Targaryen Who Turned Dragon

Aerion left Summerhall refreshed. His overgrown hair was cut by Jasmine to slightly below shoulder-length. It was still long, but not as tiresome as before.

"Thank you." Aerion stood up from his seat, pleased with his newly-cut hair. His expression was quite serious, however.

"Your expression tells me that your about to do something reckless."

Aerion smiled. "I have thought over it for many years, Jasmine. This is something I have to do. If I do not strike first, He will force my hand. I would rather confront him on my own terms."

"No matter what happens in this Divine Palace... you must live on, even if it means running away. Do you understand?"

Aerion did not agree with the thought of running away but he nodded nevertheless. "I will."

"Just think of all that you have before jumping into death's doors and you should find the resolve to escape any situation."

"I'm not a fool, Jasmine." Aerion chuckled. "Killing a Creation God is nearly impossible, especially when that Creation God has the legacy of an Ancestral God. I would only die if I truly wanted to or the opponent was far above myself in terms of strength. If I want to survive... I will survive."

"Your confidence never wavers." Jasmine smiled. "It is one of the reasons why you have come so far."

"And I will go even further... but, for now, there are some matters I have to settle in case I do fall. The Valyrian Empire and Targaryen Dynasty should be prepared to go on without me, after all." Aerion embraced Jasmine with both of his arms. "Thank you for everything."

"I... you make it seem like it's the end."

Aerion laughed. "It is not the end, merely the beginning of something greater. Do not fret... the chaotic jester who goes by the name Transcendent Being will be put in his place. After he is slain, we will be able to live in peace for all of eternity."

"That sounds wonderful."

"Indeed." Aerion smiled. "and I promise to warp this d.e.s.i.r.e into reality."

~

After spending a few days with his wives, Aerion flew to the Red Keep. The Dragonsguard and Kingsguard all bent the knee in his presence, before rising and pointing their swords upwards. Aerion walked between the two parallel lines of his guards all the way to the steps of the Iron Throne. Ser Barristan and Robb stood on each side of the Iron Throne as Aerion ascended upwards.

Then he sat down.

Most of the guards sheathed their swords and scattered back outside, in an ordered fashion. The only people present in the main hall were his thirteen wives, seven children, Kingsguard, Sacred Seven, Long Bai and every other Targaryen.

Robb and Ser Barristan stood beside the Iron Throne, his children stood beneath it and the rest were at the sides of the hall.

"This is one of the more difficult decisions I've had to make in my life." Aerion sighed. "I ask all of you to accept and follow my decrees without a moment of hesitation. The question of who will be my heir has been quite controversial but many believe that this decision will not come anytime soon. In fact, some believe that I will outlive you all and some late descendent will be the successor."

"An amusing thought... but as a ruler, I believe that I've accomplished everything I wanted to accomplish. Resigning in the next couple of years is not unlikely and so, this Dragon Emperor needs to select a worthy heir."

All seven of his children straightened up as they all believed themselves to be worthy.

"Now, I truly believe that any one of you would be capable of leading the Valyrian Empire to an era of prosperity. But I must choose one... Aurion, step forward."

"Yes, Royal Father."

Aurion stepped forward and bent the knee directly before the Iron Throne.

Aerion smiled. "You have made me proud so many times, Aurion. You surpassed all expectations, setting an extremely high standard for your younger siblings. Among my children, you are the greatest warrior and conqueror... an almost perfect reflection of myself."

Aurion took a deep breath as Aerion passed down his judgement.

"You will not be my heir, however."

His expression was that of shock at first, but then it subsided after a few seconds. Being the eldest, his control of anger was much greater than the rest. He could calm his mind rather easily and think using his head, rather than his emotions.

In truth, instead of anger, some sorrow emerged. "I... understand your decision, Royal Father. The Realm does not require a war focused Dragon Emperor as there are no wars to be fought."

"It's good that you understand, my firstborn. I will grant you a great honour nonetheless, one that is only less important than the crown itself and more important in certain situations." Aerion smiled. "You will be the Guardian of the Realm, the shield which protects the peace and the sword which cleaves through its enemies when needed. In terms of authority, only the Dragon Emperor stands above you."

Aurion nodded and managed a smile. "It is a great honour, Royal Father."

"As the Guardian of the Realm, your position as Dragon Prince of the Southern Divine Region will be given to someone else since it is no longer your duty to protect a single Divine Region. Now... move to the side of the hall."

Aurion did so without much hesitation. Since the main and most popular choice was removed from the equation, the remaining six didn't know what to expect.

"Daeron, step forward."

Daeron chuckled. "Royal Father, I know it isn't me who will be the heir. No Targaryen King has had black hair before... all of them have had silver hair and lilac or violet eyes."

"It isn't that, Daeron." Aerion shook his head. "If it were, my heirs would be Naerys and Aurion. I am certainly not deciding through mere colours."

