Game of Thrones: The Legend of Jon Arctic - Chapter 199 - End of the invasion!

[Chapter Size: 3500 Words.]

---------------------------------------

Thrid Person POV

Yi-Ti, 297 AC.

---------------------------------------

"Go, go, go!" The army leader's shout echoed as his men charged onto the battlefield. The enemy was not far behind, advancing to meet them in the middle of the field.

In the next moment, spears and swords clashed against one another. The men of Yi-Ti, including both common soldiers and samurai, fought without shields; instead, they favored spears for their reach. Weapons collided as both sides struggled to find an opening in the opposing army.

Meanwhile, the leader on the Yi-Ti side observed the battlefield intently.

"Oden-sama!" One of the samurai approached and continued, "We are having trouble on the right flank. Should we reinforce that side?" he asked.

"Yes, reinforce it! Pull soldiers from the center to that side," the Shogun commanded. The samurai nodded and galloped off to relay the orders.

This was the battle of the northern frontier, fought to repel the invasion from that direction. It had been moons since it began, and they were fighting to prevent the enemy forces from advancing. In truth, it was an attempt by the Mongols to divide the troops' attention and allow their eastern army to escape. Despite this, there had been no news from the eastern region, but everyone assumed they were still fighting to resist.

The Shogun watched the battle unfold alongside his commanders, observing his men holding the line. He believed this would be yet another inconclusive fight. At the very least, they would not allow the Mongols to access Yi-Ti from this side. At least 20 more minutes passed as the fight raged on, with soldiers continuing to clash. Suddenly, a trumpet sounded from afar, coming from the east.

Everyone turned their attention in that direction, where the sound of horses began to echo from behind the hill. Both the Yi-Ti and Mongol armies grew cautious, wondering what would emerge. Then, a white flag with a blue snowflake appeared, leading an army that rapidly advanced toward the enemy's right flank.

"They're finally here," Oden murmured, a small smile forming as he saw the giant wolf in armor charging ahead, leading his men in a cavalry charge. The Arctic King was claiming his own glory as he neared the Mongols, who were now in a panic, desperately trying to stop the onslaught.

ROAAARRR The wolf's roar froze them in terror, spreading fear and chaos.

Jon led his forces into the enemy army without resistance, crushing the first wave underfoot. Like a storm, they tore through, clearing a path as his men surged forward, devastating the enemy from within. It wasn’t just the Arctic soldiers following their king. Two provinces had joined Jon in the north, while Lord Shimura remained in the east to organize his devastated lands, and Kin’emon, another commander, had gone south. Thus, Jon headed north with a prince after rescuing him.

He had cut off all enemy communication, ensuring the northern army was oblivious to events in the east. Jon's ability to intercept messages and even spread false information ensured the enemy kept fighting blindly, allowing him to deliver a blow so severe the Mongol Empire would struggle to recover for years. This strategy left the adversaries unprepared, as was evident now.

His men quickly began decimating the enemy, one soldier at a time. It didn’t take long for the opposing army to collapse. After just ten minutes, with Jon continuing to strike down enemies using a naginata—one he had taken after Khotun Khan burned to death—and his forces numbering tens of thousands dominating the battlefield, the tide turned. Soon, some enemy soldiers fled as fast as they could, but the chaos had already engulfed them.

As they faced the enemy head-on, Jon’s army wreaked havoc from within. More and more Arctic soldiers and Yi-Ti allies penetrated the enemy lines, breaking their formations entirely. Even the Shogun's soldiers began pushing through the Mongol defenses, unleashing complete chaos on the invading army.

And so, the entire enemy army collapsed, with all who could fleeing the battlefield as quickly as possible.

"Let's go back. There's nothing more to do here," Jon said, watching the Mongols retreating north while some soldiers continued to pursue them.

The battlefield was strewn with the bodies of their enemies, and all the allies began raising their weapons in exultation, celebrating the victory. Jon returned alongside Ghost to where the Shogun was waiting, a smile lingering on his face from the triumph of the day.

"Jon-dono, it is an immense pleasure to have you here to end this fight, and I was even more overjoyed when I received the news you sent about my son being safe," murmured the Shogun to Jon, who nodded from atop his wolf.

"Yes, it seems this invasion has finally ended," Jon replied. "Six months of fighting... six moons of battle... and finally, it's all over," he murmured before being interrupted by the cheers of soldiers directed at him.

