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2024-11-12
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2025-05-17
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3/?
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The Fight Against The Dead

Summary:

After receiving visions of the future of their defeat, Bran informs everyone of what is going to happen. When everyone is desperately thinking of a way to solve the problem, Bran receives visions again, this time from the past. Unbeknownst to all, before the history of Westeros was first recorded, the first men also encountered the same situation. They fought valiantly, however, the dead was too powerful and they were overwhelmed. In a last effort to save the people, the first men all joined together and set a spell that could lessen the dead's power, sacrificing themselves in the process. However, as the years went by, the dead grew stronger and stronger. Now, they are once again at the height of their power. Turns out, the dead isn't just beyond the wall, they are everywhere in Westeros, hidden from our sight, waiting for the perfect time to attack. What are all of them going to do about it?

Notes:

Hi everyone! This is my first fanfic. Hope you like it!

There are a lot of ocs in my story and things happened very differently. They are all going to be explained in flashbacks or thoughts or memories.

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Chapter 1: Prologue

Chapter Text

Bran felt confused. He didn't know why he was receiving these visions.

"It must be trying to tell us something," Lynette said, putting her hand on Bran's.

Bran was relived that someone still cared about his feeling in this time of desperation. In truth, he never thought he and Lynette would actually end up together. If their parents were alive, they would surely be appalled at their decisions of whom they love. Starks and Lannisters, they despise each other, until now. Honestly, since that fateful day they met in Winterfell's courtyard during the king's arrival, he had already felt something special about her. Unlike most Lannisters, she wasn't ruthless, instead, even though she was still highly intelligent, she also treated people with kindness, a trait she probably inherited from her mother alongside her two older brothers. After all, Joanna Lannister was known as having a sharp mind and a kind heart. Something that Jaime and Tyrion also have, well, maybe separately. If his parents were still here, they would never let him be with a Lannister. After all, the whole war was caused by them. It doesn’t matter now though, a bigge war is in their doorsteps. If only the war of the five kings didn’t happen. Then many more people, who could help the fight against the dead would still be alive.

"Do you think the visions are a solution to the war?” Dany’s voice snapped him back into reality.

Bran was grateful for Daenerys. The Targaryens brought dragons back to Westeros, something that was thought to be extinct. He was shocked when he realised Jon was a Targaryen, he never expected it. When he received the vision from his birth, he didn’t know how the others would react. Thankfully, they accepted the fact and the other lords weren’t too angry. The most important things he owes Daenerys is that she brought Arya back home. If Arya didn’t encounter Daenerys in Bravos, Dany wouldn’t have known about the wars in Westeros and the Boltons taking over Winterfell. Without her help alongside her siblings and cousins, they would probably be defeated. He still remembered deeply of their faces when they saw the multiple dragons, ready to burn all the Boltons. They totally panicked when they saw the dragons.

"Bran, are you still here?” Lynette asked with concern.

"Yeah, what’s wrong?” Bran asked, seeing Lynette sharing a look with him.

"The idea we thought about last night, I think we should tell the others."

Bran's mind filled with uncertainty. He didn't even know if the plan would work. However, at least it is still worth a try. Finally, after much consideration, he nodded his head and proceeded.

"Bran and I have discussed about a plan, we are not sure if it is going to work, but I think it is worth a shot," said Lynette, standing up and walking towards the center of the council room. All eyes were on her now, she can't back away. "We think that the first men won the war because they fought against one single cause, to defeat the dead. Except these visions about the war, Bran has also been receiving visions of the people who died in the war. We think that with the people, we might have a bigger chance at winning the war. How can they fight alongside us and help? You see, Bran, even though he is like the rest of us, he still has the powers of the three-eyed raven. Bran told me that he can try to change the fate of people's lives." Lynette stopped abruptly at that point, seeing the baffled faces on the others.

"I am a bit puzzled by what you mean by changing the fate of people's lives." Jon said wearily.

