First of all thanks for the reviews :) i probably would have continued on with this story regardless but it is always nice to know when people do enjoy your work. This chapter gave me a bit of trouble and headaches, I'm still not totally happy with it but after all the scribbling out I did whilst drafting it I imagine it probably will be at the best it can be. I hope you all enjoy it :)

Forgot to say last time, all characters belong to Christopher Paolini. I own nothing.

Flashes

Chapter 1

Four months earlier…

The noise was the first thing he noticed. It was relentless, covering a city that never slept in a blanket of constant hubbub. Cars crawled along backlogged streets like giant beetles. Their eyes blinking impatiently. Car horns, shouts and the faint buzzing of hundreds of electrical devices all combined to create a roaring in his ears unlike anything else he had ever heard.

For a few moments he was struck dumb. Having grown up on a farm and living there all his life the sprawling city was a major change of scenery and it was a lot to take in. Glancing down at his feet he concentrated on the faint vibrations he could feel coursing through the earth, as if carried by some unseen energy force. Where his feet were planted on the floor he felt the vibrations connect with the soles of his feet, and they seemed to send tendrils of adrenaline shooting through his blood until his whole body was buzzing. This buzzing joined the already near deafening roaring in his ears, building until he imagined he could feel his brain rattling around in his skull.

He was pulled sharply from his wonderment by the sound of his name.

"Eragon!" looking up, he saw his cousin, Roran, standing a few feet away, hands on hips and an exasperated expression gracing his thick features. Eragon smiled sheepishly and plucking his rucksack off the floor hurried to catch up with his cousin.

Looking at the two boys, it would have been very easy just to assume they were brothers. Both had blonde hair that was curly and tousled, features set in a slightly similar way and fair skin. But there were subtle differences that betrayed the fact that they weren't totally brothers. Roran was more thickly set and built like a tank in a way that didn't look gym made, more genetic. Eragon was thinner and wiry, his eyes were more piercing and unlike Roran's features his were more angled and almost elfin like. Roran emitted impatience that could be felt keenly by the people around him, whereas Eragon radiated calm, curious in one so young.

Roran swore violently as a car whizzed by as he had made to step out into the road.

"God! Some people are so bloody uggghhh!" he fumed. Beside him Eragon smiled at his cousin's quick temper. Taking his arm he led Roran down the busy street to a zebra crossing.

"Surely this would be a better place to cross." He smirked; Roran glared at him, and then strode across the road. Eragon had to hurry to keep up with his long strides. Pushing through the people he still couldn't keep his eyes from roving around his surroundings. The tall buildings made him feel incredibly small in a way that he had never experienced before. It was also more crowded than any other place he had ever been to, there were people everywhere, Eragon had of course known that this was to be expected but their sheer numbers till caught him by surprise. Eragon was by nature a solitary person; he enjoyed the countryside, the peace and fresh air. Amongst the people he felt very claustrophobic and for a moment he felt a bubble of panic rise up in his chest. Casting his gaze frantically he heaved a sigh of relief when he caught sight of Roran's distinctive blonde tousled hair. He quickened his pace until he was once again walking next to him.

The two young men came to a stop at the bottom of a block of flats. Rotan placed the bag he had been carrying on the floor, and fished a piece of paper out of his pocket; he scanned over it with a slight frown.

"Right I think this is it." He muttered. Turning, he surveyed Eragon with serious expression. "Eragon…" he started, Eragon heaved a sigh and rubbed his eyes wearily.

"Roran, don't start! Please. This is what I want to do and whatever you and Garrow think this IS my decision and I stand by everything I said before I left." Roran's fist clenched tighter around the piece of paper, betraying his frustration.

"Eragon! You're 18! You've never lived away from us. What are you going to do?!" he sighed exasperatedly. Eragon took a deep breath.

"Roran, I can't spend my entire life living and working on a farm! It might be enough for you and Garrow, but I wasn't something more." He paused and glanced around. "I want to do something where the outcome is unclear, where I don't know what'll happen! I'm no kid anymore and I know what I want." He smiled and clapped Roran on the shoulder.

"Besides, as for my living arrangements, I'll be safe." Roran grumbled under his breath as Eragon reached past him and pushed one the buttons. For a moment there was silence than a curt voice sound over the intercom.

"What do you want?!" Roran raised his eyebrows and Eragon smiled. "It's me."

"Eragon?" the voice had lost all its curtness. "Oh my god! You made it!" Eragon looked at Roran.

"You gonna let me in?"

"What? Oh yeah sure come on up!" the voice cut off and the buzzer sounded.

Eragon counted along the doors until he reached 102. He rapped sharply on the door three times, grinning as the sounds of excited scuffling emitted from behind the door. It was yanked open roughly and he only caught sight of a pair of sapphire eyes before he was enveloped in a back breaking hug.

"Eragon!" a high pitched voice squealed next to his ear. His bags fell to the floor as he hugged the excitable bundle. He pulled back after a few seconds.

