Tell me how many are or even were loyal to us…"

"I see one or two." Bran responded. "But I don't see how that matters. We can't kill them out in the open…you know that!"

Naruto frowned. "I never said anything about killing them. There are greater spectacles witnessed through mercy than there are through violence."

"So you're saying…a Trial by Combat is nothing more than a glorified play?" Bran looked almost disgusted. "What is the point in all of this…?"

"The Trial by Combat is nothing more than a justification to kill someone." Naruto laughed. "If the warrior who demands a Trial by Combat wins, he's free to return to wherever he came from. The gods will, will be determined through the clash of blades. It makes no sense to me, but I'm willing to accept the sacrifice."

"Remember Bran…" Naruto rested a hand on the Stark's steel pauldron. "Never send someone to do the dirty work when you are more than willing to make the sacrifice yourself."

"Understood…" Ser Brandon nodded his head. "Here's Fox Claw."

Naruto grabbed the bastard sword, swinging the masterwork beauty through the air. He cut the wind and twirled the hilt between his fingers, relishing in its lightweight. Tapered blade and deep fuller, the sword was near perfect. He left his tent and was welcomed into the center with a thundering applause. Lords and knights cheered and raised their arms and glasses in his name. Tyrion sat upon a grand seat, normally dedicated to the Hand of the King, taking precedence and judgment in Joffrey's place, giving Naruto more confidence in his battle.

Stannis Baratheon stood across him with his glowing sword, the proclaimed Lightbringer from the legends of Azor Ahai. Naruto didn't believe for a second that the weapon his uncle carried was the legendary sword. For a blade dedicated to the Lord of Light, R'hllor, the steel was rather cold when Naruto disarmed the old stag. The Baratheon stood dressed in his standard combat armor, as black as the land from whence it was forged. The old man stretched and prepared his arms for the clash of blades that could determine the rise or fall of his dynasty. The winds were cool and the sun beat upon them like hammers. The lords of Westeros, still loyal to the crown, watched with anticipation bouncing at their heels.

The winds picked up, whipping powerfully at the stakes and polearms that bore the banners of Fox Company and the king. Naruto smirked, relishing the beauty the winds carried. He shut his eyes, feeling each caressing breath rush against his skin. Unlike Stannis, who shivered softly, despite being confined to the darkest dungeons they had for the last four weeks; the man was as resilient as the young prince could have ever hoped he would be. A man of his reputation and staunch views of justice and righteousness had to uphold it, even when his life hung in the balance.

Sapphire eyes met as the two sauntered up to the center. Their leather boots tapping against the limestone slabs. Naruto was dressed in his orange armor and black sash, he looked reminiscent to his grandfather in the Lord Tywin's youth. He looked strong, tall and carried with him a presence that only few have managed to match. To many of the nobles, they questioned if this was the same monster from a year past. It was hard to believe that the man the King and his council had worked so hard to demonize, was anything like they said. While many thought alike, they knew that what had happened, had happened. There was no turning back and they hoped, collectively, that the young Baratheon prince would survive this bout.

"Are you ready to answer for your crimes, Uncle Stannis?" Naruto asked softly.

"There are no crimes for me to answer for." Stannis spat. "Are you prepared to lose your life?"

Naruto scowled. "I will not be losing my life today!"

He swung with lightning, striking Lightbringer. The steel sung like the birds in the trees. Like the young prince had expected, Stannis held strong. Naruto jumped back, creating a large pocket of distance between the two of them. Nobles and ladies gasped and whispered among their circles, amazed at his agility. Across the small arena of sorts, Stannis seemed unimpressed and rather bored with the circumstances. Twirling his longsword, the Baratheon inched closer to his nephew.