"I was just as confused as you at first. What Bran means by is that he can try to bring back the dead, those that dies within these past 50 years. However, the things is, from the previous visions he had seen before, three-eyed ravens can't choose to bring back who they want and who they don't want. That means, if he was to try out this power, people who have been our enemies, like the Boltons and the Freys, might also be brought back. Moreover, people like the Mad King, could be revived and he may act a bit rashly when seeing the circumstances. To say it simply, there is a risk in this, but I think it is worth it because a lot of valuable people could be brought back. Most of them are also our families, which I think most here would gladly want to see them."

"I agree with this plan. But if both Rhaegar Targaryen and Robert Baratheon is to be brought back, then what are we supposed to do? Robert hates Rhaegar for what he thinks of the kidnapping of Lyanna." Theon asked, face in deep thought. "Another things is, I am not sure if Robb, Lady Catelyn and the other Northerners would be too glad to see me. I did betray him and caused Winterfell to be burned by the Boltons." "Theon, whatever my father and half-brother did wasn't your fault. They would have betrayed the Starks anyways. I tried to stop them, but I couldn't do anything," Domeric said encouragingly.

"You were trying to make the other Greyjoys proud. I would’ve had the same conflict if I were you." Brooklyn turned around and said.

"They’re right Theon, and you know it. If the lords despise and loathe you that much, they wouldn't have elected you as lord of Winterfell and warden of the North. Besides, your meticulous planning helped us win in the battle against the Boltons." Sansa said, gripping his arm tightly and looking at him determinedly. 'And regarding your first question. We are all here together today at the same council room. All of us, we are from different houses, different places with different backgrounds. Yet, we still can unite with each other. That was what the first men also did. Unity is the key to success. This has been our believe since the beginning. We managed to become close friends and allies with people that are supposed to be our enemies, I am sure we would be able to convince them to put aside their differences just once and fight for what is right. I agree with Lynette. Despite the risks, the outcome will be worth it. Who's with me?"

Sansa looked around the whole room. Everyone was thinking, this decision would change everything. After a while, all the lords stood up and voiced out their opinions. Surprisingly, no one rejected the plan.

"Then let’s go through with it tonight." Sansa said confidently, looking at Bran and Lynette.

"There's was more thing," Lynette said, looking out the window, "we need to get back to Winterfell first. In order for Bran to complete the spell, he must be under the presence of a godswood, as he needs to be surrounded by the power of a weirwood tree."

"No problem, we can all fly on our dragons to get to Winterfell. If we fly out within two hours, we can get to Winterfell before nightfall. Dragonstone isn't that far from Winterfell." Daenerys said looking around the room. "The other lords that are not council members can leave earlier on our fleet. If they leave now, they will arrive by nightfall. We can have some members of the Unsullied and the Dothraki stand guard at Dragonstone to prevent Euron Greyjoy and the Iron Fleet from taking Dragonstone."

"That's a good idea," Sansa said looking over at Lord Manderly. "William, can you please lead all the other lords onboard the fleet and sail to White Harbor at once. Once you arrive, immediately ride to Winterfell with everyone"

"No problem Sansa, we leave at once." With that, all the other lords left the council room.

"Greyworm," he immediately turned around at his queen's command, "can you please send some of your best generals to guard Dragonstone? Missandei, prepare everything and send a raven to Winterfell informing the inhabitants there of our arrival."

Once Greyworm and Missandei left, everyone else in the room was left in great thought. They all lost someone important to them, their family and their friends. They hoped that they Bran's spell would work so they can see them again. But at the same time, they all felt a bit scared. They weren't scared about the choice of people that would be brought be from the dead, they were all scared of how the people that they love would react to their current situation.

Sansa felt really conflicted. Would her family feel proud of her? She has not seen her mother and Robb since she left Winterfell to go to King's Landing, one of the decisions that she deeply regrets. From what she heard from other Northern lords, Robb was not too pleased when he found out about her letter. Would they think that she betrayed her family? She doesn't know. Maybe she will finally find out later. And her father. Sometimes, she still gets nightmares of that horrible day. She should have tried harder, maybe she would be able to convince Joffrey to spare her father's life if she begged him more desperately. She remembers vividly of how her father looked at her before he was executed by Ilyn Payne. He was trying to save her from witnessing the horror. She knows deep down in her heart that her father wanted her and Arya to escape King's Landing together and to get to Winterfell to reunite with her mother and Robb. Sadly, his dreams didn't come true. Well, maybe just a part of it. In a way, despite their own challenges in their experiences, she and Arya still managed to get back to Winterfell, not without any scars of course.

