Hello all! Welcome, I don't own the IC cycle obviously, read author notes at bottom, yada yada yada. Long chapter ahead, ho!

!REVAMPED!


Chapter 3: Into Alagaësia

CHLOE

Someone had once told Chloe that anything sucked into a black hole was expanded and then shrunk down into nonexistence, all in the span of a few seconds. This felt like that, only longer, and with what she hoped was without the nonexistence. But she couldn't be sure, she wasn't sure of anything. She wasn't sure if it was dark, or if she was in the presence of a blinding light. Did it matter? Was she hurtling through space, or pinned down to the ground? Was she moving her body? Was she even in her body? She thought wildly. If this is one of those karma things where I'm dead and about to be reborn as a bird, it better be a huge ass bird so that I can pick up Murtagh and drop him off the nearest cliff! She though to herself crossly. He was the last thing she could clearly remember seeing, and so seemed liked the perfect person to lie her blame upon.

She laid there for what seemed like eternity, until there was a loud and sudden pop! in her ear and all her senses came rushing back to her. She could feel dirt she was lying stomach down on, she could smell it, she could taste it... she pushed herself into a sitting position, reveling in the cool breeze that caressed her face. Until she realized that she was blind. She bit back a scream, not wanting to attract any attention in such a vulnerable state.

Time passed and Chloe was pretty sure she was bout to suffer from a panic attack. Not being able to see was really killing her. Oh my God, watch me get eaten by a giant dinosaur! What were those things Eragon said, that were damn near impossible to kill? Shadows? What if there's one lurking here!

Get a grip, girl. You are in some strange magicky-land, and you're blind. Obviously you need to find Ronnie and Mom, and Eragon and Murtagh...but he's kind of evil here, so let's not find him. Eragon it is. He seems like the saving damsels in distress type.

Great plan, the sarcastic voice in her head mocked. Except we've established you're blind. So how are you going to find people in your current state?

Sarcastic me is right. God I wish I was a Hufflepuff, she thought miserably to herself. She was about to move around, though in which direction she hadn't chosen yet, when there was a loud thud as something heavy moved over the ground. She froze, holding her breath.

Okay, totally didn't actually mean to anything with the whole dinosaur thing...she thought weakly. At least it sounds far away. Wish I could see anything other than damn shadows! And it was true. She was beginning to see areas of light and areas of shadows.

Maybe I can climb a tree, get onto higher ground. Oh please, I can barely climb a tree when I can see, try blind.

Chloe was contemplating just what she could do when a bark tore through the air. She recognized that bark.

"No frigging way..." she whispered. "Padfoot!" She called. She heard movement, and then she was knocked to the ground and her face furiously licked. She couldn't help but laugh in relief.

"P-Pads! S-stop!" She said in between her laughs. She was finally able to sit up, and she felt Padfoot sit next to her.

"Did you gain like a hundred pounds or something on the way?" She asked her faithful dog. He certainly felt like he weighed more than usual. She reached out to pet him, only to find that his back was much higher than she expected.

"Okay, so did you grow or did I shrink?" She asked shakily. She blinked several times, trying to clear her blindness. It still didn't really work. Chloe thought that maybe, just maybe she could see the outline of her hands, but then again it was so faint she wasn't sure if she was imagining it or not.

Again she thought about the thud she'd heard earlier. .Even if Padfoot had gotten bigger-somehow-there was no way that giant thud had been him. Then what was it? she had a flash of memory from when Murtagh and Eragon had spoken about their dragons and gulped. Eragon, good guy, sure, but she wasn't really fond of the idea of being found by his dragon, Saphira. She threaded her fingers through Padfoot's fur, thinking wistfully about home.

I knew this place would suck.

ERAGON

Eragon woke up on his back, his vision swarming with black dots. He sat up gingerly, the world around his spinning. He closed his eyes for a moment as as feeling of sickness overtook him, and he tried to steady himself. Finally the nauseousness passed, and he opened up his eyes again. He recognized a few details of the area he was in, but just barely seeing as he had flown over it once previously. He took in a breath of fresh air. He was home!
Saphira! He exclaimed, sending out the cry for his other half as far and loudly as he could, with both mind and tongue. He did not care who heard him, as long as she did.