Naruto smirked to himself, finding the old man closing into his trap. He rushed forward, catching the Baratheon off guard. Taking air to his feet, he kicked Stannis in his chest, cutting his strategy in half. Taking the initiative, he rushed forward, striking at Stannis's weak points, probing his defenses. Like he'd assumed, Stannis was holding tight, leaving little room for Naruto to take advantage of. In a split second, Naruto flipped back, hurling a throwing knife at his uncle. With chakra enhancing his speed, he'd drawn out a second knife. Like a spectre, he chucked the knife at the same speed as the first. With accuracy unlike any other, the knife spun at the same speed and the two reflected each other's flight path.

They traveled as one and Naruto knew there was no way the self-proclaimed king could manage to deflect both. As the knives closed the distance, Naruto noticed something peculiar. It was then that his stomach dropped. Fire grew within the Baratheon's stomach and it spread unlike anything the young prince had ever seen. As it would be, Naruto seemed to be the only one to see the power within his uncle. People were in awe and at the edge of their seats, amazed at the sudden show of skill; Stannis Baratheon blocked both knives! Naruto gripped his bastard sword, glare only deepening upon his brow.

How the hell did he know there was a second knife?! Naruto ducked beneath an even swing, taking to the limestone slabs. There was no way he could have known!

Dodging strike and lunge after lunge, Naruto could not figure out his Uncle's sudden perception. He ducked once more, even punching at the Baratheon, but like before, the man would swing his sword or somehow manage to see his attacks before he even did them. Naruto didn't like the sudden turn of events. He backed away, bringing Fox Claw up to the fore, keeping the elder man at sword-length. Blue eyes locked with blue eyes; Naruto was half certain that he could feel lightning build between them.

Silence fell upon the gathered men and women, awaiting for the first one to break it. The prince dashed forward, sword brought back for an over-arm strike. Sparks danced in similar fashion as blade kissed blade in a violent embrace. While Stannis was far more skilled, the young prince was faster than any other sword-duelist the nobles had ever seen. He moved like the winds and struck with a strength that even the witnesses could feel. Once their blades held steady and the two were brought to a standstill, Naruto had a good moment to truly analyze his uncle.

In his eyes there was a fire, a fire unlike any other. As he looked deeper into the man's sapphire orbs, he came to realize a familiar shape; a heart ablaze slowly took form within his irides. While a stag in a burning heart was upon the Baratheon's armor, this heart was different. It was beating; it was alive. Naruto broke their clash, bringing his sword to defend, realizing that the heart he'd seen was all too similar to the one he saw during one of his strange dreams. It was too similar to be a coincidence. He clenched his teeth when their eyes bore holes.

"It's time to end this." He dashed with chakra radiating off of his legs.

Amazement and powerful gasps were heard coming from the stands. The two blades clashed once more with a shower of sparks flying in every direction. The prince quickly slid from the standstill, raining sparks in his lightning-like wake. Stannis was fast and knew what he was doing; but not once considered the underhand tactics the prince had learned during the war. Like a foreign mummer performing her amazing flexibility, his foot shot around Stannis's flanks and slammed against his cheek. Bruised and stance broken, Naruto smiled and swung with all his power towards the Baratheon's unprotected chest.

It was then that he felt power once more. It was darker, far more sinister than before. The power was stronger and filled his heart with a festering fear he hadn't felt since his time rotting in the dungeons beneath the Red Keep. Redirecting his blade, he deflected a retaliatory strike from the Baratheon and quickly jumped back, throwing a few more knives at the man's direction. He frowned when the power only seemed to grow.

Someone is controlling him. While this power isn't Chakra…it's magic of a different caliber. Naruto glared. If only Sasuke was around to help me…damn my luck.

She couldn't believe her eyes. Mayra clenched her fists when the first bout of magic tainted the air she breathed. She could sense it as clear as day. Those around her were none too aloof. Lords and Ladies watched with excitement, sipping apprehensively at their cups and chalices of wine. Some were almost aghast at the elder Baratheon's skill at holding off the young prince. As far as they were concerned, Naruto was one of the greatest duelists in the Seven Kingdoms, especially since he'd managed to fight through a war torn country and defend the city from the largest force the war has seen.

