192Dawn of the whiskered Dayne
Chapter Fifteen
The Two Revelations
By mushy guillotine
AN:
Sorry for the delay but I had some formalities to fill out for my new job. Moreover I had some project work of the final year of my degree to get through. Then came the dreaded exams.
All in all, from the to the west and from the north to the south I was loaded with work. So this took a backseat. Not a slight to you all but you know... I have to earn my bread and butter!
So without delay let's start the next chapter.
Chapter start:
"The court can commerce." Quentyn himself announced to his courtiers. A rabid bunch of ambitious people who had no qualms mud-slinging each other.
"Alarming news from the West. The Selmy has joined the Targaryen. A few weeks ago."And juts like that the bomb was dropped. It had taken a few precious weeks for the news to heard, listened, checked for falsity and then presented here to the court. Quentyn noted that fact.
"Then why am I hearing it now? A news like this should reach me even before it happens." Quentyn asked all. Rather questioned their very ability.
Quentyn let out a deep breath to calm himself. No use yelling at them. The Selmy were always an odd group. More Andal than Rhoynar. Much like the Daynes. It was why they intermarried a lot.
"I informed the court a week ago. But the Court wanted proof. Now finding that was quite tedious." Speak of the devil and he shall appear. Naruto Dayne raised his voice in the court. As a secretary and Master of writing he was in charge of all news that was to be made privy to the court.
"Tedious?"Quentyn questioned the blonde Dayne. The Dayne's whiskers seemed to thicken on his questioning, his eyes taking the form of a predator. Probably just an old man's paranoia making itself manifest. Quentyn noted it but didn't afford it much thought.
"No matter where I went I found soldiers more loyal to their immediate Lord than the throne. I find this alarming."
A great commotion sparked in the court for the news was nothing new nor unfounded in claims. It was true. Ask a Reed who he is loyal to. He will undoubtedly say Stark. For a Clegane it was Lannister. For a Tarly Tyrrell. For a Royce Arryn and so on. It was true then and it will be forever.
"Court this news has been alarming to our ears. What would you have us do?" Quentyn asked for opinions.
"Your Grace." Yronwood asked for permission which was granted. "Though Lord Dayne's words have credibility I say to ignore them. It has never been a major issue to a previous Dynasty nor will it be to ours." The Lord Hand put forth his thoughts.
"I say bull!" Trystane shouted rather unceremoniously. "It was the ambitions of lesser men like Lord Frey and Balon that created the biggest problems for the previous Dynasty. My grace shouldn't forget that the Greyjoys are even now raiding and pillaging as they wish. I implore your grace to put an end to it."
"Preposterous!" Roared out Yronwood. "We nobles of Dorne have been ever faithful to the Martells. To take our lands from us is a poor repayment for our efforts and sacrifices."
"Sacrifice? Lands?" Naruto tuned in with his own quip. "I don't believe the Grand Commander is talking about taking away your lands. Your lands are yours. As for the troops they could be put to better use serving the Throne directly."
"I concur." For once Trystane agreed with the Dayne. And the court was alarmed for the two of them together seemed like an unstoppable force. Like a water braking through the bunds of a broken dam. "Ever since our Dynasty has been founded there has been one family who has never sent a representarive here. The Selmy. Moreover there have been just 7 who have attended every council meeting. I don't think if they had a private army they would be so arrogant."
Quentyn put on his figurative thinking Cap. What the two parties suggested, for it was true that for once his two brothers were agreeing on an issue was of legitimate concern. But how to go about it without slighting any of the concerned parties?
It was at such moments he wished he was smarter.
"I would also like to inform your grace that the Selmy managed to kill off Ned Dayne in their escape. I had dispatched am order for my cousin to take some of the Royal troops and pursue the fleeing traitors. But Roland Selmy impaled him and hung his head with the caption... I dare not say what he wrote."
"What did he say to Us?" Quentyn demanded.
"That sending a cur to slay a tiger was typical of a cur." Naruto revealed. My servants are outside with the head and the placard."
Quentin's remaining good sense was prevailed by anger. In his rage he demanded again, "Is this true?"
"If I am wrong may the earth swallow me whole."
Quemtyn was stunned. The answer was right before him.
"I plead with Your Grace, to take a decision with a cool head. One Selmy is a drop in the pond. The Nobility is the only buffer to the Royalty in the face of an army rebellion."