Eragon! He heard her familiar call back to him, and before he could even see her the two embraced, melding their minds together into a single, joyous being. Eragon heard a rather loud roar, followed by the beating of two strong wings. Half a minute later and the beautiful sapphire dragon was dropping out of the sky in front him, snaking her neck around him.

I have missed you greatly, little one. I knew that you had not perished, and yet... Saphira said, training her brilliantly blue eye on her rider.

I understand. But I've returned, through magic of the strangest nature. I am no even certain where it was I went, but I was told it was called Earth...Murtagh was transported with me. Have you seen him? What of Thorn? Eragon asked immediately, ducking out from under her neck to scan her body. Let me heal you, Saphira. He could see several scratches, and a few worried him.

I am fine, little one. Thorn is currently disabled. That insolent hatchling was no match for me without his rider to heal him. Saphira said smugly. Eragon grinned.

I wouldn't doubt it for a second.

And Murtagh? Did you likewise overcome him? Saphira asked. Eragon looked away sheepishly.

Murtagh and I came to an agreement to not harm the other while we were in the other place. We both believed we'd need each other's magic to come home, but in the end I am not certain that we came to return through our own volition, or magic. Quickly Eragon shared his memories with Saphira.

I see...so these other two-legs are here somewhere? Along with Murtagh? She asked. Eragon nodded.

We need to find them, and quickly. This world that they are form is incredibly different. They have weapons of such mass destruction...if Galbatorix were to ever learn of them, I fear he might attempt to access that place. We need to find Viviana and her family, and Murtagh. I hate to do this but if we find Murtagh we can use Thorn as leverage and take him our prisoner. Where is Thorn now? Eragon asked. Saphira sent him an image of a beat west of their location.

We can fly in that general direction, looking for the other as we go. If we cannot find them, then you can stand guard over Thorn and I will find the others. Eragon said, jumping into the saddle with the speed and grace of an elf. He had to admit, he felt much better now with his reflexes back to normal, and much more balanced with his ears once again pointed. Somewhere in the back of his mind he noted this as ironic, given that he had started this journey as a human.

Saphira unfurled her great wings, leaping into the air after three running bounds. A single mighty beat of her wings and gained enough elevation to skim the trees.

What happened when Murtagh and I disappeared? Eragon asked Saphira.

I am uncertain. When you and Murtagh were dueling on the ground near the Crystal of Eoam, it surged with magical energy. The light was so bright I lost sight of the world for a few brief moments. When it receded, you and Murtagh were gone. I took that opportunity to incapacitate Thorn. How is it that you returned?

I can't answer that. It just happened. Oromis often said that not all magic was explainable, and that no one truly knew anything of Eoam, Eragon said with a sigh. What of Arya and the elves? Has Nasuada been made aware of my absence?

No. Arya and the other elves have yet to arrive, Saphira informed him.

Yet to arrive? Eragon asked worriedly. They must have encountered the troops of the Empire. They should have been here by now.

Eragon, the elves are fast on their feet but it would take them more than a few hours to reach the ocean and then sail across it to this island.

Hours? I've been gone for two days! Eragon exclaimed.

Eragon, you were only gone for three, maybe four hours.

Earth days must be different, and yet, the sun seemed to always rise and set at the same pace... Eragon thought. Strange indeed.

Silence stretched between the pair, each enjoying simply being in each other's company again. Both had to recover from the shock of so suddenly and unexpectedly having their bond seemingly cut off.

There is something below us, stirring movement in the trees, Saphira said, preparing for descent. She landed on an out cropping of rock amidst a sea of trees, waiting as Eragon dismounted.

"Chloe! Viviana! Ronnie!" Eragon called out. Strange names, thought Saphira to him. "Murtagh!" Eragon added as an afterthought, thought he doubted his half-brother would answer him. They were home, and therefore once again enemies.

"Eragon, is that you?" A voice called out. A woman stepped out from behind a tree, walking a little clumsily towards him.

"Yes, it is I," Eragon said, rushing forward to help her.

"Thank goodness. My sight, I can't see too well..." Viviana mumbled as he took her hands and led her towards Saphira. "Ah...I think it's returning to me," she said, and then shrieked in surprise. Eragon grinned.

"Viviana, I would like for you to meet Saphira Brightscales," Eragon said. Viviana fell to her knees, watching the magnificent beast before her in awe.

