[A/N: Alright you guys. We're in the endgame now. I intend to wrap up the story soon and considering that I have the weekend off, I am probably going on overtime to pump the remaining 15 chapters out. I think it is necessary because if I drag things out, I won't finish it and will start another drought. I want to finish this and The Black Lord soon and the way things are going, I might finish The Black Lord in December before the end of the year.
For those that don't know, this story is merely the start of a Trilogy that I have planned. It is this story, The Black Lord, and The Long Night. If you haven't read the Black Lord, it's basically a set-up for The Long Night. And while alot of you are wondering "Oh, where does Aerion and his story fit in all of this." Well, hopefully by the weekend, I can answer that question. I know things seem very contrived, but that is the theme of these three stories. Well, this one and "The Black Lord". Manipulation is the name of the game and as you guys probably guessed it, The Black Priestesses are the one behind everything. But all of that will be fully answered later.
Most events stay the same to the Canon but some changes are made. I'll try to summarize most of the things here. Some things were left out and I had to make some changes. But the end result was the same.]
(Third Person POV)
[King's Landing, Some Days Later]
After the news of Prince Lucerys's death reached Dragonstone and spread throughout the Realm, several incidents occurred that came to a shock to everyone.
The Hand of The King, Otto Hightower, marched with a few hundred soldiers towards the Riverlands, in his foolish attempt to deal with Prince Daemon Targaryen, who was still holed up in Harrenhal. After he marched, leaving Queen-Dowager Alicent, in charge, King Aegon mysteriously disappeared, leaving the keep in chaos.
Alicent was unsure of what she would do, everything came crashing down onto her. The shock of Jace and Luke's death was still fresh on her, she didn't feel that they deserved such a fate. She had received a letter from Daeron, telling her that Lucerys's body was returned to the Tully forces, who took them to Prince Daemon. The Rogue Prince gave him a Targaryen burial and had sent word to both Aerion and Rhaenyra.
To say that Queen Rhaenyra and King-Consort Aerion were distraught was an understatement. Aerion had not spoken a single word after destroying forces of the Hightower Host, forcing them to retreat. He bided his time, trying to lure both Aemond and Daeron for a fight but the two of them did not fall for it. It was a matter of time, however, Aerion would make his move against a dragonrider and blood would be shed.
It was unknown if the Greens even hoped for the sudden recruitment of the two bastard dragonriders, who took the skies and decided to join the fray. Ulf went on to escort Cole's army, marching into the Riverlands from the east as Hugh decided to escort the Hightower army back to Tumbleton. All this happened within the span of a few days and right now, The Capital was under Black rule. With the disappearance of Aegon and Otto's absence, Alicent was overwhelmed by the sudden arrival of both Syrax and Silverwing, both dragons landing on the Red Keep and forcing any enemy force to surrender.
The Velaryon Fleet was right outside the city, Rhaenyra's men marching inside the walls. It was safe to say that this was a loss for The Greens. The elusive Grey Snake and the man known as Sterling were rumored to be the ones responsible for opening the gates to Rhaenyra's men, a couple hundred strong that took over the City Watch and performed a successful hostile takeover. The Commander of the Goldcloaks was a supporter of Daemon and was someone who respected Aerion, so because of him the City Watch did not resist at all to this sudden takeover.
Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, for the first time since being named Heir, had sat on the Iron Throne. However, without her husband there and her first two sons dead, it was a bitter-sweet feeling. Rhaenyra could only hold back the tears and tried her best to hide the pain that she could feel deep inside her. This war had completely destroyed her family and it was because of what Alicent misunderstood Viserys say.
One would say that after Viserys's death, everything burst into chaos, resulting in bloodshed and destruction. That was right, Viserys was the linchpin holding the House of The Dragon together. He would be called weak, yes, but the man was the reason why the Greens and The Blacks did not jump at each other's throats. He was the reason Aerion and Daemon had a relationship, as strained as it was. He spoke reason into his nephew, calming his fiery emotions when it came to his father. The love Viserys showed Aerion is the reason he became the man he was before.
Now, Viserys is dead and the man that Aerion was is slowly dissipating.