"Lord Yronwood." This time it was Trystane who addressed him, "Take back your words please. The Royal army are being clothed, shelted and given a living by your King. How dare you suggest that they are as ungrateful as that Selmy whelp? Or are you suggesting my brother doesn't know how to lead an army?"
Lord Hand Archibald Yronwood quickly realized his mistake. He bowed, cried his breath out to put forward his case. "Forgive me for I don't think ahead. But I stand true to what I said earlier. The Nobility is a buffer..."
"Are you saying I hold Royal Ambitions! That I would betray my only brother in the world? Your grace, if not for our kindred spirits at the least execute him for tarnishing the name of the Grand Commander."
"Enough!" Quentyn silenced all of them. "I'll have no more fights in this court. That Selmy insults us and you all are more concerned with your personal reputation. A subject's reputation is only as great as his King's."
Trystane too was humbled now and he too bowed for forgiveness. Surprisingly, Naruto stood erect.
"Naruto Dayne. From now on you are the Lord of Starfall and Leafhaven. Again. Thus we decree." Quentyn announced for all to hear. Naruto rejoiced in the fact that his plot had worked. He bowed and stood up to accept his good fortune.
"I am honored. I pray that I can continue to serve as I always did in all respects you have always asked of me."
Quentyn smiled. His family particularly his father was a fool to discredit such a fine friend. He should apologize to Naruto sooner rather than later.
"But now that thus decision affects to you as well, We would like to hear your opinion." Quentyn enquired of his good friend.
"Convert the bannermen to Royal troops under the Grand Commander. The Grand Commander will have three subordinates who will check his power. The Agile Commander of the Cavalry, the Steadfast Commander of the Footmen and the Adventurous Commander of the Ships. The lands of the Lords shall be unaltered and each Lord can ask for troops to government his land. But for that service he will have to pay the crown a monthly fealty. The execution of all these I leave to the hands of men more experienced and able than me. Lord Hand Yronwood and the Grand Commander."
The men began to murmur. About the Dayne's piety and virtuousness. At no point had he tried to amass power. At no point did he try to attack any of the opposing party.
Where they being wrong in being suspicious of this man? Or where they simply being jealous?
"Then it shall be done as my new Master of Coin wishes." Quentyn announced. "All you ministers should learn from Lord Dayne. Not long ago, he was subject to your baseless allegations. Never did he seek vengeance. Instead he fought hard to clear his name. And today I am convinced that whoever whispered in my ear those malicious words should be put to death." Unnecessary as that person was already dead.
"I live to serve you, Your majesty. This land has thrived under your watchful eyes. And so shall I."
Naruto then craned his head to Yronwood who was looking at him with hateful eyes. 'Well played' those words were mouthed to him by the elder statesman.
Naruto just shrugged and smiled it off.
"I have further news that I want to report to your majesty. But for that I need a private space. It's foreign matters." Naruto hinted to a possible war.
"Meet me later at my leisure home. I am not feeling well all of a sudden." Quentyn cryptically replied as he swiftly left the Palace. His attendants following him like a midwife does to her charge. The action was noticed by everyone. The blonde Dayne also noticed that no one, not even the Martell nobility showed any reaction.
Naruto was perturbed.
***Dawn of the whiskered Dayne ***
"Grandma!" The child shouted as he ran into the waiting arms of their beloved grandmother.
"My little morsel! How big have you grown?" Ashara cooed to her grandson. In normal terms she was too young to be a grandmother. But she had kids young and her son too couldn't really keep it in his pants.
"Grandma! Today me and my friends were playing in the garden and we caught a snake."
"Really?" The grandmother egged him on.
"Yeah. We killed it but throwing stones on its head." The child had a downcast face for that. For what reason was he sad that a snake died was uncertain. "Is it true Father and Uncle Oberyn can catch snakes with their hands?" Richard just chattered away.
Ashara was immediately reminded of her own son who used to be a complete chatterbox when young. How time changes people!
"Yes. Haven't you seen them do so?"
"Never had the opportunity to show him, Mother." Naruto came to greet his mother. He hugged her and whispered, "Did anyone see you coming?"
"Everyone." Ashara confirmed, "As you said all the guards saw me coming."
Naruto nodded, he them gestured something to his son which immediately shut him up. Then turning back his head to her room he called out to his wife, "Arianne. Tyene. Please come here we have a guest."
Ashara stopped her son but, "Let it be she's pregnant."
But Arianne had already hollered out from her room, "Coming Good-mother!" The mansion was pretty lavish. And vast and spacious. Her room was far away which made it practically impossible for the former Martell to have even heard her. Or him.