"Saphira Brightscales...it is an honor to meet you! It was always my husbands dream to meet a dragon," she said, tears welling in her eyes. "He told me stories so often about dragons, and I can't believe I'm finally seeing one come true!" She exclaimed. Saphira snaked her head lower, watching the woman. She blinked once, turning to Eragon.

Tell her I thank her for watching over you when I could not, and welcome her to Alagaësia. Saphira said. Eragon voiced Saphira's message.

"It was no trouble at all! Eragon was a delight to have around the house! He's such a nice boy," Viviana said. Suddenly she froze, scanning him. "Eragon, where's Ronnie? I thought she was with you. Dear Lord where is she, and Chloe? Where are my girls?" She began hysterically.

"Viviana, please remain calm. I am sure Ronnie and Saphira are fine, we just have to find them," Eragon said reassuringly. "We must-" Eragon stopped short of a giggle. Both he and Viviana looked at Saphira.

"Did...did Saphira just giggle?" Viviana whispered. Saphira herself appeared confused, and snaked her head around to her saddle bags.

Eragon, there is something wriggling in the saddle bags, Saphira blinked in surprise. Eragon walked over to the saddle bag cautiously, opening the side quickly to reveal a smiling Ronnie.

"Ronnie?" he asked in surprise.

"Eri!" The six year old said happily, holding her hands out for Eragon. Eragon pulled her out of the saddle bag.

"Ronnie!" Viviana cried out in relief, running forward to hug her daughter.

CHLOE

I refuse to die in this world by being eaten, Chloe thought to herself stubbornly. She was alone, other than with her dog, and she had no idea where her mother or little sister were. Not to mention the two dragons that were flying or possibly stomping around.

"Story of my life," she huffed loudly.

"Chloe?" she heard someone call out. For the second time that day she froze. The voice belonged to Murtagh. Evil Murtagh now, who works for some psycho evil King guy. FML, and then one more time! More than anything, She opened her eyes, which she had been keeping closed, and was happy to see that she could see better now. Now she could see shapes, so that was something.

"Pads, be quiet," she whispered to Padfoot, before nearly screaming as she turned to look at her dog. Padfoot had not been the size of a Shetland pony the last time she could properly see him, but now...eyes wide, she took in a shuddering breath before shaking her head. Eyes wide, she searched for somewhere to hide. By the shapes around her she figured she was on the fringe of a forest. She ducked behind a tree, patting the ground in front of her for something to defend herself with. She found a short dense log and picked it up, not entirely sure she knew what she was going to do with it.

"Chloe, where are you? I was certain I heard your voice..." she heard Murtagh call out. He was getting nearer and nearer to her hiding place. Damn it, weren't him and Eragon some sort of mind readers? She was backing away from the tree, about to run when she tripped over a raised tree root. She squealed in surprise, catching herself. But it was too late, Murtagh was sure to have heard. She jumped up, unsure of what to do when several things happened at once.

Murtagh stepped from around the tree she had been hiding behind, a look of irritation evident on his features. There was a roar and ground shuddered as a marvelous sapphire beast dropped down from the sky, mere meters away from the tree line Chloe and Murtagh were in. Murtagh turned towards the dragon, while Chloe shrieked in fear, slamming the log she held into the side of Murtagh's head.

"Chloe?" she heard someone call, but she hardly paid them any attention. She dropped the log, rushing to Murtagh's side.

"Murtagh! Oh my goodness, I am so sorry! I didn't mean-and the dragon-and I freaked out!-oh, I'm just so sorry!" she exclaimed, not sure of what to do. Someone pulled her up to her feet, and she found herself looking up into the beautiful brown eyes of Eragon. She had to blink several times as she stared at him, because she recognized him as Eragon, and yet he had changed. His features were sharper, more angular, eyes slanted and his ears. They were pointed! She snapped out of her haze, pointed down to Murtagh.

"Thank God, Eragon! I'm sorry but I freaked out and I remembered that Murtagh was kind of evil and then I saw and a dragon and then..." she trailed off miserably head slumped. Eragon laughed.

"Eragon, this isn't funny! I might have just killed a person, because yes, sadly, jerks also count as people," she snapped, hitting his arm. Eragon composed himself, though the mirth was still evident in his eyes.