Alicent was locked in her own quarters, with guards standing in front of the doors at all times. Anyone who resisted this action was severely beaten and thrown into the dungeons, including the Kingsguard who remained loyal to Aegon. Rhaenyra did not wish to look Alicent in the eye when she pleaded with her to spare Helaena, who was in her quarters.
Queen Rhaenyra had no intention of harming her sister, telling her men to merely stand guard outside and let no one inside, only to feed and change her. Helaena Targaryen had barely been able to get out of her bed only to find the Red Keep to be taken over by Rhaenyra's forces. And because of this, she began to feel nothing but anxious, considering that Aegon had disappeared.
Now, in the dead of the night, Helaena could not feel the assurance of her safety and decided to take matters into her own hands.
She stood at top of the railings of her chambers' balcony, looking down at the fall below her.
She panted heavily, tears forming in her eyes as she placed her hand on her chest, "I...." She said shakily, "I saw it...I don't see me here anymore....A-Aerion.....y-you were a caterpillar...I'm sorry...It's them...they're everywhere...shadows creeping in the night.... remnants of Old Valyria.....it's their fault.....all of this...Embers of Light....that's all they care about....."
From the shadows behind her, a woman appeared, draped in a black veil. Her green eyes glowed in the dark looking at the Usurpers' Queen.
"Sweet child..." The Woman said with a thick accent, "What are you doing?"
Helaena turned her head, in surprise, "I....!" She started with a gulp, "Y-You.....it's you....."
"Ah..." The Woman said, "A Dreamer....a seer of prophecies....tell me, Sweet Child, do you wish to jump?"
Helaena looked at her, "I will not survive this bloodshed..." She whispered
"A Prophecy is iron-clad." The Woman said, "You saw it, didn't you?"
"The Blood of The Chosen will bring about Zaldrizes Jaes."
******************
[Riverlands' Eastern Border]
Criston Cole led his army from the east, being escorted by a healed Sheepstealer mounted by Ulf The White. They were about to launch a full-on assault led by Aemond Targaryen, to take Harrenhal from Daemon who remained there.
The Greens were confident that with four dragons, they would take the fight to both Aerion and Daemon, ending things once and for all. However, they were underestimating their opponents; The Rogue Prince and The Red Dragon. There is a reason Aerion had that one as one of his many names.
Blood rains and forms into rivers wherever Aerion walks, The Stranger following.
Such hubris will be their downfall.
Cole and Gwayne were atop their horses, "Now that we have a dragon with us..." Gwayne said, "I still don't feel confident..."
"Vhagar is still with us." Cole said, "Meleys and Vermax are dead. So is Arrax, which is shocking that even a young and small dragon can be slain with regular weapons."
"To be fair, a Scorpion bolt once felled Meraxes.." Gwayne said
"Yes, but in the eye." Cole said, "Anything can die if the head is pierced."
"Right." Gwayen said as he looked up at Sheepstealer, "Wonder how we got this bastard on our side....."
"No idea. Only the gods know." Cole said
"Mayhaps it is them showing favor..." Gwayne said
"Or some other force, pulling strings from the shadows." Cole said
"That is rubbish." Gwayne said
They were making their way towards a treeline as Sheespstealer was flying above them.
Ulf looked down, "Look at these highborn cunts..." He said, "I don't know why I'm even doing this but the King promised me a castle if I helped him kill Aerion Targaryen.....well, I wonder if he'll wake up after all...."
Ulf then noticed something blur in the distance, in the treeline. It was a glimpse of bronze.
He blinked, "What? No way..." He said as Sheepstealer began to growl, "I mean.....it's too low for a dragon to fly...."
He was wrong.
It was not too low for a dragon to fly.
Suddenly, bursting from the treeline, Vermithor let out a roar as he flew right at Sheepstealer.
"OH FUCK!!!" Ulf exclaimed
Cole and Gwayne widened their eyes, "By the gods, Cole!!!" Gwayne exclaimed, "An ambush!!!"
Vermithor bit at Sheepstealer, ripping apart a piece of its wing but was able to miss as the wild dragon narrowly avoided the full brunt of the attack.
Aerion was mounted atop Vermithor, clad in his full armor, holding onto the handles of his saddle,
"Angos, Vermithos"