[Edric's POV]
The Plane of Euthymia.
Garth had made himself at home further out on a mountain. Though, home really was an overstatement... it was more of a workspace. He had built tables, chairs, tools, weapons, siege weapons (which definitely stood out) and various objects made of stone and salvaged materials. There was a lot of what seemed to just be junk. Currently, he was working on a rather small crossbow.
"Skipping on training, hm?" I questioned, walking closer.
"This is my training," Garth replied without so much as turning. "I'm trying to merge my magic with my other talents. For all intents and purposes, they seem to fit rather well..."
"I find that one's magic is a reflection of one's self" I stroked my chin. "Their passions, will, their heart and who they truly are at the core of their being... it says a lot, really."
"And you wield three all at once," Garth remarked, smiling slightly. "A bit all over the place, no?"
"Storm is all too fitting a name for me. Though, stone and wind are also quite contradictory. One is steadfast, unmoving, while the other soars freely. If I had to guess, stone is your sense of duty, which you do your best to uphold... but the wind is who you truly are. A free-spirited, creative soul, and these creations of yours reflect that."
"You never wanted the crown, yet it falls on you to take it."
"Same as you," Garth nodded slowly. "It's a wonder why you don't possess Geo as well."
"I am not a dutiful person at heart." I chuckled, shaking my head. "I have become that, sure, but you know how that ended... deep down, I will always choose myself. That's a truth that I've come to face."
"So, what does Hydro and Electro reflect?"
"Try to guess."
"Water is free-flowing... adaptive - changing shapes at a whim. It often takes the shape of whatever it is contained within." Garth got it right away, the clever lad. "It is a soft, nurturing element and reflects a person's strong desire to walk a path of paragon."
"That's probably better than whatever I was thinking," I laughed. "Now for the other?"
"Electro is... powerful, authoritative and resolute. Those in possession of this element have an exceedingly strong will and are often misunderstood by those around them, leading to a life of solitude..." Garth looked at me. "Well, they're quite erratic too."
"-That's just me, my son." I shook my head, chuckling. "But you are mostly right, yes. When Brienne awakened, I understood it at last... it is the element of the outcast who stands resolute in their ambition, walking a path that is all too uncommon."
"I wasn't all that far away from saying the same thing."
"You did really well, to be fair. Ever thought of writing a book?"
"Mayhaps..." Garth chuckled, turning back to his crossbow. "It's frightening how accurate these elements are."
"Though, bloodline seems to have a play in it as well..." I added, stroking my chin. "I doubt it's a coincidence that both you and Alys have earth-related abilities along with one of my elements."
"If I married a Lannister, would my child possess gold-related abilities?" Garth mused.
"Lannister, huh... that's an interesting choice," I grinned slightly. "You got anyone particular in mind?"
"... No." Garth shook his head. "I was just... curious."
"Mhm." I raised an eyebrow, sniffing a little lie. "Mayhaps Alys would tell-"
"-It's not important." Garth insisted. "Anyway, don't you have important things to attend to?"
"Babysitting my son happens to be one of them. You know, once you go away, there's a good chance... well, you'll most likely never see this version of me again. Isn't there anything on your mind you'd like to get out?"
"You've lived more than one life, isn't that right?"
"Mhm..." I nodded. "Though, my first life was... uneventful."
"That's hard to believe."
"Oh, believe me, I didn't accomplish anything significant."
"How old were you when you died?"
"Eight-and-ten."
"It was from an entirely different world, right?"
"I wonder how you came to that conclusion?"
"An educated guess." Garth smiled slightly. "It makes sense; you see things differently. You know things you shouldn't. Even something like your physical training techniques are largely foreign and unlike anything else, yet shockingly effective and advanced. You're either from the same place as the purple-haired lady... or somewhere else entirely - which I find more likely."
"The latter is correct. You are a little too clever for your own good sometimes, you know."
"I get it from my mother... and father."
"Heh." I chuckled. "How flattering."
"I'm not the flattering kind." Garth shook his head. "I give credit where it's due. Though, regarding this campaign of yours... it's a little ambitious, even for you. I have a feeling that something will go awry."
"When do things ever go to plan?" I shrugged.
"You've been in countless more battles than I and won each one, true enough, but you always had something to turn back on if matters went south. Now, at sea, your current fleet is all you have."
"Are you worried about me?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Well... what happens to this world, and everything in it, if you die? I'd assume the worst."
"You're probably right to think so."
"Your offensive capability is unmatched, especially paired with Ser Arthur, but... there is only so much your heavy armour can protect you from. The scar on your face is proof of that."