"Your worry is unneeded, Chloe. You've only knocked him unconscious; I can hear him breathing." He cocked his head to the side and pointed to his pointed ear.

"Right, of course elf ears. I should have known," she said sarcastically. His smile widened.

"Seriously, what's so funny?" she asked.

"Only, I have been trying-along with many powerful others-to capture Murtagh for quite some time, and here you are knocking him unconscious with a wooden log!" he said, chuckling. Chloe heard a deep rumbling, and she leaned around Eragon to see the dragon once more.

"Is she...laughing?" Chloe asked, watching her in amazement.

"Yes. Chloe, please meet Saphira Brightscales." Eragon said, making quick introductions. As she did with Viviana, Saphira snaked her angular heard forward, resting to a stop in front of Chloe.

"She's beautiful." Chloe breathed. She reached out a hand, and then quickly withdrew it. "Uh, may I?" She asked Saphira timidly. The dragon nodded, and Chloe slowly set her hand over the rough scales. They glittered in the sunlight, and Chloe realized that she had regained her sight.

"Amazing..." she muttered. She caught sight of her mother watching her fondly from Saphira's saddle, and her smile dropped as she went over to her.

ERAGON

I like this one, Saphira said to Eragon, humming contentedly. Eragon rolled his eyes. You like anyone who compliments you enough. He told her. He looked back towards Murtagh. All the times we fought him, and we could never gain the upper hand, and here she comes, hitting him upside the head and... Eragon shook his head. This all seems to be too good to be true, he mused.

Perhaps the tide of war is changing to our favor, Saphira said. I still have many questions, however. The only way I saw the woman Viviana was because I saw her. I could not sense her mind as I do now, the same with the child and Chloe. It seems that there minds are...developing. Within another hour or so and they should feel...normal, Saphira said. Eragon pondered this.

I see, but why could you sense mine so easily so quickly?

You are from here. They are not. More importantly, Eragon, you and I are bonded and together once more. The rest may come as it comes. Saphira said, humming contentedly.

CHLOE

Eragon had them set up a camp near where Thorn was still unconscious. Chloe had been stunned by the sight of the dragon; clearly he was injured, but morbidly beautiful. His scales shown like the purest of rubies, and he seemed to sleep soundly, thought the gashed around his shoulder and stomach suggested otherwise. Chloe wouldn't consider herself an expert on dragon anatomy, but she could swear his wing was bent at an unnatural angle, and that the tears in the membrane were probably as painful as all hell.

Murtagh had been placed under a tree, and Eragon had placed enchantments over him to force him into what he explained to be a form of stasis. Chloe had been disappointed by the lack of sparks and flashing lights as he performed the spell, but then figured that she's had enough of flashing lights to last her a lifetime. Saphira had her sapphire eyes fixed on him and Thorn alternatively. Viviana, to Chloe's surprise, had begun building a fire like she'd been doing it all her life.

"You're father and I used to camp a lot," she'd shrugged when Chloe had asked. Ronnie was busy picking sea shells by the water with Padfoot, who although now was much more intimidating, was as playful as ever. ("I probably should have mentioned that Padfoot was actually your not a stray we found when you were young, but the dog your father had when he was transported here... it's why we never took him to the vet") Which, in retrospect, Chloe felt explained his sudden towering height, shaggy fur, and new scary canines.

As they sat around the fire, Eragon began to explain Alagaësia to them and the proper way they should be conducting themselves in the presence of others. They had all quickly agreed that where they came from had to be kept secret.

The next day came and went by much the same. Eragon found them fruits and berries to eat as they waited for what he'd told them the previous evening was a group of elves that were coming by ship. It wasn't until midday that Saphira spotted a ship on the horizon as she returned from her hunt, and Eragon had them all change into the clothing that Viviana had in her packs. He went over all he had taught them yesterday once more Chloe almost laughed at the medieval times-like dress her mother was wearing, until she realized that she was dressed similarly. However, while Viviana had, for the first time since her husband had left, let down her long black hair, and braided half of it back, she looked beautiful. Chloe looked...

"It is your hair," Eragon muttered unhappily, and Chloe raised and eyebrow.

"Excuse me?" she snapped, and this time it was Eragon who raised an eyebrow. She rolled her eyes.

