Daemon stood completely calm as he faced off against the two Kingsguards. He had eagerly awaited this moment. While he had faced off against stronger opponents such as Barristan and Arthur, those were merely tournament matches, not fights to the death. You never know what someone is truly capable of when their life is on the line. The sounds of battle still rang out around them, yet none dared to get close. Some even paused fighting to watch the impending fight.
Suddenly, the tension broke and Oswell's aura exploded out of him as he rushed towards Daemon, kicking mud off the ground as he sprinted. Gerold was not far behind, taking Daemon's left side. Daemon, not one for inaction, rushed to meet them. He clashed swords with Oswell, causing a loud shockwave, but the clash didn't last long as Gerold blitzed his left side, swinging his sword in an effort to incapacitate him. Daemon pushed Oswell back before kicking off him and skidding back across the mud. As he did, he spun around, slashing the air and sending a wave of aura at them both. However, Gerold simply raised his hand and a green barrier appeared, dispersing the attack. Daemon had heard rumours about Gerold's ability, but he had never seen it in action before.
'Absolute Defence.'
Gerold's aura ability allowed him to conjure barriers out of aura. He could manipulate these in any way he saw fit, both in shape, size, and dimensions. He could also move the barriers, using them as weapons and traps, making them incredibly versatile. Gerold sent the square barrier rushing towards Daemon, slamming into him and sending him tumbling backwards. Daemon drew his fist back and slammed it into the barrier, shattering it, just in time for Oswell to appear swinging his sword.
Daemon parried his sword away before going in for a thrust. However, Oswell had already activated his ability, 'Perfect Counter,' which allowed him to deflect and parry every sword strike that Daemon could throw his way.
Gerold rushed in beside Oswell, delivering an overhead strike to Daemon. Daemon sidestepped the strike before kicking Oswell in the stomach, launching him a dozen feet away. He then slapped Gerold's sword away before slashing at his neck, though at the last second Gerold summoned a barrier, protecting him. He jumped back, joining Oswell before Daemon could continue.
"Stop playing around. We need to kill him; he's too dangerous to be left alive," Oswell growled to Gerold, who remained stoic.
"The King wants him to be delivered to him alive," Gerold replied.
"If we allow him to escape, the King and Prince's lives will be in danger," Oswell spat out. Gerold stood there for a few moments, considering his words before he finally nodded.
"You're right. We need to stop him here," Gerold stated as his aura started to grow.
Both Kingsguard, now taking the fight seriously, rushed towards Daemon, who flared his aura, turning it into flames again. Gerold reached his hand out, swinging it in an arc. As he did, a long cylindrical barrier formed, forcing Daemon to jump out of the way. It hit the ground with such force that he was blown away by the air pressure. He righted himself in midair just in time to see Gerold summon hundreds of small square barriers that he launched at Daemon.
Daemon deflected them with Blackfyre midair, though when he landed, he was greeted by Oswell, who he engaged in close combat. The problem was, as long as Oswell had his ability active, he wouldn't be able to get a good hit in as he could always counter. He was also still being bombarded by the barriers from Gerold, who had such control over them that he was able to make them easily move around Oswell and slam into Daemon from every side. Though they weren't nearly strong enough to pierce his aura.
Daemon let his aura explode outwards, washing the area in intense flames. Oswell managed to jump back in time, where he was shielded by Gerold, who placed a stronger barrier between them. Daemon wasn't finished, however, as the flames that had exploded outwards drew back to his palm to the size of an apple. He rushed towards Oswell and launched the sphere of flames at Gerold. The Lord Commander summoned over a dozen barriers between them, and the sphere shattered through nearly all of them before being stopped by the last two.
However, this was merely a distraction as Daemon slashed his sword, sending a wave of flames at Oswell, who could only thicken his aura to protect himself as the flames shattered Gerold's barrier. Oswell felt the intense heat but managed to get off with nothing but reddened skin. He tried to rush towards Daemon and reengage him in close-quarters combat, but Daemon slammed both of his hands down to the ground, shattering the earth and making him unsteady on his feet. He then lunged at Oswell, intent on piercing his heart. Even unbalanced, Oswell's ability worked, and he deflected Daemon's blow away. However, Daemon expected this and used the momentum from the parry to connect an elbow to the Kingsguard's jaw. After the elbow, with his arm extended, he shot another concentrated sphere of flames straight at Gerold as he could see him preparing another barrage.
