Sacrifice Yourself

Disclaimer: I don't own anything. The song is called "Breath" by Breaking Benjamin (told ya you'd be seeing a lot of these guys!). Hope you like it.

Murtagh's POV

"This is your last chance, Murtagh. If you don't come back with him this time I'll lock you up in the dungeons and get him myself! And then the deal is off, I'll keep you two as far away from each other as possible! Do you understand!?" Galbatorix bellowed in my ear.

It's been about a week. I've been trying to contact Eragon, but he keeps blocking me. One day I got fed up with it and forced myself into his mind:

-Flashback-

'Eragon! What are you trying to hide from me!? Why won't you talk to me?!' I yelled. 'I'm trying to train. Leave me alone.' He answered irritably. I was furious. How could he say that to me!?

'So you're going to fight me, brother? Remember I know your weakness. You're practically forcing me to bring you back!' I shouted, my breathing was getting heavy and I was trying to control my temper.

Galbatorix had taught me how to hurt someone while in their mind, how to cause pain even though we were miles apart. I didn't want to hurt Eragon, but he was just infuriating!

'Tch and I know yours. Besides, what makes you think I'll be easy to capture? You're getting quite cocky there, Murtagh.' He said and I growled.

'I can't believe you. If you want to be like that, fine, I'll see you on the battlefield and I won't show any mercy.' I spat.

'Neither will I, brother.' He said cruelly and threw me out of his mind; I actually fell backwards onto my bed!

This meant war. I won't hold back. We'll see who the better is now. I almost feel sorry for him; my temper has been running wild lately and threatening to drive me insane. Maybe I'll accept…

-End Flashback-

My heart grew cold that night.

"Yes sir. I understand." I said through clenched teeth. "Good, now go!" he ordered and I obeyed gladly.

We're fighting Thorn, no holding back. Forget their feelings, their all for naught. I told my dragon.

He snorted and gave no answer, but I could sense he was feeling rebellious. There was no time for that, though, and we sped off toward Surda, toward Eragon.

We reached the battle site in no time. I could see him on Saphira, hovering above the Varden. And I saw the Urgals too, those blasted beasts. My blood boiled.

I was ready.

Thorn stopped and hovered in the air above the Empire's Army. I could feel a faint longing for Saphira coming off him. I ignored it as I glared at my brother.

My heart skipped a beat.

He had certainly been training. His muscles were larger and showed greater strength than before. His face looked slightly rugged, and a stern frown replaced his beautiful smile I loved…

In other words, he looked serious, ready to kill even. And his eyes, oh his beautiful green eyes! They were gone; they didn't shine like they used to, they were dark and almost lifeless…

I see nothing in your eyes, and the more I see the less I like.

Is it over yet, in my head?

Am I finally over him? Is he finally over me? Is this it? Is this the end, at last?

I felt sad to see him like that. I really hoped we could be together, despite the odds. I really thought he'd change his mind and come to his senses. But no, he is determined, of what, I do not know.

All I do know is that I'm ashamed to call him my brother for torturing me like this.

I know nothing of your kind, and I won't reveal your evil mind!

Is it over yet? I can't win!

I'm torn between two decisions: Take him back with me, or hope he can defeat Galbatorix when he comes for him. I don't care about my fate, but he's making it difficult for me to take pity on him.

"Do you still think you can capture me, Murtagh?" he asked and I suddenly realized that not only did they have over half the dwarves and all the Urgals on their side, but the Varden were also accompanied by the elves!

The soldiers beneath me gasped, but held firm. I narrowed my eyes at him and made my decision. I'll show no mercy.

"Of course, and even if I don't, Galbatorix will surely drag you to his stead." I told him. He twitched slightly, so slightly I thought I imagined it at first. But I saw a flash of uncertainty and fear.

"Then I'll kill him when he comes, and if you oppose me as well, I'll kill you too." He said fiercely.

So be it.

"ATTACK!" I roared and my soldiers lunged forward as the Varden yelled and closed the gap. Thorn roared and let out a jet of fire before hurtling himself toward Eragon and Saphira. She must have made him angry, good.

So sacrifice yourself, and let me have what's left! I know that I can find the fire in your eyes! I'm going all the way! Get away, please!

Our Swords met, we were inches apart. He looked so stern, so serious up close. "I won't show any mercy, Murtagh." He told me as we slashed at each other. "Neither will I, Eragon. Even if I have to drag your mangled corpse back to Galbatorix, you're coming with me!" I told him and cut his shoulder.

He hissed and growled, baring his teeth; I could've swore I saw fangs…

"In your dreams!" he spat and sliced through my armor. I pulled back in time to avoid getting deeply wounded, but still, that was too close for comfort.

You take the breath right out of me! You left a hole where my heart should be! You got to fight just to make it through, 'cause I will be the death of you!

The battle below us raged. The Empire Army was slightly outnumbered, but reinforcements were just around the corner, waiting.

Thorn lashed out at Saphira with madness, slicing her leg. He bit her on the neck and she howled with pain. Eragon stabbed Thorn and I took the chance to lay open his back.