"Saphira! It's so good to see you." beaming from ear to ear he stood back to survey his best friend from head to toe. Her most prominent feature was of course her bright piercing sapphire eyes, the cause of her name; they were set in a thin face that radiated beauty and amusement, a cute button nose and a mouth that was always on the edge of an infectious smile. Her short brown hair was spiked up in all directions; she wore a t-shirt which hugged her thin figure perfectly. Jeans and odd socks completed her outfit and made Eragon chuckle, he could practically feels Roran's surprise behind him, and sure enough when he turned round he could see Roran gazing at Saphira with unconcealed bewilderment. For some reason this amused Eragon and stepping back he looked from Roran to Saphira.

"Roran, this is Saphira, who I'll be living with. Saphira this is Roran, my cousin." Roran cleared his throat and stuck his hand out.

"Hi, err it's a pleasure to meet you." Saphira sauntered over and grasped his hand, giving Eragon a sly wink as she did so, which caused him to stifle a chuckle.

"The pleasure is all mine. Don't worry I'll look after Eragon here, make sure he's ok and settled." Roran nodded and giving Eragon his suitcase pulled out an envelope.

"Here." He said handing it over. "Just a little something from me and Garrow." Eragon cautiously opened the envelope and his eyes widened as he rifled through the money it held. Looking up at Roran he pulled him into a hug.

"Thank you!" he breathed, Roran clapped him on the back.

"Don't mention it," he replied gruffly. "Just look after yourself."

They didn't waste much time on goodbyes. Within five minutes Roran had gone and Eragon was left standing in the corridor with Saphira. He was surprised to find himself slightly teary eyed at Roran's departure, it was not an emotion he had expected to confront. Saphira tactfully let the moment pass before she spoke.

"You ready to come inside." Eragon nodded; taking a deep breath he picked up his bags and took his first step into the unknown.

XXXXXX

"So this is where I live." Saphira smiled and cast her hands out. Once in the door Eragon found himself in a small dimly lit hallway, there was a door at the end of the hallway. Two doors led off the right hands side and two on the left. The wallpaper was fading and in some places worn away completely, and the air was permeated by a slightly dusty smell. Eragon realised that Saphira was watching him.

"It's very nice." He replied politely. Saphira tipped her head back and laughed.

"Eragon, you're too polite for your own good!" she chortled flicking her hand she led him down the hallway to the room at the end. It opened into the master bedroom. A double bed took up most of the space, an ornate wooden desk stretched under the window which looked out onto the city. Clothes, CD's and books were strewn across the floor in a haphazard manner. Eragon raised an eyebrow as a smirk pulled at his mouth. Saphira noticed it and slapped him upside the head.

"Oi! Messy it homely!" dragging him from the room she showed him the rest of the flat. The door nearest the front door on the right was a living space that connected to the kitchen in the next room. A modest bathroom with shower, bath, sink and toilet was next to Saphira's room.

"And this…" Saphira proclaimed opening the last door. "…is your room!" standing aside she allowed him to step through. The room was smaller than Saphira's but the layout basically the same. A small single bed was against one wall and a desk much like Saphira's was placed directly below the window. The major difference however was the view. Saphira's room offered a rather nominal view, boring. But the view in Eragon's room was something else entirely. The entire city was laid out in front of them, every sprawling suburb and luxurious mansion. Set up on a hill the block of flats allowed an unparalleled and unobstructed view. The sun was sinking below the horizon as if it knew the room was one show and wanted to impress, and impress it did. The deep hues of red and orange bleached the skyline in a beautiful amalgamation of colour and the windows of the surrounding buildings causing a breathtaking palette of colours.

"I know it's a little shabby." Saphira muttered jamming her hands in her pockets. Eragon turned to face her, the setting sun reflected in his eyes illuminating his face and the wonderment it concealed.

"Are you kidding?! This place is perfect!" he breathed. Saphira grinned and chucked his bag at him.

"Right! Clean up! We're going out for dinner."

XXXXXX

Saphira had been Eragon's best friend for over ten years. They had first met on one of Eragon's rare trips away from the farm with his uncle Garrow. Saphira was three years his senior and was as close as a sister to him. The fair they had met at had been held annually for nearly 150 years. Eragon had been a timid 7 year old boy, clinging tightly to his uncle's hand. Saphira had been the self assured 9 year old daughter of one of the dealers. When charged to look after the small boy whilst the adults 'talked business' Saphira had beheld him with the greatest look of motherly affection that she could muster.

"Now then little one, what's your name?" from that moment on a bond had been formed and they had been close ever since. The term 'little one' had stuck, becoming more and more condescending, especially when Eragon had entered his teens. Their friendship had been one of distance, Eragon lived on a remote farm hidden away in the countryside, and Saphira lived in the middle of a busy city. They saw each other once or twice a year but yet their friendship had remained strong. Unusually so, Garrow had often commented that they seemed more like brother and sister. A fact that Eragon had always been proud of. His bond with Roran had always been good but his older cousin, who had had his own life, had never had enough time for his younger cousin. Eragon's bond with Saphira had always been stronger, despite the distance.