The recoil of the sphere sent Daemon's arm back at incredible speed, where he then smashed Oswell's face with the back of his fist. The Kingsguard was sent tumbling away before he flipped over, digging his sword into the ground to stop himself.
Daemon's instincts screamed out at him, and he turned around to see the sphere he had shot at Gerold flying right back at him. He pooled aura into his sword and held it up just before it connected. It slammed into him with incredible force and pushed him back through the mud. With his palm against the flat end of the blade, he deflected it up to the sky. Gerold tried to capitalize on it by stepping his ability up a level and summoning two large barriers at either side of Daemon. He then clapped them together.
'Aura Mimicry: Lyanna Stark.'
Daemon slammed his hand down on the ground, creating two spikes of ice that rushed outwards, piercing and shattering the barriers. He was then attacked from behind by Oswell, who tried to end the fight. Daemon rolled forward, kicking mud up at Oswell so that he froze midair and turned into makeshift projectiles. The frozen mud struck Oswell, causing him to stagger.
Daemon used the opening to close the distance, his sword flashing as he aimed for Oswell's chest. Oswell managed to parry, but the force of the blow sent him sliding back. Gerold moved in to support his comrade, his barriers forming a protective wall. Daemon slashed at the barriers, breaking through them one by one. Gerold swung his sword, aiming for Daemon's head. Daemon ducked and countered with a slash to Gerold's legs, but Gerold jumped back, avoiding the strike. Daemon pressed his attack, his sword a blur as he struck at Gerold's defences. Gerold's barriers flickered under the assault, but he held firm. Oswell recovered and joined the fray, his sword clashing with Daemon's. The two traded blows, neither gaining the upper hand. Gerold moved to flank Daemon, his barriers forming a cage around him. Daemon snarled and released another burst of flames, shattering the barriers and forcing Gerold back.
'Aura Mimicry: Serra Blackfyre'
Daemon decided to take Oswell out of this fight, his 'Perfect Counter' Ability was annoying to deal with and it worked well against him. He created a weak point on the sword, it was small barely bigger than the side of his blade itself which was why it was such a challenge to hit it in the first place, there was also another restriction Daemon had not known about before copying it from Serra, while she can create a weak point, to strike a balance the area surrounding the weak point will be a couple of times stronger.
Daemkn brought his sword up and slashed down on Oswell who —with his ability still active— brought it up to meet it. As expected Daemon hit the weak point, however, Oswell's ability fought back as it tried to counter; what happens when an Immovable object encounters an unstoppable force. The superior quality wins.
*SNAP*
Blackfyre tore through Oswell's sword and then his armour like butter carving a line from shoulder to hip. "AAAAAAAAAHHHHH!" He screamed as he fell to the ground no longer able to hold his aura. Daemon looked down at Oswell with cold eyes, feeling no sympathy for the man who served his enemy. Daemon looked back and tilted his head avoiding a sharp-looking barrier made in the shape of an arrow. Gerold rushed towards him swinging his sword at Daemon's waist though at the last second, he extended its length with a barrier. Daemon jumped back as he watched Gerold try and help Oswell, he managed to calm his fellow Kingsguard down and even helped him reactivate his aura to help heal him.
'Spoils of War'
Daemon activated an ability he hadn't used in a long time, he felt nearly half of Oswell's aura run through his 'Aura Tether' and into his body furthering his reserves and making him stronger. Oswell screamed in pain as his aura began to flicker and he struggled to even hold it any longer. "What have you done?!" Gerold asked his stoic demeanour breaking.
"Taken what is mine," Daemon replied.
Daemon flared his aura, he'd dropped to 75% of his reserves since the battle started but with this, he was 125% now and it made him strong. He clenched his fists as he appreciated his new strength, he had planned to do this to every Kingsguard he came across to make him ready for his final confrontation.