Naruto shook his head at his mother signifying not to comment anything. Ashara found it suspicious. Was her only child having marital problems? She wondered
"No we love each other still and can't live without each other." Her son like always read her mind. Ashara picked up her grandson who was now chattering like a sparrow incessantly with his aunt. Tyene was likely taking him to the kitchen to bring up the refreshments she thought.
Hair blonde like a sunflower and spiky like it too. The eyes were a purple that all Daynes including Naruto had. His skin had a tanned complexion but not olive skinned like the Martells. Richard was bus father's son in looks at the least. Who he grows up and emulates was up to Heaven's will. So here nothing was wrong. Adultery wasn't the issue here either.
Her son was simply sulking. He had always harbored ambitions reaching the skies. And had the ability, drive and ruthlessness to follow them. So a roadblock like the one he was going through right now might have soured his mood. Maybe permanently.
Ashara sighed at her son who stood resolute in his somber moodiness. She resolved to get to the heart of the matter.
"Good-mother I came down the stairs as fast as I could. As soon as I heard you." Now even though her son's house in the capital was only a single floor one it was sufficiently large that no person could hear what was going on in the door in normal circumstances. Unless...
By the Seven Heavens!
Her son was playing a dangerous game. One which could cost him his head for real this time.
"Isn't she beautiful as ever mother?" Her son asked her.
Tears unasked for came to her eyes. "Yes she is. She is, my son."
Arianne flushed in embarrassment as she heard those words. Her husband was such a dope. Naruto went behind her and pushed her ahead to his mother's standing place. She had been just standing stock still in her stupor.
"Hey, Be gentle!" She admonished. The Dayne now that his pushing was finished, poked his head from the back and rested it on her neck. Blowing a kiss to her cheeks, he said, "You won't like me that much if I was gentle."
Arianne tried to emulate a Chilli with the blush that had rouged across her cheeks. Ashara broke out in guffas at the scene," Always knew that my son was a practical prankster. Forget his foolish words good-daughter. Here, come here so that I can have a good look at you."
Arianne Dayne took a few steps, nervous at what her mother in law wanted.
"I won't you eat you for lunch, daughter. Nor is this the first time we are meeting. It's been a long journey from Leafhaven. My legs are tired . I am feeling too lazy to move around." Arianne obliged and stood before her mother in law.
Ashara teared up and ran her hands through her good-daughter's hair lovingly. She gave a beatific smile as she did so. "Come here." She beckoned to her son.
Now that the both of them were together, her heart broke out in joy. She blessed them from the bottom of her heart, "May the both of you have a long life together. No outside forces would come between you." After that she kissed the foreheads of them both with motherly love. "Is there nothing to eat? I am famished." She hollered trying to mask the emotion roiling in her bosom.
"I shall ask the servants to bring them." Tyene who until then was stuck to the background informed. Oberyn's third daughter and Arianne were almost the same age. Moreover they had similar tastes and passions. So they had become quick friends and maintained their relationship even now.
"If you wanted help with the pregnancy you could have called me you know?" Ashara admonished the two who were still children in her eyes. She interpreted th e presence of Tyene in the house as a step towards that measure.
"There was no need. Naruto is perfectly understanding and helpful. Tyene just came to show me the tapestries she stitched for Katherine." Arianne rubbished any and all need for help.
"Katherine?"
"My foolish wife thinks it's a girl this time." Naruto said with pride.
"Oh please! It was you who started that crap!" Arianne rounded up on his obviously false claims.
"You were the one who told the kicking was less this time!" Naruto put forth a very valid excuse.
Arianne would have nothing of it, "But if you weren't the one who spread that this time it would be a baby girl for us, then Elia wouldn't have sent those silk baby clothes if you didn't say so." Arianne laid down concrete proof to nail her husband's white lies. If only his rivals had such skill.
"Katherine was suggested by you." Naruto one-uped her. The two of them faced off each other totally forgetting the guest in their house.
"You both are good parents. Your mother is happy." Ashara commented snidely. The both of them looked to Ashara who they had momentarily disregarded in their friendly fracas.
Naruto sneaked his hand to his wife's back and got her close. Jolting her out of the reverie, he coaxed her to smile. Even if out of embarrassment.