"I mean, whatever do you mean, Argetlam?" she said as she had been instructed to address him.

"Better. And I mean that most women keep their hair long when they are your age, and I've never seen a woman with blonde and brown hair," he said. Chloe rolled her eyes.

"You're lucky it isn't pink or blue or something," she said, running a hand through her hair. It was wavy and just past her chin, with the bottom section brown so that when she tied her hair up you could see the brown. It had seemed like a good idea at the time.

"I'm bringing some style to Alagaësia. You're welcome," she said.
Eragon didn't seem quite as convinced.

ARYA.

Arya had never been one to reveal emotion through her expression. A smile would, occasionally, grace her features. But, if she was tired, angry, or surprised, she never let it show. But she, along with the other elves, couldn't keep the mixture of shock and surprise off her countenance.

After the battle of Feinster, the Varden had proceeded to take Melian and Furnost. Neither battle had been nearly as difficult as Feinster, and there had been no other Shades. In fact, the battles had gone so well that Eragon Shadeslayer hadn't been needed. There had been no danger of Murtagh and Thorn arriving to wreak havoc, seeing as the Red Pair had been set assigned to another task. The Varden had miraculously intercepted a message among the King's noble's that Murtagh and Thorn would be traveling to the Island of Beirland, to harvest the power of the Floating Crystal of Eoam. Although the elves truly believed that only a mad king could assign his rider such an impossible task, there was always the shadow of a doubt. So Eragon and Saphira had been sent off by Nasuada to stop him. Arya and the elves had been left behind for practical purposes against Arya's better judgment. Eragon had convinced Nasuada that they would only hinder his and Saphira's speed, suggested they 'caught up with him a few days later'. Arya had believed that Eragon's rashness had improved somewhat, but clearly she was wrong. He still acted the fool. How could he possibly think that this time he alone could overcome Murtagh? Even with an Eldunarì at his disposal, Murtagh had many more.

So Arya couldn't blame herself when the look of shock and surprise overcame her. There on the shore stood Eragon, conversing with a human woman she had never before seen. He was laughing, and he didn't seem to have a single scratch on him. Saphira was nearer to the water, letting waves wash over her tail and claws as she watched a small human child clamber over her back. She also didn't show seem to show signs of of having battled. Occasionally, she would glance a few meters further up the beach where a large red dragon, whom did look like he'd taken a harsh beating, lay sleeping. She looked once more to Eragon, who perhaps hadn't noticed their presence yet. She was about to cry out in warning as he noticed a another human creep up behind him and pounce, only to see Eragon pin her down to the and stand again in a matter of seconds, offering her his hand. As though he'd been told to look over, Eragon broke off his conversation, looking towards Arya and her companions as they neared the shore. He waved, smiling widely.

"Lower the boats," Arya ordered.

Twenty minutes later she and four other elves were pulling their boats to the shore, and stepping onto the sandy beach.

"Eragon Shadeslayer," the elves behind Arya saluted in unison. After the greeting was finished, Arya cleared her throat.

"Eragon, who exactly...?" she was, for what she believed to be the first time in her life, stunned. She blinked as Eragon smirked as though unsurprised that she couldn't currently for a coherent sentence.

"I will start at the beginning," he told her and the elves that were quite obviously impressed.

ERAGON

Eragon set off on a well rehearsed story that he had carefully constructed in the Ancient Language. He spent an unnecessary amount of time explaining and exaggerating minor details regarding the weather and flight patterns. They elves, too polite to tell him that they didn't care about these trivial details, listened attentively. Arya, however, narrowed her green eyes at Eragon suspiciously. She knew him too well, which was why he gently pressed his mind to hers.

I am sorry, Arya. I would not contact you this way but there is some sensitive information I would rather no one learned other than you and Lady Nasuada. Eragon said urgently. Swear in the Ancient Language that you won't reveal any of the information that I am about to tell you to anyone or anything without my consent.

Arya didn't even attempt to hide her feelings of unhappiness and irritation from Eragon. He sensed her wonder why he had to always be so difficult and idly wondered if the woman behind him where more long lost relations. She sighed internally, and finally swore to secrecy. Eragon briefly explained his situation with a series of images and words.

Eragon, why must things always ever so complex around you?