I nodded. "Yeah, fair..."
"I thought about making my own armour, but it's simply too heavy and inflexible. You'd hardly be able to move, let alone make precise movements... and that's why I designed a shield." Garth put down the crossbow and went over to take out the shield in question. "It's not beautiful, but it's packed with Geo energy and is plenty sturdy on its own. Even you wouldn't be able to break it easily."
I grabbed it and, boy, was it the heaviest shield I had ever held. Though not something I couldn't wield.
"Impressive. Your craftsmanship with Geo is steadily improving."
"I'm still far from where I have to be." Garth maintained a humble tone.
"You'll get there." I smiled, patting his shoulder. "Obsession beats talent... but talent with obsession is how you become one of a kind. If you keep up pace, no one will match you."
"... Now that is flattery," Garth chuckled. "What about Alysanne?"
"It's not a competition. You are twins, two sides of a coin. Her success is your success, and the same goes the other way around. Together... I don't believe there's anything you two can't accomplish. Your elements are practically perfect for each other."
"... I see. Yes, you're entirely right."
"Work on your teamwork when you can," I added, turning away. "Anyway, I won't disturb you further. You keep doing your thing."
Afterwards, I went to see Raiden, who was on her own meditating at the centre. She noticed me approaching a mile away (I am a pretty chunky boy).
"You look rather pleased," Raiden observed.
"I think I'm growing on him." I chuckled. "He indirectly called me father, which is something he never does."
"... I see."
She didn't look all too moved by my revelation.
"Don't act like it's nothing at all. This is huge considering that Garth is as stubborn as I am… and is definitely a bit of a tsundere. Aaand he made me this brilliant shield which can erect a Geo barrier around me. I didn't even have to ask for that."
I showed off the shield.
"It's not especially strong, but it can save you from a couple powerful blows." Raiden noted. "Likely his best effort."
"My favourite son right there."
"... You only have one," She raised an eyebrow.
"Er… that's besides the point. He's bloody amazing. Well, they both are. These kids pick things up so quickly. Honestly, if they had my System, they'd have the world in their palm by now."
"Maybe... but they don't, so it hardly matters."
"That's one way of looking at it," I shrugged. "Anyway, how is Alysanne?"
"She is diligently refining her craft and expanding her range of abilities."
"Man... they grow up so quick, being all independent. It's as if they don't need me anymore."
"That's good, no?" Raiden questioned. "That's where they should be. You're not going to be there to hold their hand if they return today."
"Still, it's a little bit... sad."
"Your focus is divided," Raiden formed a sword of lightning, its entire shape flickering with power. "Let's get back on track."
"... Right." I nodded, raising my hand. Several weapons were forced out by a powerful wind, floating beside me. I then summoned my warhammer and held it in my hand.
"You seem rather stubborn on this floating weapon technique..."
"If I perfected it, I'd be untouchable... and entirely unevadeable."
"Is the great strain on your energy and mind worthwhile?"
"I'll make it so."
"Hm." Raiden smiled slightly. "Let's see."
As I charged, the weapons attacked in sync from practically every angle. Yet, Raiden was able to flash to the side and entirely evade all of them. Her speed wasn't exactly fair. She proceeded to dash to me, and I threw my warhammer with a mix of Anemo and Electro elemental energy. Obviously, she dodged.
Then I drew my nodachi and met her blade in a clash. She tried to twist through my guard, but I countered. Then, I used Hyper-Focus to gain complete control over all of the fallen weapons along with the warhammer - making it turn right back.
My spare weapons exploded with a mix of Anemo and Electro- all dashing at Raiden. She was cornered once again... though, this time, I was right next to her.
Then... she just jumped. I barely reacted, slashing downwards and getting a small cut on her leg. Though, largely unscathed, she reached high up in the air and backflipped away elegantly.
"You managed to cut me..." Raiden remarked.
"The smallest of cuts," I added, all too humbly. I knew she could split me in half in the blink of an eye. "And you were a bit careless."
"Perhaps there is some merit to your technique. Whenever you use your focus ability, your reaction speed surpasses my own... and allows you to process almost everything at your own pace. That might make it viable for short bursts unless, of course, you manage to maintain that focus for an extended period of time."
"It happens sometimes... when my body moves on its own and I don't have to think at all."
Hyper-Focus was, after all, an enhanced version of the flow state - a forced version that was draining each time I activated it. There was a stage above that where Hyper-Focus came entirely naturally... and didn't pose the same strain as usual. Natural Hyper-Focus? Flowing Hyper-Focus? I hadn't quite come up with a name for it...