Meanwhile, Oswell struggled to hold onto life, he grabbed Gerold's arm "You need to kill him... I can't help you do it... but I can help you," Oswell stated as his blood continued to pour out of his body.
"Make it count..." Oswell said as he gripped his hand tighter and started to pour his aura into Gerold. Unknown to Gerold at the time Oswell had made a vow that gave him everything he had, so before he could stop him his vision flashed with memories of Oswell, his skills his power his aura, he got everything that made Oswell him.
Daemon watched all of this with intrigue and while he could've stopped it he was interested to see where it went. Plus he had an 'Aura Tether' connected to Gerold, and the stronger he was the more power he'd receive in return.
After the light faded so did Oswell as he went limp in Gerold's arms. "Rest now... you served your King honourably," Gerold said as he closed the man's eyes and stood up. Daemon was unfazed by the man's death, even though he had known Oswell for a long time he didn't care, he had been party to harming his loved ones. He deserved this.
"I wished things could be different Daemon, I am not as blind as my fellow Kingsguard, I know how much you cared for the Queen and the steps you took to protect her when you were younger, I know you never had any plans for the throne..." Gerold said as he released his double-handed grip on his sword.
"Tell me one thing before we begin," Gerold requested.
"Are the Queen and Prince Viserys safe?" He asked.
Daemon nodded "They are and always will be from this day forth," he replied.
Gerold let a small smile appear on his face. "Good... now it begins," he said as he released his aura. Daemon's eyes narrowed as he felt the surge of power emanating from Gerold. The Kingsguard's aura flared, brighter and stronger than before. It was clear that Oswell's sacrifice had made Gerold a great deal stronger, if Daemon had to rank the Kingsguard based on the amount of Aura they had it would be Arthur, Gerold and Barristan, though Barristan had a lot more when he used his ability. Without wasting a moment, Gerold raised his hand and summoned thousands of sharp, arrow-shaped barriers in the sky, making them rain down on Daemon.
'Aura Mimicry: Aerys Targaryen'
Daemon reacted swiftly, his aura flaring as he dodged and deflected the barriers with bursts of flame. The battlefield was filled with the sounds of shattering barriers and the cries of those caught in the crossfire. Daemon capitalized on his larger aura reserves, creating bursts of aura that shattered the barriers before they could reach him.
Gerold did not relent. He slammed his hand into the ground, causing barrier pillars to shoot up, aiming to impale Daemon. Daemon leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding a barrier that shot up where he had been standing. Another pillar erupted from the ground, but Daemon twisted his body mid-air, landing gracefully on its edge. He sprinted along the top of the barrier, jumping off just as another pillar shot up to meet him. Daemon flipped over the rising barrier, landing on the ground and rolling forward and brought his sword up to deflect a series of smaller barriers. He then sprang to his feet, darting between the pillars in an attempt to reach Gerold. Daemon quickly realised this was the ending stretch, Gerold was giving everything he had, all he had to do was outlast him and he'd win.
'To hells with that!'
Daemon was a warrior and he would fight Gerold and do it on the old Knights's terms. Gerold roared, his aura swelling with intensity. More barriers shot out from the ground, creating a forest of pillars all ready to slam into Daemon with bone-breaking force. At the same time, barriers began raining down from the sky. Daemon moved with unmatched agility, weaving through the rising pillars and leaping from one to another. His sword deflected the falling barriers, shattering them into shards. However the sheer number of barriers increased, making it harder to deflect and dodge.
A barrier clipped his shoulder, spinning him off balance. Another struck his chest, forcing him to skid through the mud. Daemon tumbled, narrowly avoiding more barriers as they pounded the ground around him. Pain surged through his body as he was hit again, this time on his side, sending him sprawling.
'Aura Mimicry: Aerys Targaryen'
Realizing he was overwhelmed, Daemon summoned his flames. His aura ignited, and the ground beneath him erupted into a massive tornado of flames. The inferno consumed the barriers, turning them to ash, and created a swirling vortex of heat and light. The flames roared upwards, forcing Gerold to step back, shielding his eyes from the intense heat. The battlefield transformed into a blazing inferno. As the tornado of flames died down, Daemon stood in the middle, his aura still blazing with residual heat, his eyes were now blazing crimson. Without hesitation, he took a few quick steps forward, drawing his hand back and shooting a cyclone of flames at Gerold. Gerold summoned a barrier just in time, the flames crashing against it with immense force. He struggled to hold the barrier steady, the heat searing his skin even through his defence.