I didn't cause this! Eragon said defensively. He withdrew into his own mind, and finished telling his tale to the elves of how the Crystal of Eoam surged with power and caused him and Murtagh to experience a brief state of unconsciousness. When he had awoken, Viviana and her two daughters had woken with him and Murtagh, with little memory of Alagaësia. His words were truthful, though he had interchanged many for them to mean the truth he knew to be true.

"Our people have often regarded the Floating Crystal of Eoam with much caution, as it is a source of wild magic," One of the elf women said wisely. The others nodded in agreement.

"How is it that Murtagh sleeps so? By your tale, he has been sleeping for a day and a half!" an elf man said next.

"Ah, yes. My new friend, Chloe, helped. I've placed sleeping enchantments upon him. When the Crystal's magic surged, I believe it removed mine and Murtagh's wards. It is the only explanation that I have come up with," Eragon said, and this time he wasn't withholding any half-truths. "Thorn sleeps because of Saphira. She inflicted the damage on him herself while Murtagh and I were unconscious. Without Murtagh to heal him, Saphira triumphed." he grinned. At this the elves laughed their musical laughs.

"Yes, I am certain Bjartskular was magnificent," the elves agreed.

"Eragon, would you introduce us to your new companions?" Arya asked.

"Of course. Please, come with me," Eragon led the elves further up shore to Viviana and Chloe, who had been joined by Ronnie and Saphira. The elves paused first in front of Saphira, greeting her and admiring her latest conquest, before turning to the humans. Eragon coughed slightly, looking at them expectantly, and Viviana and Chloe snapped out of their staring to go through the formal introduction Eragon had taught them.

"...And may the stars watch over you."

Arya stepped forward.

"I will speak for my brethren, as they are not all versed in your tongue," She said. "I am Arya, and I thank you for the help you have given all the free races of Alagaësia with you simple, yet effective action. As I am sure Eragon has told you, Murtagh and Thorn pose an enormous threat to the wellbeing of anyone who opposes the Mad King. Arya said, dipping her head in a stately manner. Chloe was taken aback, Eragon could tell, by Arya's beauty and the sheer presence she emitted.

"N-no prob," Chloe grimaced as a slight head ache overtook her. "Er, I am only glad I could be of assistance," She revised as Arya raised an eyebrow. Arya nodded her approval, and turned to Eragon.

"Where is Murtagh?"

"Beneath that tree. I thought it best to keep him out from under the sun, his brain is addled enough," he muttered, showing Arya to their prisoner. Murtagh lay under the shade of the tree, a dog standing guard over him.

"Is that a Shrrg?" Arya asked in alarm as she reached for her bow. "How is it even here?"

"No!" Chloe cried out, putting herself between the giant dog and Arya. "That's my dog!" She said defiantly. The pain in her head wasn't getting any better, and she did not appreciate the elf woman pointing an arrow at her dog.

"The...dog it is not a threat, Arya," Eragon said tiredly. "And for what it's worth, I believe it to be half Shrrg."

CHLOE

Chloe's head was practically spinning. Eragon had introduced the elves to Ronnie, who where simply delighted with her. They had even taken to calling her Fair Child. Then conversation had quickly turned to the matter regarding transporting Thorn. She didn't understand all of what they were saying, as most of the conversation was taking place in what Chloe had earlier been told was the Ancient Language, but from the bits she could pick out in her own tongue they could easily bind Murtagh physically and magically into a cabin on the ship. Thorn was the problem.

"I'm going to go for a walk," Chloe winced out to no one in particular. No one noticed her anyway, and so she stumbled into the forest, faintly aware of the soft padded steps of Padfoot trailing behind her. Reassured by his presence, she pressed on, unsure of where she was going only hoping she'd run into the small stream Eragon had collected fresh water for them earlier. With her canteen empty, she figured her headache stemmed from dehydration. She knew was going the wrong way when she stepped clear of the trees, and was about to turn back when fell to her knees, her head feeling like it was about to split in agony.

Come. The voice called to her in her head. She tried to muster up fear at the intrusion in her mind, but she was too overcome by her headache. There was something unnatural about that voice, otherworldly and ancient. It was then that she realized that she was standing on the outskirts of the crater above which a gem so bright she could hardly stand to look at was suspended. The Floating Crystal of Eoam, she realized. She had yet to see it, and Eragon had said that it would be best not to linger near such unpredictable magic.