The greatest version of this to date came during my 'rampage' outside Mistwood Village. Fury, focus and effortless movement without a moment of thought... that feeling was unlike anything else in the world. I was pushing my body to its absolute limits.
Even against the Others, I hadn't quite gone that far - even though I had been training to replicate that state ever since.
"It only seems to happen when you are in a life-or-death situation, a period where desperation boils over to you fighting flawlessly."
"I've noticed."
"Often, you have near complete control of every battle... which makes it a rare occurrence." Raiden Shogun stroked her chin. "I might suggest you put yourself into more dire situations so that you might experience that feeling once more."
"You, telling me to put myself in danger?" I chuckled. "Well, that's a new one."
"As long as you can handle it - why not?"
"I'm almost always in the vanguard, however. How much more can I change, really?"
"Ever thought about fighting an army on your own?"
"... Now it really sounds like you want me to die."
"Depending on the size of the army and your environment, you might stand a chance," She noted. "You are a resourceful strategist, after all. As long as you pick the right battle, it could work out well..."
"The Slaver Coalition might just give me that opportunity."
[Aegon's POV]
After the negotiations had gone as well as Aegon could have hoped, the Golden Company prepared its forces for the naval battle that was all but assured. The last time the Golden Company had stood against the Iron Throne was under Maelys the Monstrous of House Blackfyre... and it hadn't gone so well. This time was different, however. They had more allies, and the King in question was at sea with a fleet that would undoubtedly be smaller.
During this monumental time, there was a special ceremony... and Aegon had been the focus of it. He didn't know why precisely, but he enjoyed the festivities. However, towards the end, something happened that he could have never imagined.
Jon Connington held a sword in its sheath, wrapped in a cloth that concealed it entirely. Given Harry Strickland's serious expression, the rest of the Golden Company kept their eyes on it, and a long moment of silence passed over the grounds that were once all too noisy.
"It is yours." Jon Connington pressed the wrapped sword against Aegon's chest.
"..."
Aegon had a feeling, though he did not dare believe it until he saw it. He grabbed the sword and felt its shape before removing the cloth. It was brilliant. The ruby at its pummel, the silver dragons at its guard, which retained their beauty, and...
He unsheathed it, valyrian steel shimmering under the sunset.
"The Sword of the Conqueror!" Jon Connington said, kneeling. "The Sword of the Dragon Kings of old."
Harry Strickland, the officers of the Golden Company and every man under them followed in unison.
"Hail Prince Aegon!"
"Hail Prince Aegon!"
Aegon raised the sword high up, and a roar of cheers boomed across the entire district.
The Sword, a dragon... now all that was missing was the crown.
[Edric's POV, 3rd]
After the Royal Fleet united with the Iron Fleet, the Royal Armada (the name of the joint force) had sailed to Lys for a quick stop. Lys seemed to be preparing for war against Tyrosh as tensions had been very high in recent years. Edric didn't think too much of it.
While at Lys, the Royal Armada got a boost of ships from Rhaerra's guild along with a force of sellswords as well, who seemed overly cautious. Edric also had a strange feeling during his short stay in the city. Even so, he didn't have the time to dwell on it and just continued on.
Volantis would be the next stop...
Except that a blockade would stop the Royal Armada half-way.
Volantene ships, sigils of various sellsword companies - the Golden Company chief amongst them. They even had elephants boarded on massive cogs. There were seemingly plenty of free captains as well. Despite this, both fleets were practically equal in size, which was quite telling in terms of Volantis' wealth and power.
Not only that, there was a dragon flying in the skies - Viserion.
But... that was not the end of it, not at all.
The treacherous magisters of Lys had been using their ongoing conflict with Myr as a disguise for their true intentions - sending their fleet after mine. And so, the Royal Armada was not so far from being sandwiched between both forces.
"I didn't think that Volantis would prioritise us," Arthur remarked. "Not to mention Lys... nothing was done to provoke them, so why..."
"Fear," Edric noted sharply, his long hair swaying freely. "And on this day... I'll prove them right to fear me."
He raised his hand to the sky, and it responded to his will.
The winds suddenly grew harsh and forceful, pushing Lys' fleet back to the point that it was unmoving. At the same time, a separate wave of wind pushed the Royal Armada forward.
"FULL SAIL AHEAD AND NOT ONE KNOT BACK!"
Edric's voice resounded across the sea, and the Royal Armada soared forward.