Daemon pressed the attack, summoning numerous fiery bursts and torrents of fire. Gerold countered by summoning barriers to block each fiery assault. The ground beneath them cracked and smoked from the intensity of their battle. Gerold started using his barriers in weird shapes deflecting Daemon's strikes and redirecting the flames back toward Daemon. In response, Daemon unleashed a torrent of ice, creating a frosty pathway that he used to slide around Gerold, launching icicles that shattered against Gerold's barriers. Normally he wouldn't be able to do this as there are certain restrictions in place when he uses his mimic ability, he can only use them one at a time and there's a cool down time when he switches before he can change again. However when he activates his crimson eyes all of these restrictions are lifted. He could also bypass this restriction by expending a large amount of aura like he normally did, but he had to be cautious, running out of aura on a battlefield would not be a smart thing to do.
Gerold formed barrier spears, thrusting them at Daemon. Daemon dodged and weaved, his movements as he summoned bursts of flames to incinerate the spears, but Gerold caught the flames in a sphere before swinging it around himself and throwing it towards Daemon, he let the barrier release as it got close releasing a large burst of flames at Daemon who had to counter by releasing a large stream of frost.
The battlefield was chaotic, each trying to outmanoeuvre the other. Daemon created icy footholds mid-air, using them to leap above Gerold, who responded by summoning barriers from the ground to shoot up and impale him. Daemon landed on the barriers, using them as springboards to launch himself higher into the air. Gerold followed suit, creating platforms of barriers beneath his feet, and the battle ascended into the sky. They clashed mid-air, Gerold forming a protective dome of barriers around himself, while Daemon unleashed waves of fire and ice. Gerold's barriers moved fluidly, blocking and redirecting Daemon's attacks. Daemon used the redirected flames to his advantage, channelling the energy back into his attacks, creating explosive bursts that shattered parts of Gerold's barriers.
As they soared through the air, Daemon summoned a massive wave of frost, sending it crashing down on Gerold. Gerold countered with a massive barrier wall in a triangular shape splitting the wave in two. Daemon's aura flared, and he switched to flames, creating a vortex of fire that surrounded Gerold. Gerold's barriers struggled to hold back the inferno, the heat causing them to flicker and crack. Daemon took advantage of Gerold's momentary distraction, sending a concentrated blast of fire through a weak point he had created in Gerold's defences. The blast hit Gerold squarely, sending him hurtling back. Gerold recovered mid-air, blood dripping from his mouth as he summoned more barriers to steady himself.
With a roar, Gerold unleashed a barrage of sharp, arrow-like barriers from the sky. Daemon countered by creating a swirling shield of flames around himself, incinerating the incoming projectiles. He then retaliated with a barrage of icy spikes, each one aimed at a different angle to overwhelm Gerold's defences. Gerold's barriers moved in a blur, blocking most of the spikes, but a few slipped through, grazing his arms and legs. Daemon used the distraction to close the distance, his body enveloped in flames. Gerold summoned a massive barrier to block Daemon's approach, but Daemon shattered it with his fist covered in intense fire, sending shards of barrier flying in all directions. In an instant, Daemon lunged forward, colliding with Gerold in midair and tackling him to the ground. They tumbled in the mud, the earth staining their armour as they grappled for control.
Daemon sprang to his feet, immediately engaging Gerold in close combat. Their swords clashed with a deafening ring, sparks flying from each contact. Gerold parried a swift overhead strike, countering with a sharp thrust that Daemon narrowly avoided. The mud beneath them churned as they moved, each trying to outmanoeuvre the other. Gerold summoned a barrier beneath Daemon, attempting to knock him off balance. Daemon, however, anticipated the move, using a burst of fire to flip over the barrier and land behind Gerold. He slashed downward, but Gerold spun around, blocking the strike with his sword.