They things the saw actually helped them grow. She was no longer that naive and childish girl, dreaming of a white knight to come to her rescue. Some even say she doesn't act like a lady anymore. When she was younger, she would be disgusted if she heard that. However, now she truly didn't mind what others called her. They call her the politics master. That's what she heard from Theon. Living in King's Landing during the war as a stark, was like a bird trapped in a cage. Everyone around her, Cersei, Littlefinger, Tywin and she daresay, even the Tyrells of Highgarden, who are supposed to be gentle roses, they were some of the best manipulators. Olenna Tyrell, was definitely the mastermind behind her son. It's a shame she's captured by Cersei during the sack of Highgarden. If Jaime had been there, he probably also wouldn't have the power the calm her down. Cersei was livid when she realized who orchestrated Joffrey's death. She wanted revenge, and she got it. She feels bad for Margaery. Almost all her family are either dead or captured as prisoners. At least she still has her brother, Willas with her. They were both supposed to be dead in the Sept. Luckily they received the letter from Myrcella just in time with Tommen. Margaery was one of her best friends. She was saddened at first when she thought she died. The rose of garden, while a good manipulator, also had real compassion for the people. She taught her how to charm people. Now, Sansa is probably was one the most charming ladies of Westeros. There's just a way that she manages to manipulate and control people.

Another perfect reason why her family may be disappointed in her, The Starks value honor, but sometimes in a war, having too much honor can lead to your death. Sansa has learnt to forsake honor ever since she became the lady of Winterfell. Sansa's only hope is that her family can understand that sometimes it is necessary.

"Guys, we need to ride now if we want to arrive at Winterfell by nightfall," Missandei entered the room and said, "Greyworm is already going to the dragon pit to get the dragons ready.

Everyone left the room together. Once they took to took to the sky, they all felt more relaxed. Lynette loved flying. Goldreamer gives her comfort and she feels free on top of it. She had immediately bonded with the dragon once it hatched. Goldreamer was made for her. It has sparkling golden scales and crimson red wings. The colors of her house. It has the most captivating scarlet red eyes and breathe shimmering golden flames. Goldreamer is like her best friend. It understands her emotion and when they fly together, she feels free. Lynette was lost in her thought. She was so excited for the plan to work out. She hopes Bran can bring back her mother, she misses her deeply. After the while, the winter town and the two massive granite walls of Winterfell came into view. It is actually happening. Never in her dreams would she be imagining herself to be at Winterfell with members of her family's rival houses to protect Westeros six years ago.

Once they landed, everyone solemnly walked towards the godswood. Lynette unconsciously stared around the courtyard. Six years ago, at this exact place, she accompanied the royal family to visit Winterfell. The memories immediately started rushing at her. It reminded her of all she had lost, but at the same time, it gave her hope, for a better future.

By now, the rest of the Unsullied and Dothraki had arrived along with the other lords waiting for them at the godswood. They quickened up their pace and soon was at their destination.

"Are you all ready?" Bran asked, looking at all the pairs of hopeful eyes. He saw the determination on everyone's face. "Then let's begin."

Bran stepped forward towards the weirwood tree. He was extremely nervous. Everyone's hope was on his shoulders. He couldn't disappoint them. "Old gods, I humbly ask you to listen to our prayer. Resurrect those who we had lost so they can help join in this fight and win against the dead."

Immediately, everything faded to black and there was only darkness.

Chapter 2: Chapter 1

Chapter Text

Ned Stark, the former Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North and Hand of the King was shocked to find himself waking up in the godswood. He vividly remembered how Joffrey, the bastard of Cersei Lannister and the false king, sentenced him to death and how Ilyn Payne executed him with his own sword, Ice. He remembered seeing Sansa screaming pleading for mercy, seeing Arya by the statue of Baelor and telling Yoren to go get her to safety. How he hoped they made it out alive out of the wretched city and was safe at Winterfell. He was even more confused when he saw himself in the godswood. He could sense a lot of people were by his side, but he couldn't figure out who they exactly were, as his vision was still blury.