Come. The voice spoke again, and a force compelled Chloe to step forward. She slid down the curved walls of the sand and dirt crater, looking back to Padfoot. He remained sitting on his haunches, head cocked to the looked down at her. She turned back to the Crystal, mesmerized. She was a dove trapped in the eyes of a snake.

Come. When asked later, Chloe would full-heartedly admit that it was one of the least sensible things she'd ever done, walking towards the same crystal that had zapped her to another world, that spoke in her mind. But at that moment, captivated as she was, all conscious thought was irrelevant.

Your greatest desire, fulfilled.

Chloe watched in wonder as the Crystal shed what looked like a glistening white tear. It trailed down the side of the Crystal like a liquid moonbeam, and Chloe rushed forward, hands cupped to catch the liquid tear. She nearly fell over when the tear landed in her hands. The "tear" was larger than her head, and weighed several pounds. It was solid, and it looked like the purest white stone she had ever seen. She stumbled away from the Crystal, which she could have sworn was only the size of her two fists put together.

Dazedly, Chloe spent the next fifteen minutes trying to climb out of the crater with the large stone in her hands. When at last she heaved herself over the edge of the crater next to Padfoot, she panted, out of breath. She looked over to Padfoot who was watching her, dare she say it, in amusement. Looking back to the stone, she wondered what the voice in her head could have meant by her desire. She'd never desired to be rich, nor had she ever had an interest in archeology. What had she wanted very badly, and recently? She could only think of her last night home, and wishing for someone to understand her. Although it was certainly the king of pet rocks, this wasn't really what she had meant.

"You know Pads, there is something familiar about this. I know I've never seen anything like this before but..." Chloe thought hard. Had it been a Crown Jewel of some sort that Jennifer mentioned? She'd always liked sparkly things, but no, that seemed way off...she flicked her nails against the stone impatiently, causing the faintest musical notes from the stone that made the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. That sparked something in her memory, something that Eragon had said.

"...so my uncle and I took it to a trader who specified in precious minerals...various instruments to tap the stone and it produced eerie notes I had never before heard...stone had been an egg...dragon, Saphira..." Chloe shook her head, scrambling away from the white stone. She looked to the Crystal, glaring.

"This is very funny. Hilarious, I am about to die laughing. Just great, really. So my mom decides to transplant us to Narnia. I nearly caused Murtagh permanent BRAIN DAMAGE, and Eragon is an ELF BOY. You made my dog into a freaking BEAST, and my little sister is playing house with a DRAGON THE SIZE OF MY HOUSE! My mom's a freaking girl scout, building fires like she belongs here...and you give me THIS? No, you take this back NOW because my GREATEST DAMNED DESIRE was not to be dragged here, my GREATEST DESIRE was not to be sucked into a a war-because that's what this means for me now, huh? So no, if you could either kindly take that thing back or zap me with lightening, I ever so grateful. That that as my greatest desire!" she shouted, holding her arms out in challenge. Minutes passed, and nothing happened.

"Chloe," someone called. Chloe's shoulder's slumped in defeat. That was not the voice of the God she was internally praying to, no matter how much Eragon might have looked like a god.

"Never thought I'd be one of those girls to say this, but the world, screw that, the universe is against me," she grumbled miserably. "Pads," She called to the dog. He sat up, and she shoved the white stone under him, ordering him to sit over the stone.

"You'd make a fabulous hen," she told him darkly as she turned in the direction of the forest. "Eragon, over here!" she called. She tried to appear at ease, like she'd just taken her dog for a walk and not been thrust with a-she couldn't even think it.

"Chloe, we've been searching for you for a while now," Eragon said.

"Doubt it, you're a mind reader. Crap, you're a mind reader," Chloe remembered, and she tried to focus on anything but the stone, which of course made her think about it.

"You were instructed not to go running off," he said sternly.

"I remember. Which is why I walked off," She said smartly, and Eragon rolled his eyes, a retort ready on his tongue when a deafening roar tore through the. It sounded pained and angry.

"Thorn," Eragon cursed, taking off in the direction of the beach. How he knew that the roar was Thorn and not Saphira was beyond Chloe. It all sounded the same to her.