Valyrian steel met steel as Daemon launched a series of rapid slashes, each one met with Gerold's flawless parries. A quick sidestep from Daemon avoided a diagonal slash, and he retaliated with a powerful strike aimed at Gerold's midsection. Gerold deflected it with an upward block, seamlessly transitioning into a horizontal swing that forced Daemon to retreat a step. Daemon's fiery aura intensified, and he unleashed a torrent of flames from his hands, forcing Gerold to summon a barrier to shield himself. The flames wrapped around the barrier, the heat causing it to flicker and crack. Gerold pushed the barrier outward, sending Daemon stumbling back. Seizing the moment, Gerold lunged forward, his sword aiming for Daemon's heart.
He parried the blade before kicking Gerold back. They circled, eyes locked, and then clashed again. Daemon's blade descended in a brutal arc, but Gerold intercepted it, parrying it off effortlessly; Oswell had given Gerold everything, his aura, his memories, and the knowledge to use 'Perfect Counter' which he now used to full effect. Daemon attacked again locking Gerold into a clash, he pushed forward, breaking the lock and spinning around to slash at Gerold's flank. Gerold's barrier flickered into existence just in time, absorbing the blow though it shattered with the impact.
Both combatants leapt back, mud spraying as they sought better footing. Daemon's next attack was a feint, drawing Gerold's sword to the side before following up with a direct thrust. Gerold twisted his blade to parry, the sound of metal scraping filling the air. He countered with a flurry of quick jabs, forcing Daemon to deflect rapidly. Gerold then ended the flurry with a powerful thrust, Daemon sidestepped the thrust, using a burst of fire to propel himself to the side. He swung his sword in a wide arc, but Gerold blocked it with another barrier, countering with a strike of his own. The two warriors exchanged another flurry of blows, their swords clanging together with each impact.
A barrier materialized briefly, blocking one of Daemon's strikes and giving Gerold the moment he needed to reposition. A downward slash from Daemon met Gerold's barrier, shattering it and pushing him back. Gerold retaliated with a swift upward cut, which Daemon narrowly avoided by sidestepping and bringing his sword around in a wide arc. Their blades met again, the force of the impact resonating through the battlefield. Gerold then summoned a barrier across his body that he let explode out of him, smashing into Daemon and sending him back. The ground beneath him erupted as Daemon's fiery aura burst forth, propelling him forward. Gerold raised his sword just in time to block a crushing blow, their swords ringing out. Daemon's follow-up strikes were relentless, each one heavier and faster than the last. Gerold struggled to keep up, his barriers providing brief moments of respite but failing to halt the onslaught.
With a final, desperate move, Gerold summoned a massive barrier pillar from the ground, slamming it into Daemon. The force of the impact launched Daemon into the air, sending him hurtling over the water. Gerold stood, panting, tired but not out of the fight yet, his eyes still burned with fire. Summoning a barrier underneath himself, he launched into the air, hurtling after Daemon. As he ascended, a barrier formed around his body, expanding and taking shape into a large aura avatar. The avatar was imposing, its form shimmering with raw power. It reached a massive hand back, a spear forming within its grip, crackling with intense energy. With a mighty throw, the spear hurtled towards Daemon.
Still hurtling towards the water, Daemon found himself smiling in excitement. It was rare for him to encounter someone who could keep up with him. In truth, he still wasn't going all out, but this was an opportunity to test the ability he had created specifically to deal with the king. Daemon's aura exploded out of his body, growing and shifting until it took on a blue tint. Gerold looked confused for a second but didn't hesitate, continuing his attempt to impale Daemon. Suddenly, hands formed from Daemon's aura shot out, catching the spear. To Gerold's shock, the spear dissipated as the connection to his aura severed.
'Mother Rhoyne'
A massive avatar of water in the shape of a majestic woman emerged from Daemon's aura. She wore a headdress similar to a septa's, and her eyes glowed a dangerous purple colour. She had four arms; two of them held Daemon, letting him stand on her palms, while the other two were outstretched as if ready for an embrace. The water that formed her body flowed and rippled, reflecting the light and giving her an ethereal, almost divine presence.