"Mother in law and the daughter in law can chat in peace. I have a meeting with the King." Naruto kissed his wife on th wheel as he prepared to leave for a short while. Quentyn had called him to plan the new incursion into the Stormlands. It wasn't said in the court as the Martells wanted it kept a secret.
"Brother is calling you always nowadays. I am feeling like you married him not me." Arianne said with a pout that almost broke the Dayne's heart.
"How about I make it up to you darling? I really have to go."
"Sure!" His wife chirped. All signs of melancholy flushed down the drain. "You have to promise me you won't go for any battle or war until the babe is born." She said with no non-sense attached.
He chuckled. "I wasn't gonna go anyway." He smiled as he gave her a peck on the cheeks, "It makes me happy to know that you still want me around." He then embraced her lovingly juts like before.
"The tea is here." Tyene totally oblivious to the proceedings announced. Looking at them hugging the breath out of each other she brought it down to the fact that Arianne was having another of those pregnancy hormone overdoses.
"Eew... They are kissing." Little Richard cried out.
"And how do you know what a kiss is little boy." Tyene questioned him with an acerbic sarcastic tongue.
Richard scraped the back of his neck embarrassed juts like his father used to in his youth. "You see... after I caught the snake Jill and Emma were so impressed that they kissed me." He squeaked.
"Did you like it?"
"Kind of."
Tyene looked at him with a look that belied her thoughts of how ridiculous he was being, "Then shut up!"
"Yes. As you say Aunt Tyene." Little Richard was of nothing but an obedient good boy. He was so obedient and diligent that he put even his father to shame.
Sarcasm of the highest degree.
***Dawn of the whiskered Dayne ***
Naruto Dayne sped through the doors of the recreation house that his King had retired to. It was a peaceful time so or was not in a bad vein. Jon had conquered the Westerlands with much loss of force.
Now all Jon would wish for would be a time of peace and growth. Which he was not at all ready to give. Naruto decided that it was the ripe time for an incursion into the Stormlands.
Last he heard a fight had broken out between the northernmost rulers- Stannis and Robb. It was on the issue of the sovereignty of the North. Robb wanted at least a dominion status. Stannis wanted nothing of it.
What set the spark, so to speak was the raid from the Ironborn. Always satisfied in playing the party-pooper this time too, the Ironborn did their time honored role of a spoilsport.
Naruto laughed at an inside joke as he neared the door of the private chambers of Quentyn. And it was good that he dud too as he heard a hacking cough from somewhere. A cough which likely expelled much phlegem. And also blood.
He was eavesdropping with his ear stuck to the door. If any servant interrupted him he would just kill him or her. He strained his ears to hear what exactly was going on.
"Master I will bring the Royal doctor at once. You are coughing up blood!" The Dayne could hear a concerned voice. Aged thirty seven with a squeaky nature to it. This was the steward most likely.
"There is no need to. This disease has been with me for a long time. I had it held secret as I wasn't sure my father would enthrone someone who was as much ailing as he was." This was definitely Quentyn's. The dull but kind sounding voice couldn't be mistaken for anyone else.
Why was the world so unkind to him?
When all he ever did was provide for himself. Quentyn's son was young, surely Trystane or Oberyn would be made regent. Oberyn would most likely refuse as that man had no ambition at all. While Trystane was overflowing with ambition, lacking only in talent compared to him or Oberyn.
Naruto retreated from the door as silently as he could. He retraced his steps back to the entrance of the holiday cottage. Making sure, there was no witness he announced his presence loud and clear this time.
"Your servant Naruto Dayne requests entry, Your Grace. He has some good news for your ears only." Naruto could sense a frantic upheaval inside the cottage that mirrored the one inside his own being.
"Come in." His King's voice was again crystal clear. Which prompted Naruto to ask himself for how long was this disease been hidden? Did Quentyn hide it mainly from Trystane whose ambition was almost as unabated as his own? Or was it from him, Naruto Dayne?
Did Quentyn feel not right to reveal that he wouldn't be alive for much longer? That he would basically leave his proclaimed brother alone to fend off for himself?
Whatever be the cause for it, Naruto decided that he wouldn't reveal that he knew. God forbid it, if someone found out.
Quentyn himself exited the door of his personal chambers in the holiday cottage. A benign smile marring the shadowed deathly pallor of his face. Naruto for the first time noticed that Quentyn wore make-up on his cheeks.
"Naruto! Just the man I wanted to meet. What do you have to say? When am I gonna be an Uncle again?" Uncalled for, a smile blossomed on both of their faces. Though it couldn't be said of Naruto, Quentyn was fond of his nephew.