"Nevermind that, I am prepared to accept your judgement, Royal Father."

"You have a greater purpose... one that is above Primal Chaos, Daeron. As the avatar of the Ancestral God, it is natural that you have a place in my pantheon of Gods and not the Valyrian Empire." Aerion stated.

"I thought as much." Daeron moved to the side. "Being the Dragon Emperor is a bit too much responsibility for me anyway."

"Then who will it be?" Aurion looked at the remaining five and wondered who would be chosen.

With two down, only five remained standing beneath the Iron Throne.

"Naerys, step forward."

"Yes, Royal Father."

"You will be the Dragon Princess of the Southern Divine Region, taking Aurion's previous station."

"As you wish."

Naerys moved to the side.

"Rhaenyra, move to the side. I will choose from the remaining three."

Jaehaerys wasn't expecting to be among the last three. His emerald eyes could not meet the intimidating Iron Throne directly, nevermind his father. Visenya smirked, certain of her victory now. Helaena did not look concerned in the slightest as she did not wish to be the Dragon Emperor (well, Dragon Empress in this case.).

"Jaehaerys... step forward."

"Of course, Royal Father."

Aerion walked down the stairs of the Iron Throne. "Kneel."

Jaehaerys bent his knee and looked up at his father. Aerion drew Blackfyre and inspected its blade. "The ancestral Valyrian steel sword of House Targaryen. It has been the sword of all Targaryen Kings until it was given to Daemon Blackfyre. Since then, I was the first to reclaim it. This tradition will... of course, continue with you, Jaehaerys."

"I..." Jaehaerys was dazed from his shock. "From all seven, how could it be me? I'm the youngest, weakest and..."

"That is why you will have Aurion by your side. From what I have observed, you have the most suitable temperament and skillset. Hmm... is it too much responsibility for you, Jaehaerys?"

"No... I am capable, Royal Father."

"Then you will be named Crown Prince until I formally resign." Aerion sheathed Blackfyre. "Rise, Jaehaerys."

Jaehaerys rose.

"The matters of succession are officially settled.. if you wish, you may leave the hall." Aerion left to Maegor's Holdfast.

"Lil bro is going to be the Dragon Emperor, hahaha... congratulations!" Daeron was the first to greet him, patting his head.

"I'm not a child anymore, elder brother."

"If Aurion or any of your sisters bully you, tell me. I'll sort them out in no time at all. Also, if you need any assistance with administration, do tell."

Jaehaerys smiled. "I will, elder brother."

Aurion shook his head. "And why would I bully him, Daeron?"

"You might still believe that the crown is yours."

"I would be a fool to disobey Royal Father's will. Jaehaerys, my sword is now yours, whenever you need it." Aurion disappeared in a trail of silver light.

Eventually, the hall grew empty. Only Daeron, Jaehaerys and Visenya remained.

"How could Royal Father have chosen you over me?" Visenya scoffed, clearly showing her disapproval. "Why don't you go and speak to him, stating that you believe that you are unworthy."

Jaehaerys shook his head. "I cannot do that. It is you who believes that I am unworthy while I like to believe otherwise."

"You..." Visenya released a wave of profound energy.

"Watch your delicate hands, golden princess." Daeron's formation blocked the attack and completely absorbed it.

"Hmph."

"You can still be the Dragon Empress." Daeron chuckled. "Just marry Jae over here. He's more handsome than me with the silver hair and those beautiful emerald eyes..."

"Uh, I'm not so sure about that suggestion." Jaehaerys managed a nervous laugh. "I believe she has something against me and Royal Father's announcement did not help that in the slightest."

"You are soft," Visenya stated before vanishing in a trail of golden light. "That is all."

Daeron laughed. "Soft... hahahaha... what in Seven Hells does that mean?"

"I'm not ruthless, I suppose."

Daeron rolled his eyes. "Aurion wasn't either and now most people cannot even look him in the eye. All Targaryens are ruthless in some way or another, even the kind ones. You will make a great Dragon Emperor as long as you do things your way, Jaehaerys... do not let some golden princess influence your decision making. Being merciful is usually a better decision than acting ruthlessly."

Jaehaerys nodded. "If Royal Father were to be ruthless to all those who stood against him at one point or another, then the Realm would not have so many capable subjects."

"Indeed," Daeron replied. "I have to prepare for the upcoming... journey, I'll see you later, little brother."

Jaehaerys was left alone in the main hall. His gaze fell on the Iron Throne and this time, he was able to look upon it with great ease.

'Royal Father's presence makes the Iron Throne more intimidating than it has to be.' He thought. 'He was crowned King at the age of eighteen, my current age... but the Seven Kingdoms cannot be compared with the entirety of Primal Chaos.'

'Nevertheless, I will do my best when the time comes.'