Mother Rhoyne was an ability he could only use with his Crimson Eyes as the original ability of his eyes let him exorcise aura; He'd found this out when he used it unintentionally in his fight against Peter Baelish back in Riverrun. By adding his eyes power to this form he created an avatar capable of exorcising aura with a touch. He had been developing this ability ever since he saw the 'King Justice' at Duskendale. He knew it he wanted to contend with the king he needed a way to counteract his pure destruction as he would never be able to match him in that category.
However, there were some issues with this ability, something so powerful has to have restrictions and these were quite severe. His Aura exorcising ability was normally only supposed to be used on himself and not others, to get past this restriction it takes sacrifice, but one Daemon was fully prepared to give.
He could only use this ability for two minutes before it started to cause irreparable damage to his eyesight.
Both avatars stood in the river, the water rising to their knees, their immense forms casting long shadows over the battlefield. The aura users on the field stared in awe at the colossal beings. Even Robert, who was close to finishing off his traitorous lords, looked over with wide eyes. Mother Rhoyne moved first, her form shimmering with the flow of water. She extended one of her outstretched arms, and the water around her surged. She shot a torrent of water towards Gerold's barrier avatar, the liquid spiralling with immense force. The torrent slammed into the avatar, its powerful aura flickering under the relentless assault.
Gerold's avatar retaliated, summoning a massive barrier shield to block the incoming wave. It pushed forward, splintering the water in all directions. The force of the clash sent shockwaves through the river, the water churning violently around them. Mother Rhoyne's touch caused any aura-made structure to dissipate, forcing Gerold to constantly release more aura to replace and reinforce his barriers, replenishing them faster than they could dissolve. Despite this, Mother Rhoyne manipulated the river around her, causing the water to rise and form massive waves. She sent these waves crashing toward Gerold's avatar, each one a towering wall of liquid power.
Gerold's avatar summoned barriers to intercept the waves, but wherever Mother Rhoyne's water touched, the barriers began to dissipate, exorcised by her touch. Gerold poured more aura into his barriers, trying to keep pace with Mother Rhoyne's relentless assault. As the waves collided with the barriers, the battlefield was drenched in a deluge. Mother Rhoyne extended her hands, and streams of water shot forth, spiralling around the avatar's legs, attempting to destabilize it. The water twisted and coiled, wrapping around the barriers and dissolving them upon contact.
Gerold's avatar countered with a massive barrier spear, thrusting it forward with all its might. Mother Rhoyne caught the spear with her water-laden hands, and the spear dissolved upon contact, breaking into fragments of dissipating aura. She followed up with a sweeping wave, crashing it into the avatar's torso, causing it to stagger. The impact created a massive splash, and the river swelled with the force of the collision. Gerold's avatar formed multiple barrier blades, swinging them down in an attempt to slice through Mother Rhoyne. She deftly dodged and weaved, her form fluid and elusive. She manipulated the water around her, creating a whirlpool that drew the barrier blades into its vortex, dissolving them.
Mother Rhoyne retaliated by forming water whips, lashing out at Gerold's avatar. Each strike exorcised parts of the avatar, causing gaps and making it stumble and lose stability. Gerold's avatar summoned a barrier wall, trying to block the relentless attacks, but the water surged over and around it, breaking it apart.
Gerold, realizing that his distance tactics were proving ineffective, and knowing he was getting dangerously low in aura made a bold decision. He surged forward, tearing through the avatar's defences and closing the gap between them. He enhanced his fist with a massive amount of aura, enough to overwhelm Mother Rhoyne's exorcising ability. The enhanced fist connected with the water avatar's chest, causing her to stumble back, the force rippling through her watery form.
The two titanic figures engaged in close combat, their movements causing waves to crash around them. Gerold's avatar swung powerful punches, each blow infused with a concentrated aura to prevent it from dissipating. Mother Rhoyne countered with her strikes, her watery limbs crashing against Gerold's barriers and aura-infused fists. Every area she punched dissipated and then reappeared as Gerold replaced it nearly instantly. Gerold summoned a barrier blade, slashing at Mother Rhoyne's side. She parried the attack with a torrent of water, her form shifting and flowing to absorb the impact. The blade dissipated upon contact, but Gerold quickly summoned another, slashing and thrusting desperately. Mother Rhoyne responded by forming water whips again, lashing out at Gerold's avatar and striking with enough force to crack the barriers protecting him.