Mayra watched, glaring at the traces of magic she could see. Someone was controlling the Baratheon king. His eyes from what she could see, held something new, something sinister. Like an inferno just waiting to burst. As Naruto rushed in, probing his uncle's defenses, she was certain he took notice of the magic radiating from his uncle. He was filled with it, but it was not chakra. It was something else. Mayra hadn't seen something of its kind since her powers had awakened. While she didn't have as much as Naruto did, she could damn well sense it. If anything, her skills were simply heightened. She rose from her seat, catching the attention of Sansa and a few of the lords surrounding them.

"Mayra, where are you going?" Sansa gave her a worried look. Lady sat beside her and gave her a worried whine.

"I need to check something; Fox Company business." She frowned.

Sansa didn't believe her, but nodded her head either way. "Alright…but don't take too long."

Mayra bowed her head softly and took off from the stands. Doing her best to stay as inconspicuous. Clashing blades and a few roars were heard as her back was turned to the fight. Winds were growing in strength as she ran down the steps, knives in hand and a determined look in her eyes. While she couldn't manifest chakra like Naruto could, she could definitely increase her physical prowess. A few guards looked at her with confused looks, but thankfully, Fox Company levies knew better than to question any of the Battle Companions.

She nodded to the serjeants gathered and give quick orders to patrol the area. The levies were confused but did as they were ordered, gathering teams to tackle different sections of the area. The first group took it upon themselves to enter the stands and watch the entrances; the area's already had men defending them, but Mayra didn't worry. Across the garden, another team of levies walked about, hands on the hilts of their swords and shields already equipped. While she didn't expect them to fight whomever the one casting magic was, she knew they'd cause enough noise to get her attention. Taking a quick roundabout to the far right end of the garden, she found an area that was not ventured to by many.

The godswood of King's Landing, was a place barely visited by the denizens of the city. It was empty and had a good vantage point of the dueling arena which lied along the Blackwater Rush. As she traversed the area, her visibility of the fight was beginning to diminish as trees and decorative brush began to grow in size and number. To her most recent knowledge, Naruto was holding his own; he always did. Lost in her thoughts, she hadn't taken into consideration the growth of nature surrounding the godswood. Jumping over growing hedges and bushes, impatience grew in her bones.

"Where are you?"

"So you are looking for me."

The young bastard shot her head back around, eyes wide with fright. The voice sounded shrill and yet felt smooth like silk. Her eyes ran up and down the woman dressed in simple garb. She looked like any other maid within the castle. But she was covered in blood, with a hand in the head of a smoking levy. Mayra's skin turned cold at the sight. Behind the newcomer, almost seven levies were dead, their skin having been scorched. Mayra cursed herself, realizing that the smoke radiating from their corpses wasn't black enough or even visible enough for anyone but her to notice. She took in her surroundings, cursing the hedges and trees. Eyes returned to the woman covered in blood.

That look… She felt her heart skip a beat. That smirk…

"You're…" Mayra couldn't believe her eyes. "The Red Witch?!"

Sansa groaned when Naruto was suddenly picked up and thrown across the arena. But like before, he threw more knives only for each one to get blocked. She cursed him, wondering why he was holding back. But her fears were realized when Stannis switched the tables and went on the offensive, swinging and slashing for the prince. Naruto ducked and weaved between each slash and swing, making the hairs stand on the back of Sansa's neck. Each attack was too close; each attack could have ended his life right then and there.

But he was defending and assaulting in a perfect combination, holding off the assault. The attacks were accurate, but Naruto just happened to be faster. He punched, pushing Stannis back a few steps, and he gained the upper hand. Sansa clenched her tea cup and lemon cake with fear beginning to seep into her bones. Stannis was cunning with his attacks and baited the young prince constantly through the fight. He'd leave breaks in his defense and leave seemingly perfect openings to take advantage of, only to block and parry the prince's moves. Sansa was going insane watching the fight. Naruto was no water dancer and used underhand tactics a lot. She frowned sipping her tea, imagining if she and the Baratheon had switched places. Stannis would be on the ground in a pool of his own blood.