"Father, is that you?" It froze him on the spot. It was Robb, his eldest son, he could recognize his voice a mile away. He turned around, and finally saw his boy. He was older than he was when he left for King's Landing. "How is this true? I remembered being killed by Roose Bolton" Robb stared at him wide eyed.

The Boltons. Ned fumed. How dare they kill their liege lord. He understood now. Robb must have became lord when he died. That was when he saw who was behind Robb. It was Cat. He missed her terribly during his time in King's Landing. Her auburn hair still shined against the moonlight, though she looked exhausted. There was a younger woman standing beside her, who was looking at Robb with sorrowful eyes. He presumed her to be his wife. He could guess what happened from their looks. The Boltons must have betrayed the Starks.

"Ned." That voice snapped his head straight up. It couldn't be. But there she was. His dear sister, Lyanna, was staring back at him. It had been almost twenty years since he saw her face. However, what he saw after shocked him the most. Shadows came out behind the weirwood tree, and there stood the rest of his family. His father, Rickard Stark, looking as serious as ever. His mother, Lyarra Stark, who he hadn't seen since she died in childbirth when he was still a young boy, with those loving eyes. His brother, Brandon Stark, looking as wild as he could be. He was too shocked that he couldn't move. However, it seemed Lyanna couldn't contain her excitement at seeing him and and raced forward to hug him. He wrapped his strong arms around him and whispered in her ear, "Lya, I missed you so much." Tears swelled from both of their eyes.

However, their sweet moment was broken when he heard Brandon's furious roar. "You kidnapped my sister!" Brandon exclaimed angrily as he pounced onto Rhaegar.

That was the moment he realized that all the people who have dies in Robert's Rebellion was in the godswood. However, those who didn't were also there. Jon Arryn was there, Robert was there, Stannis and Renly were also there. As he looked further, he recognized more familiar faces. Tywin Lannister, Joffrey Baratheon, the Greyjoys, Hoster Tully, Lysa Arryn. Even Littlefinger, the man who betryayed him was there. Alongside the Boltons and the Freys. Most surprisingly, almost all the Northern lords were there with the all the members of his prominent household staff.

"Brandon, stop this nonsense at once!" Lyanna loudly shouted. "We need to first figure out what is going on and why we are all in the godswood."

Suudenly, there are a little movement heard from the distance. We all felt tense. Two people stepped out from the darkness. The man had a stern face and was wearing a soldier's uniform. The woman had dark skin and her appearance greatly resembles those from Naath.

"And who are you?" Tywin Lannister questioned the two new comers suspiciously.

"I am Greyworm, the leader of the Unsullied. And this is Missandei from Naath, a handmaiden to the Queen." The man, Greyworm, said pointing to the woman who was named Missandei.

"My lords, my ladies," the woman referred to them saying, "I know most of you are feeling confused now, just follow us, and everything will be resolved." Seeing us not moving, she tried again by saying, "they would really hope to see you all. It has been a really long time."

Everyone was curious by her words. Who were they? Everyone wanted to find out so they reluctantly followed Greyworm and Missandei.

Ned felt surprised. The rooms of Winterfell were difficult to navigate. Yet the two people in front of him seem to exactly know where they were going. How did they know these halls so well. He knew everyone was thinking of the same things as they were all looking at their guides surprisingly.

Soon enough, they have arrived at the door to the council room. Missandei knocked the door and went in. Ned heard her talking to someone inside. It was a woman's voice. After a few minutes, Missandei opened the door and gestured for them to be brought in

Greyworm led everyone into the room. Hesitantly, they all stepped into the room together. When he was inside, he felt like he had been transported back in time to the day when he left for King's Landing. It was exactly the same. He knew deep down there must have been some construction work. When he left, some of the wall's point were starting to grey but now they were like brand new. Multiple torched lighted up the whole room. He could see a lot of people crowded around the center of the room. They were probably discussing about something as he could hear the urgent tone in their voice even standing by the door. The people in the room seemed to not notice that they were in the room, as they were still talking amongst themselves. He could see Missandei and Greyworm exchanging worried glances between each other and walking towards the larger group. Something bad must have happened. But what? The question in his mind was answered when the main group of people started talking loudly.

