Chapter 40: The Red Emperor Dragon on Planetos (V)

The piled snow, the cold air, and the different smells everywhere that brought back a lot of memories. Jon was looking at Winterfell with some nostalgia from one of the high parts between the towers. He had returned just a few minutes ago from the third layer of the Dominion of the Seven. His entire childhood seemed so close, but so far away at the same time. What happened on Earth felt like years ago, but in reality it was only months, a year at most living in another world, but now he was a totally different person, with new points of view and a power that surpassed Gods of Planets.

As the cold breeze brushed his cheeks, Jon couldn't help but smile a little as he looked at the ground, where people passed by the yard. The horses tended to in the stable, the guards on the walls in the distance, and also his brother Robb beginning training, while Bran watched from nearby, with Rickon sitting on a couple of stacked boxes.

 After talking at length with his mother, Jon couldn't bring himself to hate his father, Eddard Stark. Or at least, not entirely. He felt some anger towards him, for being a person who would leave everything behind for the sake of honor. As the Red Dragon Emperor, he learned some things from Ddraig, who was a nearly unstoppable power in the past. He knew that many of the things he spoke of were a bit extreme, but others were true.

For example, in one of their many conversations in the days after arriving on Earth, Jon told her quite a bit about his father, Winterfell, and the North. At that time, Ddraig had told him, "Honor is a thing that only serves to beautify certain actions. If you can't even recognize the things you do as they truly are, then you're just a fool with a weak mind. Things like killing others; shedding blood that can be considered innocent in a war; leaving people behind to fulfill a purpose; a lot of things can be made prettier by the word honor. But if you, who have done all these things, are not able to see the truth behind your actions, then aren't you really a fool? Not just a fool, but a weak-minded fool. Only the strong can use true honor, because they wouldn't run away from the consequences of their own actions, they would face them head on."

Jon fell into a long silence after that. For him, who was just changing his views, he couldn't completely accept Ddraig's words, but he couldn't deny them either. It was now, after talking to his mother, that he began to accept them as reality. His father, who left his love and promises behind. He, who chose to ignore the times his friend slept with other women while he was engaged to his sister. He, who wasn't able to tell him who his mother was, when they had done the deed in the past. In the end, honor seemed to act as a cover for Eddard Stark, so that no one would question his actions.

Sighing a little before shaking his head, Jon summoned a magic circle beneath him, causing his appearance to change a little. Gone was the tall boy with broad shoulders and defined muscles. The clear, bright grey eyes changed to darker ones, all at the same time as his height decreased a little. Now that he was in Westeros, he couldn't just walk around in his true appearance, because it would bring up too many questions he didn't feel like answering.

He knew there would come a time when his cover would be blown, but for now, he would walk like Jon Snow before his transport to another world. He had no intention of bringing his father to Earth, not even Robb, his half-brother. Much less Sansa, Brann, or Rickon. As for Arya, well, he would have to wait and see. Because his younger sister, she was the wildest of all in Winterfell. A girl who sought the sword instead of the needle and the flowers. In the event that she was forced to do things she didn't want, like getting married or being sent to other places in Westeros as a lady-in-waiting for other ladies, then he would ask her if she wanted to leave it all behind.

As for now, Jon simply began to descend to take a closer look and chat a bit with his brothers. When he nimbly came down unseen from the higher parts, he landed near the stables, catching the attention of the horses that were resting and eating. After that he began to walk around the place, looking at the mud, dirt, and nearby snow all over the place. It's true that it wasn't winter, but in Winterfell it could still snow during the other seasons.

"Can you even sense them, Jon?" Yahweh's voice echoed in his mind, the gem beneath his gloves flickering.

"I can. They resonate with nature. I think they might be the Old Gods."

"More than Gods, they're actually nature spirits. There are quite a few of them, it's impressive. When we were on Earth, I couldn't sense them this close to cities. Though it's not that surprising seeing the large buildings and how far away from nature most cities are."

"What do you think? Could they have a part in my transport to Earth?"

"It's possible. But I don't even want to think about it."

"Why?" Jon asked curiously.

 "If that's the case, then they must have had a very good reason. The so-called nature spirits aren't that simple. They're not existences that you can simply hire or encounter with ease. On Earth in the past, they functioned as extensions of nature, i.e., of the planet itself. Gaea was quite beloved, until she did things... not so right. In other pantheons, for example, there are also Mother Earth Goddesses. As time passed, these spirits came to work under the Gods in their own domains."

"In the Domain of the Seven, there wasn't a single nature spirit, so they must not be bound. In other words, they continue to be part of the extremities of the world, sensing what happens in the passing of ages. And if they have anything to do with your transportation, they must have an important reason for doing so. Just think about it, boy. Not only were you transported, you told me that you received everything necessary to live properly, even the Boosted Gear to become stronger."

 "There's a good chance something's brewing around here."

"Mm... I'll keep an eye out then."

"Then I won't say any more. I'll let you enjoy this place for a bit. Ddraig and I will keep watch."