Naruto kicked the man and quickly followed with an overhand strike, as fluid as water. While Sansa commended his attack, to her, it was a bit too showy. She was hoping that he'd take the fight seriously. To her, she was certain he was playing with his opponent. It was then that she sensed something wrong. While Arya chose to stay in the training field within the Red Keep with Brienne of Tarth, Bran across the dueling field, was looking nervous.

In this cold, he was sweating. His eyes were dull and he looked like he was about to faint. Lady, the ever loyal direwolf seemed just as nervous; her head held low and whining. She rubbed her armored back against Sansa's leggings trying to get the Stark's attention. Sansa rested her hand against the direwolf's ear, rubbing her softly. She groaned softly when Lady wouldn't calm down. She looked down to the beautiful beast with a glare.

"What is it?" Sansa asked with a glare.

The wolf started pointing her head towards the direction Mayra had disappeared to. Sansa gave her an estranged look, but having learned to trust Lady's instincts, she rose from her seat, dress flowing against her leather leggings. A few nobles looked angered that she'd suddenly get up and block their view. But after a few dark looks and Lady's soft growls, the lords were shut quiet. The men of Fox Company helped Sansa through the crowd of nobles and escorted the lady and her companion down the stairs. After giving the men a soft curtsy and receiving bows in return, Lady's attitude had not changed in the slightest. If anything, the wolf got angrier.

"Lady…" Sansa frowned. "If only you could talk to me…"

As the cheers and cries of the nobles and Naruto's roars grew in volume, it was beginning to truly sound like an arena, or a tourney of some sort. Sansa could barely hear herself think. Taking a brisk walk through the gardens placed right behind the arena, she was surprised at the lack of guards. A confused look had found its way onto her face. I thought Mayra was checking up on Fox Company, not changing guard rotations. Where the hell are the guards?

The Stark looked down to see her direwolf was tense beyond reason. She barred her teeth with a hunched back and shaking fur. Tully eyes examined the garden looking for signs of conflict. She looked for blood stains or even the faint glint of armor in the light of the sun. She journeyed through the various walkways and paths that wound throughout the gardens. There would be guards along the sea wall as well, but the gardens were ghostly empty. Running a hand through her red hair, she drew a dagger gifted to her by Mayra after the battle. While the blade was a simple double edge steel make, but the centerpiece of the beauty was the ivory wolf head that acted as the pommel butt cap. She shut her eyes, doing her best to let the sound drown out from her mind. From the crashing waves and the still creaking debris from the battle of the Blackwater, to the clashing Baratheon swords and the cheers and cries from the large crowd; sound fell upon deaf ears.

Once she opened her eyes, she sheathed her dagger and immediately bent down to rip the hem of her dress. It was restricting and Sansa felt she would need all the movement she could have. Mayra was gone and she couldn't think of any place the girl would go to. If she was checking on Fox Company, the bastard wouldn't do something as foolish as completely remove the guards from duty. There was something wrong and Sansa knew it. She just couldn't figure it out. While her sword was left in her quarters, her dagger would have to do the job for now, she supposed.

Giving Lady a nod, the two took off once more, examining the gardens and surrounding areas with clear minds. While the two Baratheons were fighting it out, yelling and shouting as they did so, Sansa ventured to the sea wall, searching for signs of the guardsmen. Hearing the wave's crash against the rocky shore sent shivers up and down her spine. It sounded coarse and unnatural. With a quick glance, she took notice of more debris washing ashore. She even noticed dented and melted helmets washing ashore. Who knows what else might wash ashore…

Suddenly, a shrill scream caught her attention. Her head snapped towards the arena and took off as fast as she could. Lady raced ahead, jumping over bushes and low hedges, leaving her master behind. Sansa's stomach had dropped at the sound fearing the worst for Naruto. From the commotion, her brother's voice boomed screaming the prince's name only adding onto her terror. As fear crept up, all the girl could see was tunnel vision. All she wanted to see was the arena, she wanted to see her prince standing victorious over the king's corpse.

