[Edric's POV]
"You called me a deadbeat, yet you sit idly as well… no less, you advise me against intervening. Isn't that hypocritical?"
The Other Edric questioned.
"You have already set them on this path," I replied. "To jump in and solve all of their problems ourselves would be a disservice to them and all the efforts that they made to reach this point."
"... Are we so different, then?"
"If I were you, I wouldn't have turned my back on everything in the first place."
"They had already turned on me."
"Are 'they' your children? If not, who cares what anyone else thinks? You should have no trouble winning people over."
"Why bother?"
"There lies the problem, my other self. You simply do not care. Is it ego, a belief that you are above that? Or simply an inability to care, created by your circumstances? Mayhaps a bit of both."
"I suppose you hope it is the latter."
"We should know what it means to be human, more than most. We've lived the most mundane of lives and the most glorious, from the bottom of the hierarchy to the very top. We've failed and triumphed. We've loved and lost. We came from a helpless man who couldn't even seize his own destiny to a god among men."
"The Baratheon blood in our veins makes us rage and hate more than anyone else, but… love harder as well. Every emotion we feel comes in waves, whether it's envy, joy, stress, sorrow or anything else. It may make us seem quite erratic and indecisive, even."
"... Hm," The Other Edric remarked. "I've not possessed blood for a long time."
"That might be the source of your indifference."
"How did you gain this perfect balance? I sense the powers of an Other within you, yet you have the ability to leave them dormant."
"Well, it only took sacrificing my soul to achieve it," I smiled slightly. "Although now it is restored… so I suppose that I am quite 'perfect' in that regard. Part demon, part dragon, part other, part greenseer and part storm. If you really want to drag it, part elemental and god…"
"..." The Other Edric raised an eyebrow. "So, the Ichigo of your world."
"I suppose," I laughed. "Unfortunately, in the latter part of my life, having children became quite impossible because of this…"
"How many do you have?"
"Five… maybe six."
"Isn't that more than enough?" The Other me questioned.
"The more, the merrier, I'd say. It seems that you're in the same boat as me… only that you didn't have the hindsight to produce heirs before you couldn't."
"The reward for being loyal to one person," He remarked. "I had no interest in any other woman."
"Alysanne and Garth came from thin air, apparently..."
"... A mistake," He countered.
"I'd disagree," I shrugged.
"Did you double down?" He wondered.
"No, I married someone else."
"Who?"
"Daenerys..."
"That whore…"
There was a clear hatred in his eyes. That name brought back unwanted memories, clearly.
"I know she gave you a hard time. It's amusing how one decision can change so much, isn't it? Whereas she and Aegon invaded you, I managed to avoid that pairing. We had a somewhat wonky start, I'd say… it was a conflicting time in my life. Although, deep down, we were kindred spirits, seeking out the same thing. A home… family, a sense of peace and stability."
"... She aided you in regaining sight of yourself," The Other Edric remarked.
"My guiding light," I smiled, nodding. "It would not be wrong to say I wouldn't be who I am without her."
"The irony of it all."
The Other Edric's eyes glowed with Greenseer magic, twisting the scene around us. Dragon fire in every direction. I saw a younger version of myself ride out and face the Golden Company. Despite the dragons, he was victorious... but so few remained. They used their dragons outside of his reach, burning through the royal forces.
Then, in the other Edric's absence, they were able to storm King's Landing with a massive khalasar after the dragons burnt through the walls. Both Renly and Stannis were executed by dragon fire. All loyalists within the walls followed similar fates, including Brienne.
No matter what he did, he would lose something...
The dragons were far too mobile, capable of crossing day's worth of distance in mere hours. Staying put in King's Landing would have only meant abandoning the rest of the Seven Kingdoms...
He could only be in one place at a time.
I could only imagine the aftermath of that.
Under similar circumstances, I would have likely ended up the same. It's why I found myself keen on helping him.
"Do you still hold the belief that I can change?"
"Yes," I firmly nodded. "I know how it feels when everything seems against you... and, hell, your life's been a whole lot worse than mine. Everyone fears you, no doubt, and no one you'd listen to seeks to change you. So... let's start now."
"With what?" He raised an eyebrow.
"The first order of business is changing bodies. I have a theory that it's your vessel that's hindering you... This appearance of yours is widely feared, and the past behind it is not something that can be ignored. No less, your body is entirely frozen, so most emotions are lost on you, regardless of what you do. Choose a man, any man, to possess and live your life as."
"My better self's first advice is to commit the greatest taboo of Greenseer magic..." The Other me remarked. "How saintly."
"It's for the greater good. We have to see how you'd fare with a fresh start. If it works out, then we'll see about what we can do with your actual body..."