Jon smiled at the enormous help he was receiving from Yahweh and Ddraig. After they unlocked the seal on Boosted Gear to give it access to all powers, and removed the curse of hatred, both of them could better sense the outside world, especially Yahweh. It was good to have them as allies and friends.

But, anyway, he didn't want to think about troublesome things right now. Because when he reached the courtyard where he usually trained with his brother, he saw Robb training alongside Theon Greyjoy. From a porch, his father, Eddard Stark watched intently. And right next to him, Catelyn Stark did too. She was the first to notice his presence in the place, looking with an expression of disgust. He didn't care and in fact smiled slightly before nodding in greeting.

Catelyn frowned at him before turning her gaze to her son, with a proud smile. It was as if she was trying to insult Jon by saying: Look, that's my son, Eddard Stark's heir. Jon found it a little childish, but he didn't say anything. He didn't even care anymore who inherited Winterfell, as long as it was any of his half-siblings.

Suddenly, he felt someone approaching from behind him. Jon smiled before moving, avoiding a blow from his little sister. "Jon," she said in a slightly exaggerated whisper.

"What's wrong, sis?" Jon placed his sister on Arya's head before waving his hand a little, managing to ruffle her hair.

"You saw him, right?"

"Mm? What do you mean?"

"Yesterday!" Arya said a little louder, managing to get Eddard 'Ned' Stark's attention. "The sky opened up and fire spread everywhere while horrendous screams came from everywhere."

"Oh?" Jon looked at Arya before changing his expression. However, he was cursing himself a little inside. That sounded very similar to what happened in his battle against the Seven. He had completely forgotten that they fought almost on top of Winterfell. Such a scene must have been very scary.

"Right... I saw it too. Were you scared?" Arya pouted at Jon's words, but ended up nodding.

"It was scary, you know? Those screams were really loud... It almost... It almost seemed like the Gods were suffering," Ary said the last bit quietly, causing Jon to bite his lower lip for a moment.

 "Don't worry, nothing bad will happen. Anyway, if it really was bad, it would have happened already."

"... I think so... ", Arya nodded before looking over at Robb and Theon's fight. "Who do you think will win?"

"Who else? Obviously Robb. Theon is too arrogant, even when he knows Robb is stronger. I wonder why he does that. Maybe he thinks being more arrogant will make him stronger? Just look, his legs are too far apart while his stance is too sloppy. He does nothing but fill himself with openings," Jon snorted a little, just in time to see Robb knock Theon's wooden sword away before making a move to disarm him and hit his side. Theon gasped before falling to the ground with a grimace.

"I didn't know you were so good at seeing things," Arya commented with a raised eyebrow and a smirk.

 "And I didn't know you were so small," Jon moved his hand horizontally, passing over his younger sister's head until it reached near her chest.

"Hey!" Arya slapped Jon's hand away before laughing happily. Jon simply smiled back at her.

"Jon!" Robb's voice rang out. "Your turn!"

Looking at his brother, he thought about it for a few moments before declining. He waved his hand in a negative gesture as he replied. "Not today. Sorry, Robb."

"Huh?" Robb looked at him in bewilderment before shrugging, then walking over to where the different wooden swords were. There, he set down the one he was using before walking over to his father, who was standing close to Jon. Actually, almost on top of him, as he was positioned on the porch.

"Father! Is there anything I happen to have to do today?"

Ned raised a curious eyebrow. "Not really? You should wait for Maester Luwin, so you can continue studying."

 Robb grimaced after hearing that. He was afraid of it, so he asked for something else to do, hoping his father would say yes. Or that he would teach him other, more interesting things himself.

Smiling slightly, Ned glanced at his son before looking back at the other. He glanced at Jon out of the corner of his eye, who seemed more interested in talking to Arya than anything else. He was a little curious, because he felt different. He seemed to be more relaxed, as if nothing in the world could bother him. His gaze was more confident. He wasn't even nervous with Catelyn standing to the side, watching his interaction with Arya closely.

Just as he was about to speak to him, Rodrik Cassell arrived. "My lord!" he said, stepping closer as he lowered his head slightly to say quietly, "A deserter, my lord. From the Night's Watch."

Ned frowned before nodding. He turned to follow Rodrik, but soon stopped. "Robb, Jon, come with me! Bring Bran too!"

 "Ned!" Catelyn exclaimed immediately. She heard what Rodrik said earlier.

Looking at his wife seriously, he spoke slowly, "They have to learn, Cat."

With Jon, Arya squeezed the sleeve of his right arm. "Do you have to go?"

"Apparently. But don't worry, we'll be fine."

Arya nodded before carefully releasing him. Her face had a small frown on it as she watched her brother Robb walk to follow their father, with Bran right beside him. Jon walked slowly behind, but not before giving Arya a smile.

. . . . .

Plains and green hills surrounded the place. The mist seemed to hide everything else, except the green land surrounding it and what seemed to be a ceremonial place, with stones forming a messy circle. The white even seemed to hide the sky, as if the Gods didn't want others to see what Ned was going through.