"AHHHHHH!!!!" he screamed and writhed in his seat as I smirked evilly. "Even though Durza's mark has left you, mine will always be upon you to remind you who's stronger" I said while a few other things came to mind.

I quickly shook them off; he was beyond insane with fury now…a wild look came into his eye as he slashed at me savagely seeming to forget that he could use magic…

I decided to fix that and uttered the spell to bind his powers; he seemed to notice, because he became even angrier and flung his sword about wildly. It was getting difficult to dodge all his swipes and get a stab in as well.

Saphira roared again and Thorn suddenly reared back. There was a large gash in her stomach that seemed a lot bigger than before…

Eragon stopped and stared down at her as she cried out in pain and began to fall. I'll never forget the look on his face: pure terror.

I gasped and looked down at Thorn who was frozen.

Saphira was pregnant!

Eragon then looked up at me furiously as he tried to maneuver Saphira toward a safe spot. I urged Thorn to follow them, remember, show no mercy, they're weak, we've got them now…

It pained me to think such things, but I couldn't let my guard down, no matter what.

Saphira landed none too gracefully and then Thorn was on top of her. Eragon slashed at his snout and Thorn took his sword in his teeth and threw it toward the battlefield.

Eragon gasped and jumped off of Saphira and gazed out over the field, searching for his sword. I jumped off of Thorn while he roared at Saphira and tackled Eragon. I pinned him down and he glared up at me.

Blood was surrounding him and I remembered cutting his back. I grinned and whispered in his ear, "Who's on top now?" he struggled fiercely then and I used a spell to bind his movements as well.

"You're mine now, Eragon." I said and lifted him up. He couldn't use his arms or legs and I carried him bridal style to Thorn, who was literally on top of Saphira and biting her when she moved. Blood was still gushing from her wound.

I could tell Eragon was trying to fight, his features softened when he looked at Saphira, and hardened again when he looked at Thorn. I set him on top of Thorn and proceeded to tie his arms into the leg straps…

"You really want him to win?" he suddenly asked me, and I looked into his eyes. "No. I just don't want you to lose." The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them, and he looked surprised.

"What do you mean, by taking me to him I've already lost!" he shouted. He was starting to regain movement, but I didn't care.

I sighed. "Just forget it Eragon. There's no way we can stop him now. It's a lost cause." I told him.

This will be all over soon. Pour salt into the open wound.

Is it over yet? Let me in!

"So you're giving up?" he asked again and almost looked sad. I half-shrugged and continued tying him to Thorn.

"Murtagh," his voice was different now, pleading, desperate. "I have a plan. Come with me. We can make it look like I captured you instead!" he told me.

"Galbatorix will still come." I said. "But we'll fight him! Together we can stop him! Together we can kill him!" he said.

Something inside me stirred from its slumber. The way he said "together" made my heart flutter. Did this mean what I hoped it meant?

I stared at him, incredulously, longingly.

"Untie me, Murtagh." He said, it sounded like an order despite the faint soft tone.

I regarded him warily. I had to be certain he wasn't trying to trick me. I couldn't let my guard down.

"Why should I? I told you I'd show no mercy and you said the same. It seems I've won…again." I told him in a dark tone. Blood was sliding down Thorn sides from the wound on Eragon's back, blending in with the red of his scales.

He scowled, and I saw that he was deeply in pain by his wounds. Saphira moaned and cried out again, barely moving.

Eragon gasped and tried to twist around to see her. "Murtagh, she…she's pregnant. She needs help. Thorn slashed open her stomach. Please," he pleaded again, looking up at me.

I still regarded him warily but I knew that if Saphira died (especially when she was pregnant) Galbatorix would be furious with me and his plans would be ruined.

I reached into his mind and he weakly tried to block me, I could feel that he was growing weaker by the minute because of the blood loss. It was so easy…

Take him! Thorn could walk with Saphira! Now's your chance! They're both weak! TAKE HIM! A voice inside me screamed.

Eragon closed his eyes and winced, biting his lip, Thorn had jerked suddenly and more blood poured over his side.

Why are we just sitting here! Are we going to take them back to Galbatorix or not!? Thorn asked angrily.

Eragon says he can make it look like I've been captured. I told him, a plan forming in my mind.

What!? Thorn asked, incredulous and angry still.

Think about it, if we stay here then I could help Eragon and the Varden defeat Galbatorix, we can be free! Why should we let him win? I said.

Thorn roared and Eragon's eyes flew open. Thorn got off of Saphira and looked at her. I think he was talking to her, because she nodded and then looked at me and Eragon.

"Saphira says you told Thorn my plan. She wants you to untie me." He said. I scowled slightly, the feel of him beneath me and his arms strapped down had soothed my temper while the beast within me purred with delight.

I took out Zar'roc and his eyes grew wide. He squirmed beneath me and his face grew red. I cut the straps and he rubbed his arms, I let him regain mobility, but I still had somewhat of a control over him.