Both their children were now way past ten years of age. They themselves were in their late thirties. Middle age was fast approaching for the both of them. The world was their oyster. And only know did they find their way in prising open the shell of their oyster.
"Arianne is now in her second trimester. She says it's a girl this time." Naruto fondly said of his wife.
"Has she thought of any names? Nymeria is a boring and common one. Don't forget to tell her that." The king inquired about his sister.
"We were thinking of Katherine." Naruto revealed a tidbit to Katherine's Uncle.
"Fine. That's good. What was it that you were gonna inform me?"
"A plague has broken out in the Stormlands. It is the ripe time for Your Grace to conquer it." Naruto explained the situation.
"Won't it be risky driving headfirst into such a plague - infested region? The Stormlands are damp and muddy. Rats would only thrive there."
"I know a man called Water Mirror. He is the one who treated all my and my men's scars from the fire. He guarantees that not a single one of your army would die from the plague." Quentyn always did think how nine of the soldiers had a scar on them. Now that he knew the reason he was emboldened to go out there.
Or maybe this Water Mirror would be able to heal his old disease.
"Excellent. I will lead the troops myself this time. Meanwhile, Naruto take care of my home. I can only trust it in your hands." Which basically meant the Dayne wasn't invited to the party again. Or it could be that the Martell feared an attack on his backside.
"Thank you, your grace. I didn't want to miss the birth of my second child." Naruto thanked the Royal with his whole heart. He wanted to be there for his beautiful wife. So he went with the assumption that this time the order was not a humiliating one.
"There is one more reason I am not taking you this time." Quentyn breached the ice with this new reason. "My son is coming of age. He needs to be thought. The Royal tutor is a good teacher but he doesn't have your experience."
"I accept." Quentyn was basically looking forward to a future without Quentin.
Naruto bowed and proceeded to exit the house. He was stopped but, by a few choice words.
"I pray that I return early Naruto. I have a wonderful gift for you." Quentin muttered.
Naruto sighed in relief, looked like his lands would be returned soon, "That's thoughtful of you. Expenses have increased lately." He started pacing away from the dying king. He acted like he didn't see it. But Naruto really did see the blood stains on the cuff of the tunic worn by Quentyn.
Quentyn had Tuberculosis. It was a wonder that he was even alive.
The Blonde Dayne paced out of the cottage. The scenery outside would have gladdened any artist's heart. Lush greenery and abundant fauna. Other than a slight uncomfortable dampness in the air nothing was left lacking. But still his mood had taken a sudden downturn.
Just as he was out of the complex he looked heavenward. Rage building up like the bloody phlegm likely did in Quentin's throat. Al hell broke loose and he screamed,
"Why have you forsaken me?" He shouted out to the skies, seemingly to no one. Rage soon turned into sorrow.
There was no intended response from up above. As it should be. Naruto fell to his knees and started sobbing. Why was it that each time he secures a foothold for himself, the foothold was smashed to pieces?
He had almost conquered the Reach when he was trapped in the Fire. He was going to be the mist powerful man in Westeros being the commander of the mightiest army when he was stuck in his forsaken mansion. And just when he rebuilt the burned bridges the intended host in the other side of the bridge was dying.
"All I ever wanted was to make a name for myself. Is that too much to ask?" Naruto yelled out to the heavens but the heavens still refused to open up.
Naruto sighed in helplessness. Nothing could be done. An another way had to be found.
He reckoned God didn't have much time to spare for a man like him. His sins were just too great.
***Dawn of the whiskered Dayne***
Ashara sat down beside her son that evening. He was Lounging in the gardens of the mansion. His wife had been sitting with him but had fell asleep at a some point of time.
He still was in a somber mood. Not like when he was when he left home. Something had arose outside in the big bad world.
"Quentyn has tuberculosis." Naruto revealed as to why he had his face dried up like a rose in winter.
"He told you now?" Ashara asked her son, alarmed at the news he had just told her.
"I eavesdropped. He hadn't told anyone yet. Most likely so that others don't get funny ideas." Naruto indirectly alluded to himself.
Ashara shook her head, there was no stopping him now. Long ago she had understood that her son was meant for truly big things.
The small towns of Starfall or Leafhaven wouldn't be enough for his hunger for fame. Not even just Dorne would satisfy his thirst for achievement. But he had one quality that others in his position lacked.