Bang!

The girl lost her footing, shooting for the ground like a pot of Wildfire. Adrenaline rushed through her bloodstream and just before her face kissed the stone slabs, her hands shot before her and stopped the fall just in time. Anger and embarrassment followed after the fact and like anyone else, she quickly searched for the perpetrator of her disappeared balance. Was it a small animal; a lone branch from the many trees? Sansa's eyes were as wide as plates from what she saw. Her body froze like the dead trees of Winterfell. Her hand rested upon the dagger strapped to her thigh almost like a second nature.

Hidden beneath the bushes, Fox Company levies laid. She'd tripped over the exposed helmet of the guard's corpse.

"What is going on here-?!"

Naruto stood victorious.

Sweat dribbled down his brow as the fight came to a sudden close.

Before him, Stannis knelt, sword arm missing and right leg stumped at the knee. Naruto held his sword at the ready, pressing the tapered sword tip at the man's exposed throat. Blood dripped to the stone slabs like a waterfall, surrounding the king in his own filth. Taking short breaths, inhaling through his nose and exhaling through his mouth, the prince looked to his uncle Tyrion for permission to continue. But once his sapphire eyes took notice of the stands, his heart dropped for a moment. Sansa and Mayra were missing. He turned to the Stark knight standing in the tent with a confused look spread across his features. Bran simply shrugged and crossed his arms over his chest. Turning his attention back to the Baratheon kneeling before him. Naruto for a moment almost dropped his guard at what he saw.

Stannis was smiling.

The prince pressed the blade against the man's neck, drawing blood once more. "What is so fucking funny? Your life is forfeit."

"If you think it was going to be that easy…" Stannis spat. "You're the most foolish man I've ever met."

Suddenly, a shrill scream grabbed Naruto from his trance.

"Naruto!" Brandon's roar echoed like thunder. "The nobles! Fox Company!"

The prince froze for a moment, looking upon the crowd of nobles and noblewomen. Blood rushed into the stands as men and women rushed to escape the onslaught within. Luckily, for the young prince, Tyrion and a few of the more important lords were quickly helped away, practically tossed over the podium. Naruto knew it was a great decision to keep Bronn around. While Naruto was glad he convinced his mother and the small council not to attend the trial, his body shook with a dangerous mixture of rage and fear. It was then that it struck the prince like a warhammer; Fox Company hadn't heard Bran's cries to action. Never had the men of Fox Company ever ignore an order from the Battle Companions. Naruto turned to his uncle with a slight vermilion hue burning into his sapphire irides. The crippled man simply continued to smile.

"What have you done?!" Naruto shouted. "Fox Company, where are you?!"

Naruto's voice was louder, far more powerful than Bran's but even then, not a single man dressed in orange heeded the call.

"Where are your forces, nephew?" Stannis asked through a blood drenched smirk.

Naruto nearly dropped his sword. Mayra. Sansa.

"Bran!" Naruto shouted. "Watch this bastard!"

Bran rushed up to the Baratheon king, shoving his foot against the man's back. With rage, Naruto turned his attention to the stands, sword in hand.

But like any day in Westeros, one problem always came after another.

"No…" Bran's voice could be heard.

Across the stands, men and women froze as heat unlike any other rushed through the area. To Naruto, it felt too close to Wildfire. He whipped around, eyes betraying him.

"The godswood…" He clenched his blade as tight as he could.

"Wildfire…" Brandon's voice shook with anger.

Laughter echoed from the man held against the stone slabs.

"What have you done?!" the knight asked with rage in his voice. The sword he'd drawn pressed into the Baratheon's spine. "Answer me!"

But like before, all he did was laugh.

"For R'hllor." Stannis all but whispered to the Stark.

"Men!"

"Begin the assault!"

I swear I'm such a try hard! LOL

anyway, you know the drill

Review away guys! XD

Ja ne!

gottahavekyuubi