Disclaimer: I do not own the owned!

Author's Note: This fanfic is basically a crack!fic kind of thing and is not meant to be taken seriously. I obviously altered events of the real story for this first chapter but this is because I wanted to write something silly and humorous for a change. I also thought that this might be a cool way to get Eragon and Arya together since AxE doesn't happen in the books. So please don't flame if you liked the Book 4 that Christopher Paolini wrote as this is just for fun. So without any further ado, allow me to present you with my latest contribution to the fandom!

Chapter 1: The Vault of Souls

Eragon and Arya stood on the cliff that jutted out over a sheer drop bellow into the mountainous valley. It was largely a desert as they were somewhere in the Boer Mountains. In fact, the cliff they stood on jutted out of the mountain side. It was in front of a vast cave guarded by two statues of sitting dragons. The trio had flown up to the cave but there was a winding mountain path that trailed up here.

A few people had taken it in the past as could be guessed by the white skeletons and grinning skulls that lay around the cliff. But Eragon and Arya weren't worried about that now. They were trying to open the Vault of Souls. A legendary sanctuary, the vault was rumoured amongst the werecats to hold a weapon of great power.

Eragon had been referred to the Vault by the werecat Solebum but it was the werecat king himself, Grimmr Half-paw, who explained what the vault was exactly (in a less complicated riddle then Solebum's) and kindly gave Eragon the location. Eragon and Saphira were about to leave in the dead of night by themselves to the Vault, but Eragon received a surprise visit from Arya.

She appeared suddenly dressed in her leather battle gear with her sword, bow, arrows, and travelling bag. She didn't even ask to come but Eragon was pleased that she joined them. He always liked Arya's presence even if he tried to get over his crush on her. Sadly, it looked like their efforts to turn the tide of war were futile as they were unable to go past the statues.

A wall of transparent blue light appeared as soon as Eragon had put a foot past the statues and actually threw him back a step. Arya caught him in the nick of time but further efforts were useless since the wall of blue light appeared when they tried to get through and vanished when they didn't. They were getting increasingly frustrated.

Suddenly, an Empire war horn sounded in the distance and Saphira roared in fury from where she was hovering in the air next to them. Eragon spun around only to see Murtagh and Thorn flying in the air, several meters above a legion of Empire troops. Just then an idea popped into Saphira's head and she voiced it to her Rider and the elf.

The seven words, Little One! Saphira gasped as realization dawned on her. They must be the key to open the door.

Of course! Eragon exclaimed. Thanks, Saphira!

Arya was her typically silent self although she did arch a delicate eyebrow questioningly.

"No time now," Eragon said. "I'll explain later."

Eragon was just about to cast a ward on Saphira but she flew out of reach towards Murtagh and Thorn.

Saphira, no! Eragon yelped, trying to catch her but failing.

Use the words, Little One! Saphira retorted. I shall hold off the traitor and his hatchling. Take Arya with you into the cave. I know this is what I have to do.

Before Eragon could reply, Saphira prevented him from doing so by disabling their telepathic link. Eragon cried out in frustration, punching his fist into the air even as Saphira flew off away from them distracting Murtagh and Thorn who pursued her. The Empire army still marched up the mountain path but they would take ages.

"What has happened, Shadeslayer?" Arya asked softly, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Eragon smiled weakly at her in thanks for the gesture.

"Saphira took off to distract Murtagh and Thorn," Eragon sighed.

"What?" Arya gasped, her hand flying up to cover her mouth in shock.

"Yes," Eragon growled. "She left to buy us time while those idiots climb the mountain. We shall have an hour at least to get in the damn cave."

"But how can we do so?" Arya asked in exasperation. "You know that we cannot pass through. This is hopeless!"

"There is always hope, Arya," Eragon said with a wry smile.

Arya looked up sharply and Eragon took a deep breath.

"Brom told me seven words in the Ancient Language before he died," Eragon explained.

Arya gave him a sympathetic look but Eragon simply shrugged and continued. Now was not the time for pity.

"I believe they are a spell but completely forgot all about them until now," Eragon said. "I think Brom knew we would come this way and that the seven words are the key."

"It sounds like our only chance," Arya sighed, a faraway look in her eyes.

"So I take it that you agree to my plan?" Eragon asked one last time.

"I do," Arya said simply. "But be quick about it. Murtagh and Thorn might return."

"Goodbye, Saphira," Eragon whispered softly although he didn't know why.

And then, Eragon Shadeslayer closed his eyes and reached into the back of his mind procuring the seven words. They danced off his lips unbidden as if he was not the one talking. He felt a tug in his gut as magical energy rushed out of him. Cracking his eyes open, he gaped as Arya did for two beams of blue light – one dark and the other light – shot out of the dragon rider mark on his palm.

Like a shockwave, they blasted into the mouths of the dragon statues that were opened in a snarl. Fire burst forth from the dragon statues' maws. Thunder exploded in the heavens and there was a brilliant flash of white light. Without any time to react, Eragon and Arya were whisked way into a whirlwind of white and gold. Eragon's vision stretched and blurred and the last thing he saw was Arya grasping his hand.

Then...everything went black!

To Be Continued

A/N: Well, there's chapter one! Hopefully, it wasn't too painful to read. I tried to make it humorous but I realise I failed epically. It's more adventure then humour I suppose and I know that the Vault of Souls event was drastically different then the books. I have a confession to make actually: The Book 4 Paolini wrote left me so disappointed that I actually didn't finish reading it.

I researched online to find out what happened and was very much dismayed with the ending. I will finish it one day, but for now I dunno. Anyhow, this is meant to be a kind of parody on the cycle. In case anyone didn't understand, Eragon and Arya are sent back in time to before the events of Book 1 (a little), but with their memories and bodies from the future. They appear together also in the same place. But enough rambling. I hope you like it, and thanks for reading!