"C'mo, Pads. I think I'd rather go meet the angry dragon than stick around this Crystal any longer. Who knows, I might just sprout elf ears too," Once she reached the beach, she saw that it was much more tense than she had imagined it would be. All the elves and Eragon had reached for their weapons, eyes intent on the red dragon.

Thorn was still lying on the ground, conscious as he thrashed around, only held down by Saphira. The female dragon had her front claws pinning down Thorn by his back, his wings unable to do anything more than flutter weakly. Her jaws were clamped firmly around his neck, causing the little fire he was able to spew out to splatter randomly, uncontrolled. Chloe could see the sand around the two dragons had melted into jagged glass. She spotted her mother and sister by the trees, both looking away from the sight. She ran over to join them, stopping first by her bag and slipping the stone into it before everyone could notice. Then she joined her family.

"What happened?" she asked. She noticed her mother had tears in her eyes as she held onto Ronnie, hands shaky as she stroked her golden curls.

"R-Ronnie was playing in the water next to Saphira, and then she got too close to Thorn, who had awakened without us noticing and he tried..." she trailed off, unable to finish the sentence. "If it hadn't been for Saphira..." she trailed off once more. Suddenly she appeared angry.

"For goodness sake, Chloe, why do you have to wander off?" Viviana snapped, pulling her into a hug.

"I was fine, mom. I had Pads with me," Chloe lied. She turned around in her mothers arms, one hand reaching for Ronnie's as her eyes found Thorn.

He was now her enemy number one, and Murtagh, as his rider, would be as well.

SAPHIRA

Submit. Saphira growled to Thorn. She opened her thoughts only to Eragon and Arya. Thorn didn't answer, only struggled beneath her, causing Saphira's fangs to tear further into his neck.

What have you done to Murtagh? Thorn finally snarled.

Your rider sleeps. Now submit, oath-breaker, lest death come to him. Saphira answered.

You would not dare kill him, or I should die with him. Eragon would not kill his own brother.

Half-blood of a brother, perhaps not. Saphira consented. However the elves...he sent him an image of Arya, who was positioned wit her bow aimed at Murtagh. Her aim is true, Saphira added, and Thorn began to thrash once more. Arya let loose an arrow, which lodged itself a hair's breadth away from Murtagh's head.

Tell him this time I will aim for his heart, Arya said grimly to Saphira. Saphira relayed her words to Thorn, who let out another frustrated roar, and then lay still.

I...submit. He said in the Ancient Language. Satisfied, Saphira removed herself from the red dragon, wading into the ocean to clean her dragon-bloodied claws, her eyes never straying to far from the ruby red dragon.

He submits, she said to the rest of the elves who had not been privy to their conversation. The elves cheered her prowess and excellent reflexes.

Arya walked to Thorn.

You and your rider are our prisoners. If you do not comply with our wishes, Murtagh with face the consequences. Do you understand? She asked. Saphira was impressed with the elf woman's ferocity, a ferocity of which she approved.

...I understand. Thorn answered reluctantly. He slithered a small ways away to lick his wounds. Saphira looked to Eragon. His transformed face held little emotion, but she could feel his inner toil. She knew he hated to fight another dragon, and to have to fight his old friend and blood relation.

"Arya, I think we should heal him, in part at least. If he swears in the Ancient Language to not harm us, he will not have a choice. Otherwise, I'm not sure how we will transport him. Murtagh will be our leverage. Thorn knows I can't, won't kill him like this, but he believes your bluff. Thorn must know me too well through Murtagh's memories." Eragon said. Saphira blinked her agreement.

He has proven to not be a match for me. She said. She saw Eragon's lips twitch upwards. Arya considered his words, and then nodded once.

"Very well. We shall devise an oath for him now," she said. Eragon smiled, turning towards Saphira, when Arya called out to him.

"I was not bluffing," she said, and with that she joined her kin.

Saphira could see Eragon was slightly troubled.

Hello reader! Thanks for reading this! I just wanted to add in a quick message to say that if you're confused, you should be a little bit! There are still a lot of unanswered questions flying around as the characters attempt to make sense of the situation that they find themselves in. Theories will be flying around for the next few chapters, so be warned! Part of the plot revolves around them trying to figure out what the hell is going on! Thanks and review! :)