Gerold, determined to gain the upper hand, summoned a series of barrier spears, hurling them at Mother Rhoyne. She dissolved the first few with ease, but soon began to get overwhelmed and so went on the defensive protecting Daemons' exposed form. Though she left one hand free and with a surge of energy, Mother Rhoyne caught one of the barrier spears midair, dissolving it. She then countered by summoning a massive wave, crashing it down on Gerold's avatar. Gerold pushed through the water, his aura flaring as he punched through the wave. But it seemed to be a distraction as Mother Rhoyne appeared on the other side of the wave, wrapping her watery arms around Gerold's avatar. With immense strength, she lifted the massive avatar. Gerold struggled, summoning barriers to break free, but Mother Rhoyne's grip was solid.
In one powerful motion, Mother Rhoyne hurled Gerold's avatar out of the river. The giant form flew through the air, crashing onto the ground with a thunderous impact. The force of the landing caused the avatar to dissipate, leaving Gerold lying on the ground, his aura flickering weakly around him. Gerold lay there, panting and exhausted, his body battered from the intense combat. Mother Rhoyne stood tall in the river before wading through it and dissipating, but not before placing Daemon down in front of Gerold.
Gerold's whole body was in pain, every muscle screaming with exhaustion. He could barely move, lying on the ground with nothing left to give. Daemon stood before him, only a few minor injuries marring his form, looking almost untouched by the ferocious battle.
"Even if I have lost, with how much aura you have now, you'll be killed eventually. Your army is outnumbered. We will win," Gerold said, breathing heavily.
"Is that right?" Daemon replied, his tone cold and detached.
*HORN*
Before Gerold could respond, a longhorn sounded out across the battlefield. Daemon turned to the horizon and smiled. He grabbed Gerold by the breastplate and pulled him to his feet. "Look," Daemon instructed.
Gerold did, and his heart dropped. Charging towards the battle was an army, not just of men and cavalry, but of elephants. Mighty beasts he had only ever seen once during the War of the Ninepenny Kings. Their massive forms were a terrifying sight, trampling the earth beneath them, shaking the very ground.
"You've been playing us this entire time," Gerold said, realization dawning on him. "This whole thing was a trap."
"It was," Daemon confirmed, his voice as cold as the northern winds.
Gerold breathed out, finally letting hopelessness settle in. "I wish you good fortunes in the wars to come," he said, a final, solemn acknowledgement of his defeat.
Daemon threw him to the ground. "Tell me where Lyanna is," he demanded, his eyes burning with anger and desperation.
Gerold sighed. "I don't know," he replied, his voice heavy with regret. "I would not have been party to such an act."
Daemon clenched his fists in anger, part of him not wanting to believe Gerold. But deep down, he knew the Lord Commander wouldn't lie about this. "I hope you find peace," Daemon said, his voice softer, a flicker of compassion breaking through his rage.
'Spoils of War'
Daemon's ability activated, draining Gerold of all the aura he had left. The Lord Commander's face scrunched up in pain, his body twisting and squirming as the life force was sucked out of him. He let out a final, agonized gasp before going still. The light faded from his eyes, and his body shrivelled, leaving behind only a lifeless husk.
Daemon stood there, looking at the dead Lord Commander, a mix of emotions playing across his face. He then turned his gaze back to the battlefield, where the Golden Company had encircled the king's forces and were beginning to decimate them.
(AN: So this is the end of the first battle, I think there will only be one more battle after this before I do a time skip to the Trident and then after that, it's Daemon and Aerys. Pretty much the whole arc, but yeah I hope you've enjoyed these chapters I decided to write them all together so you didn't have to wait. I hope you enjoy it. Plus you get to see Daemons ability for the first time.)
(I know some might think Gerold was a bit too powerful, but to be fair he was in his sixties or whatever which is a good age for a nen user they have power and experience, plus he had a versatile ability and was empowered by another Kingsguard aura albeit one of the weaker ones. Gerold is still a top 10 fighter so despite not being as strong as Daemon he can still put up a good fight.)
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