Stubborn was he then. Stubborn was he now. Stubborn shall he be forever. Stubborn in his dreams and ambitions. Stubborn to love fame and ambition more than anything in his life.
"What are you gonna do now?"
"What I have always been doing. Wait. Wait for the right time." There was a bite in his sound which told her he was up to no good.
Quentyn had a son but he was far too young. A regent would be declared. Even more than one. And if any if his enemies become the regent, then they would make him suffer.
So he would make them suffer instead.
Ashara was totally knowledgeable about what was going on his head. He was plotting again.
"Take care son. I am getting old." She tried to reason with him. He was all that was left to her in this world. It would break her if he was to go.
"Mom. I promise you I will always be careful. Careful of my enemies, my friends." He then glanced down at his sleeping wife "And even my wife."
"Where is your other woman? Haven't seen her for awhile."
"Up north. Preventing the long winter from coming. She has been extremely successful. How can I look at her face if I remain a bandied Exiled has been commander for all my life?" Naruto spoke of Gwen.
"She wouldn't mind son. She has a pure heart. Not like you."
"So the blame lies on my shoulders? Mother cut me slack. I am just acting like how the world is acting towards me. " The blonde Dayne tried to justify his actions. But his mother wouldn't have any of it.
"Do you remember the now famous words of our founder?" Ashara retorted with passion streaking down her eyes, "Even if the whole world betrays me, I shall not betray my world."
"I would rather betray the world than have it betray me." Naruto impassively replied in the most egoistic manner possible.
His mother sighed, guess there was no turning back now, "Happiness will betray you then, my son. Don't follow this path. Contentment is much better and solid than fame and achievement. What use is being a King when you have to tread over all that you live to reach there?" Ashara warned her son of the consequences of his path. These words would come back to haunt him later, much later in his life.
Naruto made a face as if totally surprised and shocked by what he had just heard. Shaking his head ruefully, he cautioned his mother, "Who told you I want to be a King? Speak no such words mother. For it is treason!"
"You wouldn't be happy with anything else my son." She took no quarters, choosing to dive headfirst into the truth, "You are my son. I know you very well."
There was silence. As Naruto didn't fancy an answer.
There was silence, so thick you could cut it with a butter knife.
There was silence in which a single statement threatened to change the world upside down.
"You are right." He confirmed. "But wouldn't that defeat the purpose of whatever you just said? I wouldn't be happier with any other outcome."
To which his mother had a grief-filled plea, "That's what worries me the most. You are like a opium addict who doesn't know he is having opium."
That year, seven years after the ascension of Quentyn Martell, the Dornish Royal invaded the lands of Renly Baratheon. The Stormlands.
The faith that the plague would result in a far weaker army was quashed to bits as the reality struck. There was no plague. It was all fabricated lies by Renly.
In peril, Quentyn called out to the one person who could save him. Naruto Dayne to lead the armies once again and be successful.
Chapter End
***Dawn of the whiskered Dayne***
Ooooooh... Mexican standoff between the two remaining Dayne adults (for now). I liked writing that part of this chapter as well as the first part.
When you change something from Canon you should be prepared to face its challenges and outcomes. Of I kept Ashara alive then I can't have her invisible. Unless there is a reason as to why.
Which means the Kyuubi will still be missing.
I have never glorified heinous crimes in this story nor do intend to. Naruto will know he's being a bastard but he will still act like one. Simply because that serves his purpose. Will he face its consequences?
Eventually yes. There's a reason this is classified under tragedy.
The next chapter will see a sea of changes taking place. One more step to the finale. Stay tuned.
Also, two chapters back I had let you all know that I was thinking of starting a new story. The problem is that I want to write more than one story but don't have the time. So I have to decide to pick up the story for which one of you will agree to beta.
1. The first one is called Barbarossa. It's a rehashed work of my abandoned story Spitting Snake x Stillwater. I didn't have the smarts then to write such a story then. But now it's a different matter.
2. The second one is something I am looking forward to. It's an all-out adventure story. An if what- kind of story. Madara summoned the Kyuubi to kill off his Arch-nemesis. Little did he know about the price he and the whole of the shinobi world would have to pay for it. Pride goes before a fall.
Now the demons are the rulers of the Elemental Nations. Will the resistance be successful?
3. A dear reader had once requested me to write a crossover between PJO and Naruto. So I cooked up this one. Kushina is a reincarnation of a faded Goddess Metis who has entrusted her revenge to her son.
The choice is yours. Let me know which one you fancy to read the most.