Jon stood on his horse, looking with some disinterest at the two soldiers carrying a young man. The deserter wasn't too old. He was thin, with dirty and slightly worn black clothes. He had a dismayed look as he looked at the ground. His lips were cracked, with skin a little sagging. When he arrived in front of Ned, pushed slowly by the pair of soldiers, he looked at the Lord of Winterfell with some fear, but also understanding.

"I know I broke my oath..." he said. Ned looked at him seriously as he looked into the eyes of the deserter. "I know I'm a deserter. I should have returned to the Wall and warned them..."

The deserter frowned as he looked at the ground for a moment, only to look back at Ned. "But... I saw what I saw... I saw the White Walkers."

"People need to know..."

"And... And... And if you can tell my family anything, tell them I'm not a coward. Tell them I'm sorry."

Ned stared before nodding at the pair of soldiers behind the deserter. They clasped his hands before pushing his head towards the decapitation rock. Everyone looked on seriously as Ned placed the tip of his sword on the ground and began to speak his words. Even the deserter, Will, did not seem to be afraid. He already knew that it was impossible for him to live, so he simply accepted his death, hoping that his words would be believed by the men who would see his death.

"In the name of Roberth of House Baratheon, first of his name. King of the Andals and the First Men. Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and protector of the realm... I, Eddard of House Stark, Lord of Winterfll and Warden of the North, sentence you to die."

Jon's eyes moved slightly as they narrowed for a moment when he heard the name of the King of the Seven Kingdoms. But he soon continued to stare, with no apparent emotion on his face. Later, Bran moved his gaze to the side, without his brother Robb, focused on the decapitation that would take place, noticing.

Eddard raised his sword Ice, then brandished it in a clean cut. Blood splashed to the ground, just after he did so to his head. Everyone was silent for a moment before they moved again. Theon, who had also come, handed Ice's sheath to Ned, while he nodded and put his sword away before walking to his youngest son.

"You looked away." Bran did exactly that, and now too. He felt reprimanded by his father's tone. "Do you understand why I did it?"

"...Robb said he was a deserter."

"But do you understand why I had to kill him?"

Bran, while checking his horse's saddle, glanced at his father. He was a little nervous. "Our way is the old way."

Ned nodded slightly twice. "The man who passes sentence must wield the sword."

Bran looked at him carefully at that moment, sensing his father's seriousness. "He... said he saw the White Walkers, is that true?"

 "The White Walkers left thousands of years ago."

"So, he was lying?"

Ned was silent for a moment before replying, "A mad man sees what he sees."

Bran pressed his lips together slightly before nodding. Soon, he was lifted by Ned so that he could climb onto the horse more easily. Then, everyone who was already prepared, began to return to Winterfell, but Jon looked behind him, at the body of the deserter man, the one who said he saw what he saw and tried to warn them of the danger of the White Walkers.

"It's a shame I can't save him," Jon thought as he rode. "You can save someone who had their heart pierced, even someone who had it crushed, but not a person who had their head cut off."

"Well, at some point I'll have to check the lands beyond the Wall. Someone so calm, shouldn't be lying. And if he wanted to save his life, other kinds of excuses might have worked better."

"Jon..."

"Mm?", looking to the side, Jon found his father riding up to his side. "Do you need something, Lord Stark?"

 "... You could have helped Bran."

"Just like Robb, right? They were close, Lord Stark."

Ned fell silent, because he knew that was true. However, this was not the real reason for approaching his son. He wanted to ask how he was doing, if something happened to him that made him act differently. However, nothing came out of his mouth, he didn't even open it.

"Tell me... would you have done anything differently?"

"Excuse me?" Jon asked a little surprised by that kind of question. Why was she asking him that and not Robb?

"What would you have done?"

Jon fell silent with a frown. "That depends..."

"In what? He was a deserter."

"Yes. But one who made up too silly an excuse to try to survive, right? Why use a tale to excuse himself from his desertion? That's silly."

"You think White Walkers exist," Ned said in a tone of fact rather than question.

Jon smiled slightly at him. "My lord... Gods exist in this world. Why wouldn't demons?"

"Ha! Right now, denying those walkers is like denying the existence of gods," Ddraig laughed loudly, echoing in Jon's mind.

"It's not... exactly like that, but..." Yahweh commented quietly.

"Oh, hush. Let me have some fun here!"

Sighing a little at the voices in his head, Jon decided to move on a little further, to leave his father behind to think on his own. There was no evidence that the White Walkers exist, but neither was there any evidence that they didn't. Jon preferred to think that they did.

. . . . .

After a few hours of returning from the beheading, Jon was sitting with his sister in the courtyard, looking at some of the dogs that were being cared for in the fortress. But what caught his attention, were the words of some servants passing by.

"The King will be arriving soon. Do you think it will be complicated?"

"I don't know. But, rumors reach this place..."

Arya looked at her brother, who was smiling at that moment. "Why are you smiling?"

"Oh, nothing. Just wondering if it's a good idea to go hunting."

"What? I don't think father will allow it."

"Yes... Yes... You're right. "He wouldn't," Jon nodded before ruffling his sister's hair.

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