"Okuchi no Makami!"
"Okuchi no Makami!"
"Okuchi no Makami!"
"Okuchi no Makami!"

The name of the great white wolf, the guardian spirit, given to Jon, was shouted over and over. More and more people from Yi-Ti joined in the chant, pointing to him. By now, everyone knew of his incredible feats.

Jon watched the scene with a calm demeanor. He felt neither embarrassment nor pride in the heroism attributed to him. He knew he had made a significant difference in the fight against the Mongols, but he had done so for his own interests. This was not his homeland. Now, all he wanted was to receive his reward as part of the agreement he had made with the princess.

As the people celebrated and chanted Jon's name, he finally made his way to the military camp alongside the Shogun. His troops, who had stayed behind to escort the prince, were already arriving.

They didn’t have to wait long for Prince Momonosuke’s arrival at his father’s tent. The reunion was deeply emotional. Momonosuke looked far more presentable than when he had been rescued from Higashi Fortress.

"Father..." Momonosuke murmured hesitantly as he approached.

The Shogun said nothing at first. He stepped forward slowly, raising his hands to his son’s face and gently touching his forehead.

"I’m glad you’re alive, Momonosuke. If anything had happened to you, I wouldn’t know what to do. But you were strong," he said, his voice filled with emotion.

"Father... I was a prisoner," the prince responded, clearly shaken. "I should be ashamed of myself for the rest of my days."

"It’s all right," the Shogun said firmly. "I know it wasn’t the best experience, but be strong, Momonosuke. You are still young and have much to learn. One day, you will be a great ruler. Don’t let this break you. Use it to become stronger."

He wished his son had been the one to lead the charge against the enemies and drive them out, but he also understood that the most important thing was that Momonosuke was alive. Now, he had a chance to correct his mistakes and grow stronger.

After some time spent talking, the Shogun turned back to Jon. Together, they organized the return of the troops, ensuring there were no more enemies in the vicinity over the following days. With Jon monitoring the Mongol territory, they eventually confirmed the area was secure and began their journey southward, toward the capital.

The northern frontier was finally safe. The Mongols had abandoned any plans of attempting another invasion anytime soon after losing so many resources and men in the failed campaign.

In the days that followed, as they traveled, Jon found himself in his bed, lying naked and reading a book beside Daenerys, who rested her head on his bare chest.

"So, it’s finally over? Are we going home?" Dany asked, looking up at Jon, turning her head but never moving from the warmth of the Arctic King’s body.

"Yes, we just have to take care of a few more things in the capital, and then we’ll finally leave," Jon replied.

Daenerys studied him. When she had chosen to continue her journey with Jon instead of going her own way and staying in Artica, she had never imagined she would end up spending so much time by his side or experiencing all they had together. Beyond that, now she loved him. Back then, she hadn’t fully trusted him, but she had chosen what seemed like the safer path.

She couldn’t deny that she had made the best decision possible. Not only had she seen the world, but she had also met her niece and, eventually, her future husband. Together, they rebuilt House Targaryen, and beyond that, they brought glory back to the house with all the dragons they now possessed.

"We’ve talked about this already. You know I have no intention of elevating the names of the Targaryens or the Starks," Jon said while flipping through the book, already guessing what she was thinking. Daenerys often brought up this topic since she decided to marry him.

"I know. We’re Articans, but even so, we are still Targaryens, Jon. We’re the last ones, and we’ll be the future of the family," she remarked, looking directly into his eyes.

"Maybe... I won’t say I don’t want children. A few would be nice..." Jon smiled.

"Three of them," she replied suddenly.

"What?" He looked at her, surprised.

"You know I’ve had dreams about Artica, right? Ever since we met," she murmured.

"Yes, you said you saw Artica... the great tree..." Jon replied in a calm tone.

"I saw more than the city. I didn’t tell you everything," Daenerys murmured, looking at him with an enigmatic gleam in her eyes. Jon raised an eyebrow, signaling his curiosity.

"I saw our children, Jon. Three of them. Two boys and a girl. We were walking on platforms filled with dragons, and there was a mountain outside the city..." she revealed.

"Was this back when we took you from Pentos?" Jon asked, curious and surprised to hear this. He knew that Daenerys seemed to be like an ancestor of hers, the same one who had saved the Targaryen family.