When Eragon had first mentioned that he was thinking of moving out, with no plans to go to university after he had completed his A-Levels it had been Saphira who had immediately offered up her flat for him to share. Whilst Garrow and Roran had protested vehemently against him leaving, insisting that it was a rash and stupid decision Saphira had been the only one supporting him and it had probably been her influence that had swayed Garrow's mind. Garrow had only met Saphira a handful of times, but he loved her like a daughter and trusted her to look after Eragon. Roran had still been very against the idea but once Garrow had given his blessing there was very little that he could do. So he to had finally, albeit begrudgingly, agreed to Eragon's move. And now here Eragon was, away from home for the first time and the gravity of what he had decided to do was hitting him.

Eragon stared in frustration at his clothes laid out on the bed. He had been standing, wrapped in nothing but a towel glaring at his clothes for the last 15 minutes trying to decide on something to wear. His eyes lingered on a white shirt and heaving a sigh he snatched it up.

He was buttoning up a pair of his favourite worn jeans when there was a knock at the door.

"Come in." he called. Saphira poked her head round the door and grinned.

"Looking fly!" she smirked. "You ready?" Eragon nodded and picked up his jacket.

"Sure," he smiled, "let's go."

Eragon felt rather underdressed, he was convinced that based on his apparel Saphira had brought him here on purpose. Looking around he saw tuxedos and suits dresses and elegant satin. Plucking self consciously at the collar of his white shirt he returned his gaze to Saphira, who was watching him with a badly concealed smirk on her face. Eragon narrowed his eyes.

"You did this on purpose!" he accused. Saphira leant back in her seat and took a nonchalant sip of her wine.

"I don't know what you're talking about." She replied primly. Replacing her wine she leaned forward and locked eyes with him. "Maybe you should consider this as a suggestion." Eragon raised an eyebrow.

"A suggestion?" he prompted. A mischievous glint entered Saphira's eyes.

"Aye, a suggestion little one." She smirked, using her special nickname for him. "A suggestion that perhaps you need a new wardrobe." The straight face she had been working to keep fell and she descended into a fit of giggles. Eragon glared at her.

"You're cruel!" he pouted. Saphira continued to laugh, attracting the stares of people at the nearby tables. "Where am I gonna get the money to buy a new wardrobe?!" Saphira had finally managed to control herself and was taking another sip of wine, looking up she smiled.

"Ah now that's something I wanted to talk to you about. I didn't want to say anything before because it was only confirmed this morning." Eragon leaned forward, his interest pricked.

"What was confirmed?" he asked eagerly.

"I was able to get you a job at the firm I work at." She replied. Eragon's eyes widened.

"Really? You didn't have to do that!" he beamed.

"It's not a great job mind; you'd be a lackey for me and my partner. Fetching drinks, getting papers. But the pay is reasonable and should allow you some independence." Eragon was speechless. Saphira smiled. "Well say something." She said Eragon let out a breath.

"I can't believe you did this for me!" Saphira snorted.

"It's a job Eragon, it's not like I've offered you one of my kidney's!" Eragon rolled his eyes at her sarcasm.

"You know what I mean. You've already let me move in with you. If it weren't for you I never would have even had the chance to move away." He grinned. "And besides, I've worked on a farm. I'm used to being a lackey."

"Good because you start tomorrow."

XXXXXX

Varden was an international shipping company, specialising in retail of produce. A large chunk of its resources were also spent on getting aid to war torn countries. Its headquarters were situated in a large glass fronted building a couple of miles outside the city centre. Stretching high above all the other buildings in the area it was an intimidating structure. Eragon, standing at the bottom of it was once again overcome with a feeling of smallness. He hesitated, nervousness creeping in for the first time. This was quickly brought to an end by Saphira poking him sharply in the back.

"Come on! I don't pay you to stand around all day!" Sweeping past him she disappeared into the building, forcing Eragon to run to keep up with her. She led him into the elevator, pressing the button for the 8th floor. The doors slid closed with a soft 'ping', as they ascended Eragon felt the usual queasiness descend in his stomach he got whenever he rode in an elevator, although how much of it was down to nerves as well was indeterminable. Saphira hadn't told him much about her partner that he would also be working for; only that she ran a tight ship and was not someone to get on the wrong side of.

The elevator doors opened into a spacious carpeted space, booths were dotted here and there and people hurried around in a busy manner. Saphira led him swiftly through into a big office, a big glass window overlooking the city provided light that filled the whole office. She immediately went to her desk and started rifling through papers, muttering to herself. Looking up she stared straight past him, the looked at her clock.

"She should be here." She muttered. Eragon moved forward.

"Who should be here?" he ventured timidly. Saphira opened her mouth to reply but was interrupted by a sharp knocking on the door of her office.

"Ah!" Saphira exclaimed, striding past Eragon. "She's here!" the door opened and a figure slipped inside as Eragon turned to ask again who 'she' was. But he never got that far as the words died in the back of his throat as his eyes came to rest on an angel.

Well I hope you enjoyed that, please review letting me know your thoughts and perhaps where you'd like to see this go.

Pirate-x-Girls