"... Very well."
He chose one of the Flowerguard, Ashter Westbrook... who definitely had an interesting surname.
[Ashter Westbrook / Other Edric]
The Flowerguard was the household guard of the Tyrells and held prestige that neared that of the old Kingsguard. Given Hugar Blacktyde's invasion, however, it had fallen on some sad days. Ashter Westbrook's one redeeming quality was that he possessed an Electro vision... which was why I chose him as my vessel. He didn't seem worthy of it in the slightest. It seems that the world was intent on handing out magic like it's a bargain sale...
Other than that, he was hardly above average at anything.
He had a 'hidden' love for Margaery, although he was awfully terrible at hiding it. She did not reciprocate these feelings. I only gained second-hand embarrassment viewing this foolish mortal's memories...
Alas, I had already forced the man's soul into a corner and crushed it.
"This is actually perfect," Edric Stormfyre remarked, taking root in the same body. "The rest of the Flowerguard is on the younger side. Do you want to risk the next one having feelings for Alysanne?"
"Simple men only think of one thing," I mused. "So pathetic."
"It's quite natural," Edric Stormfyre shrugged. "All living things are inclined to mate."
"Such things only serve to blind your judgement-"
"You have to remember what it's like to be human, my man. Besides, you'll never find a vessel that you'd like... because no one is like us."
"... Fair enough."
No matter how brilliant, a mortal body couldn't compare to a divine one.
...
After beginning life as Ashter Westbrook, I was reminded of the mundane necessities that an ordinary human possessed. The need to drink, the need to eat, the need to piss and shit... in and out, till death. The need to sleep and rest, the need for satisfaction. It was so odd after so long of feeling nothing and desiring nothing.
We were riding to Casterly Rock by the Ocean Road without much pause. Garth did grow into a diligent and dutiful young man... entirely focused on his goals. It seemed that he was the king that the Realm was so desperate for - but did it deserve him?
In time, we reached the Rock, and they allowed a small group of us through the Lion's Mouth. They took all of our weapons... the traditional thing to do. Still, Garth's and Alysanne's combined magic could amount to a hundred thousand swords alone. It hardly mattered.
The situation of the Westerlands turned out quite amusing, in truth. 'King' Jaime Lannister... not marrying anyone else and having your incest-born children inherit the Westerlands is definitely a choice. So much scorn, and yet, he is strong enough to stand by his decision.
It is... somewhat admirable, for one's love to be so strong even so many years past the grave.
The main hall looked about as grand as a great hall within a mountain could. Jaime Lannister sat on his throne, his two children beside him. Children was an understatement, they were very much grown now. Myrcella was twenty-six years old, and Tommen was twenty-five...
How fast they all grow up.
"I take it you have received my raven?" Garth inquired. He wore his crown, for once, and very much had the air of a king.
"An alliance," Jaime stated. "What have I to gain?"
"A peaceful end to this age of chaos," Garth looked at Jaime, unwavering. "A unified Realm. This goal I am intent on achieving, no matter the price."
Garth's eyes glowed golden.
"Oh, you are His son, after all," Jaime smiled slightly. "Threatening me in my own hall is quite bold."
I noticed my lips curl into a slight grin before dropping it. How odd, does Ashter's spirit affect me?
"You may perceive it that way, Ser," Garth shook his head. "But I am merely sharing my state of mind. If I must impose my will upon you, I will... but that is my last resort."
"What my brother means to say is that he very much seeks an alliance that would come to the benefit of both sides," Alysanne added with a cheerful smile. "To begin, my dear brother is still unmarried, and so is your only daughter. Given her age, it seems that you have struggled to find a fitting match for many years. My brother, without a doubt in my heart, would give her the world."
Without even trying to, her voice naturally carried a convincing sway that bent the hearts of all to it. It was almost like magic... comparable to my own charm skill, if not superior.
"..."
Garth glanced to the side for a moment, taking a deep breath. He was anxious, for once. How intriguing. I did recall him and Myrcella spending time together in their youth... but I didn't think too much of it.
"She would be the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, and your grandchildren would inherit the Realm. What is there not to like?" Alysanne smiled. "I scarcely doubt you've grown any fonder of being a king. You could leave that burden behind and put your effort towards helping build the next great dynasty of this land."
Alysanne was the better of the twins with words; that was clear to see.
"What do you think?" Jaime turned to Myrcella.
She had her eyes on him for quite some time.
"Alysanne is right, I believe such an arrangement would be ideal for both sides. The Realm benefits greatly from standing as one. No one has gained from this time of great strife and chaos but those who abuse their greater power over those who cannot defend themselves. Garth is the only one willing and capable of ending it."