"Yes, that’s why... well, I thought we were destined to be together," she confessed.

"Three children isn’t a bad number," Jon commented, not dismissing the dream.

"I didn’t see you that day, but I knew they were our children as soon as I saw their features... even though all of them had my coloring... Well, the 'me' from the future mentioned something about you being in Winterfell that day," she said thoughtfully.

"Winterfell? I was there...?" Jon murmured, curious.

It was strange for Jon to hear that. After all, he knew he was having a complicated relationship with his uncle. He didn’t know how to face him without letting his anger flow, and he was supposed to be the lord of Winterfell. They must have reconciled somehow because it couldn’t have been Robb.

Jon shook his head, skeptical. He didn’t think reconciliation with Robb would be possible. Their relationship had gone far beyond any chance of forgiveness.

"Maybe we’ll have more children than that... After all, I was still young in the dream. I couldn’t have been older than 25," she said, teasing.

"Well, maybe we can have 12 children," Jon laughed, playing along.

"So, I’m Alysanne Targaryen now? And you’d be Jaehaerys I, or something like that?" she laughed as well, referencing the legendary queen who had 12 children before the Dance of Dragons.

"No, we’re not them. I’m Jon Artica, and I think you’ll be Daenerys Artica, the kingdom furthest north in the world and the most powerful," he replied with a smile.

"Not bad," she said in return before looking at one of the candles and adding, "You know what’s stranger that I saw in the dream? This will surprise you..." she commented. She paused, capturing Jon’s curiosity as he watched, unsure of what she was about to say. "There was a different dragon that day," she said.

"What do you mean by 'different'? Was it white with green spots?" Jon said playfully, thinking of Aragon.

"It wasn’t your dragon, Jon," she affirmed, knowing exactly what she was describing. "At least, I don’t think it was." She paused before continuing.

"I mean, it was white and very large. But... it had a beard. I couldn’t tell what it was, but what caught my attention most was that it spoke, Jon. It spoke to me," Daenerys revealed.

"What do you mean by that?" Jon raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"I’m saying, Jon... At least in the dream, it spoke to our children... I mean, our children spoke to it, and it responded. Is that even possible?" she murmured, still perplexed.

Jon looked at her for a few seconds before answering, "I don’t know. Honestly, I don’t know if it’s possible."

He paused and added, "But I also can’t completely discredit it. This world is too crazy, and many things can arise from it."

"It was strange. He even knew that I wasn’t 'me.' When I had the second dream, I assumed the body of my 'future self.' I followed our children to one of the last platforms, where the dragon spoke to me. He said I was seeing my future and that it was the 'me' from the past answering a question from our eldest son, who was worried about his mother's behavior when her younger self had taken over her body and felt lost..." she explained.

Jon didn’t know what to say about this. Perhaps the answer would come in time. He set the book aside and pulled her close. "Enough talk about dreams. Let’s practice making our first child," Jon said, as Daenerys laughed and soon climbed on top of him.

A few days later, they arrived in the capital, Yi-Ti, which seemed much brighter than the last time they had been there. The people already knew the news and were celebrating in anticipation of the victory over the invaders.

They entered the city while the armies remained outside. Jon, Daenerys, and the others headed directly to the castle. Ygritte and Rhaenys had to stay on the ships because of the dragons, so they weren’t present in the capital.

Many members of the country’s administration were gathered, along with the princess, who came to receive her father and brother. She couldn’t contain herself and stepped forward, breaking the decorum expected of her.

"Father, we had a splendid victory! And you, brother, it’s so good to see you!" Hiyori exclaimed, embracing her brother. She seemed relieved. Since his capture, she had been deeply worried, and now his rescue brought her immense comfort.

After greeting her family, Hiyori turned to Jon.

"Thank you for everything. Yi-Ti will never forget what you’ve done," she said, her eyes fixed on him. She slightly lifted the skirt of her dress and bowed in a gesture of gratitude and etiquette. Her expression was one of respect and appreciation, but there was a directness in her gaze that many could see. The princess didn’t seem to care, and Jon noticed it too, though he said nothing.

Jon felt there was no need for flowery words. He had fulfilled his part of the agreement with her, and that was enough for him.

"Come, let’s go inside! We have a grand banquet to hold tonight," the Shogun urged. Hiyori followed, casting another glance at Jon before advancing with her father and brother.