"Our plan had worked, they have been brought back." A woman started saying, while standing up and walking around the table. That was when Ned saw her platinum blonde hair and caught a glimpse of her bright purple eyes. "It must be Daenerys Targaryen." He whispered to himself. He could see Robert beside him fuming with rage. "Westeros is united. We might still have a chance to defeat the dead." The dead? What does she mean?

"Have you forgotten about Cersei Lannister? And what about Euron Greyjoy? Have you thought about that? They have King's Landing if you don't realize." A man said, turning around from his plac the fireplace. Ned was bewildered when he saw the young man's appearance. He had the Targaryen look. How? Who was he?

"We could get killed if we tried to talk with them peacefully. Besides, if we try to attack King's Landing, we would also get killed as it is one of the most formidable cities ever and Cersei had probably put wildfire under the city to burn us all." A rough Northern voice added. Realisation hit Ned. It was Jon.

"We can still try. If we hadn't tried in the Battle of the Bastards, Winterfell would still be the Boltons. No one would ever dared to do what we did. But we still continued in the end. And the most important thing? We succeed in taking back the castle from the usurpers." A woman with dark hair and dark eyes rebutted, putting her arms across her chest facing the two men.

"I agree with Rhaenys," another woman stood up from her seat. However, Ned didn't pay attention. She called her Rhaneys. There was only one Rhaenys he had ever known, and that was the Princess Rhaenys, who suposedly died at the hands the mountain, Gregor Clegane. "Aegon, you should know better than to sit and watch everything play out. We're supposed to fight for what's right." Ned finally understood. That young man is Prince Aegon, brother to Princess Rhaenys. How did they survive? But things kept confusing him when he saw's the woman's face. The woman looked exactly like Jon did, with a small hint of Dornish beauty.

"Alysanne, it's still too dangerous. I don’t think Cersei would like to see us." Jon said starting to get frustrated.

"Well, Jaehaerys, if you have any other idea, suggest what we could do." No one needed to hear more and they just know a full blown argument was about to break out any second. Alysanne was annoyed. Why couldn't Jon and Aegon see how it is necessary?

"Guys," Missandei's voice broke the tension in the room. "We have some company."

At once, everyone's eyes snapped up towards the new arrivals. No one from the present time could belief what they are seeing. They knew a lot of people had been brought back, but seeing those familiar faces just brought back emotions.

Jon slowly stood up. He had many things planned to say to the man who had raised him, the man who he thought was his father up until a few months ago. However, once seeing him, all words were lost. He didn't know what to do. He was at a lost of words.

Chapter 3: Chapter 2

Notes:

New Chapter!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Rhaenys’s heart was filled with happiness when she saw her parents for the first time in nearly twenty years. She was not a little girl, no longer the princess of Westeros, she has grown up to be a beautiful and confident person, someone that she thinks her parents would be proud of. When she heard Lynette telling everyone the plan, she was very hopeful to see her parents again. She missed her dad’s soft kisses to her forehead and her mom’s sweet smiles every night. When Rhaenys first found out the truth behind Robert’s Rebellion, she felt betrayed by her father and thought that he abandoned his own family. It was only when she found out her mother was actually willing for father to be with a woman he doesn’t only respect, but also love, did she feel sorry for what happened to him. It was a whole big misunderstanding. If only things were resolved, then maybe her parents would be able to watch her grow up. Rhaenys was even more surprised when Bran told her that her mother actually loved sir Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning, and that her father had actually compromised with their secret relationships.