Willing and capable... was that shade at me?
"... I see," Jaime nodded. "Your way of words reminds me of the boy who spared me, Alysanne. He would have been proud. And you, King? What is your mind on this matter?"
"It's what I want."
He said, decisively.
I tilted my head slightly, amused.
"Then, a celebration is in order."
"There's still much work to be done-"
"- My brother is very keen on a feast!" Alysanne interrupted.
"We can speak of the future on the morrow. One night won't set you back by much."
"... Sure," Garth shrugged.
...
"What do you think of this match?" Edric Stormfyre questioned.
What do you think?
"You tell me, and I'll tell you."
Myrcella seems intelligent, astute, and well-mannered. She is also rather beautiful, I suppose. She is ten years older than Garth, and I believe she had a crush on me... which does add a layer of oddity as Garth very much bears my appearance. Although I doubt it's anything to worry about.
If she fulfils him, then... that's good.
"Wow, you sound like a father."
Is that so?
"You've definitely shown more expression in this body... mayhaps the body of an Other corrupted you in some way."
It could also be our souls being connected in this vessel...
"You think I'm rubbing off on you? It is possible."
Having to play the part of a bodyguard was all too dull. I was far too used to bending the world according to my will... whereas here, I was almost powerless by comparison. Still, I did enjoy seeing the choices people made.
I decided to have a taste of the spiced honey wine that Lannisport had been known for...
It tasted better than I remembered.
"There's something odd about you recently, Ser Ashter."
I glanced back, seeing Alysanne. Her eyes glowed green with Greenseer magic, as if they were looking through my soul. She was always profoundly talented with magic...
"Oh, my princess?" I questioned, pretending to be surprised. "What would that be?"
"Such a sweet thing for you to call me that..." Alysanne simply smiled, then turned and walked away.
"She might know..." Edric remarked.
Nothing gets past her, eh. So much for my brilliant acting.
"That honey wine is for the greenboys," Durran Baratheon approached me with a slight grin as he put down a bottle I recognised. "This, is for real men!"
Good ol' Stag's Fury...
"You have a refined taste, young man."
"... Hehe," He laughed. "This is the finest thing the Seven brought to this world. The truth that it was Edric Baratheon's favourite speaks for itself."
"Mhm..." I nodded. "Share it with me."
"Oh, you think you can handle it?"
"Don't let the Flowerguard title give you the impression that I'm a lightweight."
"Uh-huh," Durran nodded. "Sure, I have plenty. You can take the whole bottle if you'd like, hahaha."
"Sounds like a challenge."
"You could see it that way," He smiled. "If you can handle it, a drinking competition could be entertaining."
"Go right ahead."
I took the bottle, opened it with ease and filled the first glass. Downed it in one go... I had plenty of experience.
That taste... brought so many memories of my youth.
It was bittersweet.
My hand shook slightly.
I closed my eyes briefly.
"That's fine, don't burden yourself with me… though I do have a present prepared for you after."
Alysanne...
"I've failed you, Edric..."
Brienne...
"Edric... will avenge us..."
Renly...
"Take my fire and light the way through this darkness…"
Arthur...
My failures led to all of this...
That's all I am, in the end.
A failed prospect in a twisted world of his own making.
The longer I live, the further I fail your memory...
"..." Edric Stormfyre remained silent.
"... Oh, that was quick and precise," Durran remarked with surprise. "You're gonna feel it soon, my friend."
"I... yes,"
I regained my composure. This was not the time.
"Don't forget that this vessel of yours is not the Baratheon demi-god-esque body we had..." Edric Stormfyre reminded me. "You're probably getting wasted just from that one glass."
I'm not losing to a baby stag in any way...
"... It's so over," Edric Stormfyre remarked.
"Your turn, little stag," I tilted my head.
"Little stag? We'll see."
One glass became two, and two became four...
This Durran may well be worthy of the blood he possesses. A fitting challenge...
Our little duel began to garner more attention.
"You're putting up quite the fight, Flowerguard. What is your name?"
"Ashter Westbrook."
"Ashter... mn, a strong name," He nodded several times. "You think we could trade one household guard, Your Grace?"
"Ashter's roots are in Highgarden," Garth replied simply. "I scarcely doubt he'd agree to such a thing."
"Deeply rooted in the friendzone..." Edric Stormfyre remarked.
I laughed.
"Hahahaha."
"... You find that funny, my friend?" Durran chuckled.
"It is true, my place is in the Flowerguard. Nothing more or less."
"Such a shame..."
"Trying to poach our Flowerguard? That has to be some form of treason," Alysanne raised an eyebrow.