In the end, a city-wide celebration was held as a great victory festival. A banquet reserved for the heroes was prepared in the castle.

"You know what kind of masks people are wearing tonight?" Arya asked as she stood on the balcony beside Jon, looking at the city below.

Outside, the festivities were lively, while inside the palace, the banquet was in full swing in a grand hall. After speaking with many people, Jon had decided to take some fresh air on the balcony. Arya, who accompanied him, seized the opportunity to make her remark.

"And you’re using eagles to see this?" Jon raised an eyebrow, curious.

"Of course! You have your eagles, daughters of Caraxes, and I bought a bird before we started the war campaign. Haven’t you seen the bird that’s always with me?" she teased.

"The blue one? Well, I can’t say it’s ugly," Jon replied with a smile.

Arya stuck her tongue out at him playfully. "Anyway, I’d better go. It looks like someone’s coming to talk to you," she said, raising an eyebrow before leaving.

Jon saw a woman in a royal gown approaching him. "I hope the banquet is to your liking," Princess Hiyori said as she neared, without guards.

"It is, but I needed some fresh air," Jon replied. He had a habit of stargazing at any gathering when he needed a breather.

"I hope so, but you know, Jon Artica, I think you’re a very strange man," she commented suddenly, watching Jon as he gazed at the sky, an act she found oddly simple. When Jon shifted his gaze from the stars to her, his expression puzzled, she continued, observing his doubtful face.

"Forgive me if I offended you, but I don’t understand many things. You are a very powerful man, and if even half of the rumors are true, I really don’t understand. You could have the whole world at your feet with your abilities, yet you don’t seem to care about that and seem to enjoy simple things," she said, looking at him and trying to decipher what was on his mind.

Jon chuckled, unable to hold back a laugh. "Conquer the world? I’ve never planned for something like that. I prefer the world to have its autonomy, as long as Artica is strong and independent. I don’t care for such ambitions," he responded sincerely.

He paused before continuing, "After all, the world will never be completely conquered. That would take time and energy—things I don’t have, even if I could live five times longer. It’s better that things stay as they are," he finished.

Jon knew that Artica was enough for him. He didn’t aspire to greater ambitions. All he wanted was for his kingdom to remain independent and have solid trade with the rest of the world. For him, that was sufficient.

"New lands bring new responsibilities. Besides, the world as we know it—with the sovereignties each land possesses—is how it should be. Even though I might disagree with one thing or another, I can’t change everything. And I don’t want to. Governing lands beyond my kingdom would be an unnecessary complication. Westeros has already shown us how difficult it can be to manage so many different realms under one rule," Jon said. It was clear this wasn’t part of his plan at the moment.

The princess nodded slowly, reflecting on Jon’s words.

"I suppose that makes sense," she murmured, trying to understand his reasoning.

"Besides," Jon continued, addressing the question left unanswered, "you know I was once a bastard, right? I lived worse than a servant in the house of the man I believed to be my father. I’m used to cleaning horse manure and feeding dogs in the kennel," Jon said with a small smile.

"It’s hard to imagine that... Today you’re 17 namedays old and capable of leading an entire war. You know how hard that is to believe, don’t you?" she murmured.

"Well, don’t overthink it. Just accept things as they are. After all, I see no problem doing the same thing as a king if it’s necessary," Jon replied simply.

Despite his response, which could have been interpreted as curt, the princess gave a small smile.

"Well, I think you’re right," she said in the end before changing the subject. "By the way, I heard you have a fourth wife now," she murmured.

"Yes. I’m embracing my family’s customs," Jon said with a shrug, offering no excuses.

"I see," she replied, pausing for a few seconds before continuing. "Well, I’d better go. After all, your wife—or future wife—is waiting for you. I’ll seek you out later, if it’s not inconvenient, to discuss our agreement," she said, looking at him intensely.

"All right. You can find me as you’ve always done before," Jon said with a playful smile.

She responded with a subtle smile but soon walked away, leaving Jon. He turned to look at the platinum-haired woman waiting for him in a radiant white dress, even more striking than the princess herself.

"Would you like to dance with me, nephew?" she asked with a mischievous smile, her lips curling instinctively.

"Why not? I’d love to dance with you, aunt," he replied, taking her by the waist and leading her back into the hall.

----------------

Raccoon Here:

We will have one more episode in Yi-Ti now, where Jon says his farewells to everyone and returns to the North!