When Missandei called for everyone’s attention, she immediately spotted her parents standing in the back of the room, alongside her other family members. She could see her grandfather, Aerys, her grandmother, Rhaella and her uncle, Viserys , standing by her father. Alongside her mother were her Dornish relatives, including her uncle Oberyn. He seemed to be in a really bad mood as he was glaring daggers at her father and was standing protectively in front of her mother. Rhaenys glanced sideways at Aegon, sharing a knowing look at him. They both know that the Targaryens and Martells don’t really get along ever since the supposed kidnapping of Lyanna Stark. Another things to look forward to is to tell them about their current relationship status and how some Targaryens are in love with the Dornish. And Rhaenys still hasn’t clearly thought about how to tell them about her uncle Jaime and her aunt Ashara yet. It would definitely just cause more chaos than before. Better wait before things calm down first. It looked like her family was trying to hide from everyone. In truth, she understood. The Starks were at the front of the group, and standing beside Ned Stark was Robert Baratheon, who she knows would also want to kill her father. Rhaenys could tell from the looks on their faces that they weren’t too pleased. It seemed nobody knows who she is. However, as she scanned the room, she saw Ned Stark looking intently at her. He must have been paying attention and overheard their conversation. Next to him, Robert Baratheon was furious. Rhaenys instantly knew why. He must have seen the hair and eyes on Aegon and Dany. From the corner of the eye, Rhaenys saw Jon stood up. He looked really uncertain. At that moment, Rhaenys felt a small nudge on her hand. She turned around, and saw Visenya by her side.

"Aren't you a good girl," Rhaenys whispered while patting Visenya’s head. It almost seem like the dirwolf could understand what Rhaneys said, as it immediately jumped up and barked at her, making her smile and laugh lightly.

However, Rhaenys's moment with Visenya was cut short when she heard a deep voice growling out.

"You are Jon Snow, are you not, boy"

Rhaenys didn't even have to look around the room to know who it was. Robert Baratheon, seething with rage, was walking towards them ominously. He looked like he wanted to murder everyone in the room that instant. Before a fight can break loose, Ned Stark immediately tried holding him back, pulling him back to their original position by the door. This is going to end badly. Rhaenys knows for a matter of fact that no one was wanting to say anything. After a couple moments of silence, Jon finally walked towards the group opposite them.

"Before anyone asks me any questions, i just want you all to listen to me first." Jon said holding up a hand like how he usually attracts people's attention during council meeting. Jon made the right decision to be the first one to speak. He's acting more and more like the king he is. Rhaenys thought to herself. One thing Jon lacked at the beginning was his confidence. Now, with the support and guidance of everyone else, he has become a confident leader and ruler.

"You have all been brought back by the God. I know a lot of you are probably wondering what that means, but please don't speak up yet. A lot has happened since your deaths. Some of you died recently, but a few of you passed a long time ago. However, it doesn't matter. Everything has changed. Westeros is now in a war against the dead. You are all here to help us accomplish the goal to defeat them. I know for certain that most of you here don't get along well, but it's time for you to put aside your differences to unite and fight against the same cause. Otherwise, we would all get killed in the end. I don't have a lot of time to explain now, but you'll find out more later.

Rhaneys could tell from the confused looks on their faces that those who had come back had absolutely no idea the dangerous threat they were facing. Ned Stark wore a long face and Rhaenys guessed that he was debating whether to tell Jon the truth behind the secret. That was it. It was now or never. Everyone that knew what was happening was looking at Jon. After contemplating for a while, Jon let out a deep sigh and spoke up.

"Before splitting all of you up, I have one really important new to announce." All eyes immediately snapped up towards him. If Jon ever doubted his choice, it was already far too late. "Robert’s Rebellion is built on a lie. Rhaegar Targaryen didn’t kidnap Lyanna Stark, or rape her. Instead Lyanna went willingly with Rhaegar and they both wed. This was in the knowledge of Elia Martell, who encourage Rhaegar to annul his marriage to her and take another wife who is young and fertile that could fulfill the prophecy of the three dragon heads, just like Aegon the Conqueror, Queen Rhaenys and Queen Visenya. Lyanna got pregnant by Rhaegar before he was killed in the Battle of Trident by Robert Baratheon. I am indeed not the bastard son of Ned Stark, but actually the legitimate son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark and the rightful heir to the Iron Throne."

Notes:

Really sorry that I haven't updated for a long time! I've been busy with school work!

Notes:

First chapter is done! Do you like it? Comment your thoughts down below!