"I need a man like that by my side," Durran sighed. "The Stormguard are light as paper, floating off into the sky after one sip."
"I don't think drinking ability matters at all in regards to a household guard's quality..." Alysanne remarked.
"It does, to me!" Durran shook his head. "A lady wouldn't understand."
"Mhm..."
"Hmmmm..." Edric stroked his chin.
Hmmm, indeed...
"What's all this talking you're doing, baby stag? Delaying the next cup?" I questioned, chuckling.
"Ah, not at all..."
It continued, on and on... until we were both hardly standing.
"Ah, I've... had my fill..."
In the end, Durran collapsed onto the table. I stumbled on top of it, almost falling off in the process. The adrenaline coursing through my veins... I felt... alive.
I raised my fist to the ceiling.
"I... EDRIC BARATHEON, REIGN SUPREME!!! NO ONE IS MY EQUAL... NO ONE!!!"
I didn't put any thought behind those words... they simply left me like a rushing tide. The moment I realised what I said, I felt like it was a mistake. But it felt so good to say it. Why couldn't I speak my mind? No one could do anything to me.
"Ashter's so drunk he thinks he's bloody Edric Baratheon!" One of the Flowerguards laughed.
"His spirit certainly must be guiding the man, to have beaten Durran and drank so much... that Stag's Fury is no jest." A Stormguard added.
"Brother's finisheeed," Edric Stormfyre laughed.
After the announcement, the night was a blur. The next thing I recall doing was singing. It was not upbeat, but rather... regretful. My voice enraptured the hall to the point that there was no other sound.
"I used to rule the world..."
"Seas would rise when I gave the word,"
"Now in the morning, I sleep alone,"
"Sweep the streets I used to own..."
"I used to roll the dice,"
"Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes,"
"Listened as the crowd would sing,"
"Now the old king is dead, long live the king..."
Then, it was a dance. Many a lady was entranced by me. Whether it was Ashter, or myself, I found Margaery the most appealing. I held her hand once more... despite being absolutely wasted, I was still supremely skilled and kept my footing.
"What's gotten into you?" Margaery laughed.
"What, Ashter never had any fun?" I grinned slightly as I took her for a spin.
"Not at all..."
"Come with me, and I'll tell you a secret."
"A secret, hm?"
"Mhm..."
It was all so blurry as I took her to a place more... private. As I looked at her a second time, the intrusive thoughts I had faded. I didn't want to have regrets a second time. But...
"I truly am Edric."
"... The secret is the thing you said out loud before?" Margaery tilted her head.
"It was no jest..."
"I didn't ever think it was," Margaery shook her head. "No one could quite match that energy of yours... certainly not Ashter."
"... You're a bit too clever for your own good, you know," I smiled slightly.
"It's odd that you'd act more like your old self, however..."
"This body is easily influenced... so... very much flawed..." I said, shaking my head. "But to be flawed is to be human, isn't it? And to be human... there is beauty in that. I've longed for it, yet evaded it like the plague, believing myself to be above all of that. This experience has been... enlightening."
"What will you do now?"
"It would be brilliant to see the world in black and white, wouldn't it? Things would be so much simpler that way... unfortunately, so much of it is in countless shades of grey. Once my magic was strong enough, I knew for certain that the politics were just an excuse. You did what your heart told you to... and so did mine."
"But, by then... it was too late to walk back. I was so very dedicated in my pursuit. It was why I was content with abandoning everything else... I believed that I didn't need anything that wasn't her. And so, here I stand, buried in a mountain of regret."
"I could've been a better father, a better king, a better god... a better person. So, so, much better. I betrayed who Edric Storm was. And now... it feels far too late to mend anything. Everything is far past broken."
"... If you keep thinking it's too late, one day it will truly be," Margaery said, stepping towards me. "If you want to mend anything, you're perfectly capable. There is nothing that you can't do, Edric."
"I can't change the past... my mistakes..."
"But you can shape the present and future. That matters so much more. Living in your regrets of the past won't ever change anything. If you truly want to be better, then you will find no better time than now..."
"..." I paused for a moment before embracing her. "I'm sorry, for everything."
"It's alright. You've endured much, far too much for one person to bear alone. I'll be there for you if you allow me to."
"I won't turn you away. I... won't turn anyone away."
[Edric's POV]
It was quicker than I expected... who knew swapping bodies and a bit of Stag's Fury would bring him back.
I wanted to help him and the twins, of course... but a good part of it was a selfish desire to see if I could ever be redeemed had I lost myself.
I was happy to see it all work out.
Of course, this was only the beginning of his journey, but... the path was clear.