He sat up and we were merely inches apart. All the fury was gone from both of us. He looked normal, actually, he looked quite smaller.

I ran my hand over his arm, feeling his muscles. "You were training hard, was it because you expected to fight me or Galbatorix?' I asked, not looking at his eyes.

He didn't answer but regarded my hand warily as it slid up his chest. My spell restrained his movement again and I could see Goosebumps appear on his skin as I massaged his neck.

"Murtagh." He said through clenched teeth. There was still a battle going on, and a few people were looking over at us, wondering what was going on.

I scowled again and looked into his eyes with intensity. Later, we will continue later. I handed him my sword and made him point it at my chest as I dropped the spell. Thorn roared as if defeated as Saphira (seeming to have healed somewhat) pushed him down.

Eragon "dragged" me away, the sword still at my neck, and the Varden cheered when they saw what had happened, or at least what they thought happened. My hands were behind my back and the sword at my throat.

So sacrifice yourself, and let me have what's left! I know that I can find the fire in your eyes! I'm going all the way! Get away, please.

The Empire fled and the Varden gave chase. Eragon led me toward Surda while Saphira walked beside Thorn (Thorn unnoticeably helping her as she walked, leaning against him).

"What do you think they'll do to me? Or did you not think of that?" I asked him, imagining him forgetting one major part of this otherwise brilliant plan.

"Actually I discussed this with Nasuada. I asked her if I captured you if she would refrain any severe punishment or death penalties and let you pass under my control." He said and I saw him smirk out of the corner of my eye.

I understood what he meant. Only too clearly.

"The same would have happened to you, ya know. So I guess that's fair." I told him with a wicked smile and he faltered slightly as his face grew red. He knew what I was implying.

A cheer arose from the people in Surda and the Varden as we walked toward the castle. I didn't regret my decision to come with him, though, even though I made myself look agitated and resistant.

Thorn glared and snorted at all who got too close to him while Saphira weakly snapped at him. She needed to lay her eggs, if any survived the battle, before it's too late.

I was brought before Lady Nasuada, Arya and some others were there as well, all glaring at me. I looked down, unable to meet their gazes just yet.

"Good job, Eragon. You have captured the enemy." Lady Nasuada said. "Thank you, I'm glad my brother is out of the control of Galbatorix." He replied with a hint and looked directly at her.

"Yes, well, the arrangements have been made, I want you to check in with me later on." She said and he nodded, then he led me down a hall. Amazing, although I wonder what he has in store for me…

"I'm surprised she's letting me escape punishment. What'd you do to her?" I asked him when we were out of earshot. Thorn was taken to a field where he was guarded and Saphira was taken where she could receive healing.

"I told her that since you were my brother I should be responsible and I threatened to leave the Varden. I'm extremely glad she knows me well enough not to lock me up and declare me a traitor as well." He said and a small smile tugged at my mouth.

"Where are we going?" I asked. "Somewhere." He replied and wouldn't answer any more questions. Amazing…

You take the breath right out of me! You left a hole where my heart should be! You got to fight just to make it through, 'cause I will be the death of you!

Galbatorix will come, we'll have to be ready, but I fear that even if we prepare for everything, the old Rider will have a few tricks up his sleeve.

Eragon will get hurt, he might even die.

And it'll be my fault.

I suddenly realized that Eragon had stopped bleeding and also that he had bound my own magic. 'Clever boy…' I thought.

He opened a door and I saw that it was a room…his room. He made me sit down in a chair and then covered the window. My curiosity got the best of me.

"What's this, then?" I asked him. He turned toward me and walked slowly to me. "Where are you hurt, I'll heal you." He said. I took off my armor and revealed a cut across my chest.

As he leaned in I noticed the cut on his shoulder was healing, I smirked and pulled him toward me in the chair and ignored his protests and struggles. I ran my finger down the cut and he shuddered.

"I can heal that, Eragon." I told him. "I'll be fine." He told me and got up. He went over to a desk and got something, but I couldn't tell what it was.

"Come on." He told me and led me out of the room and down the hall into another room. "This will be your room. There will be two guards placed outside your door and two by the window. Don't try to escape. If you need to go anywhere they will escort you if they feel the need to, or else they will send word for me. The washroom is straight through this door." He told me.

"Eragon." I said as he began to leave. He stopped but didn't look back.

I went toward him and wrapped my arms around him, he gasped and turned his head to glare at me. I hugged him tightly.

"Thank you." I told him. He was caught off-guard. "What do you mean?" he said and turned to face me, his head tilted to the side.

"You practically saved my life. How are we going to train?" I asked before he could say anything. "I'll take you to the training field and we'll train together. A few guards will be placed around the perimeter to make sure nothing happens to me or is you try to escape." He told me.

I nodded still holding on to him, he seemed to sense what I was trying to get at. "I'll be back after I talk with Lady Nasuada." He said but didn't meet my eye.

I grinned slightly and leaned down to kiss him on the cheek. He turned his head and tried ton say something, but I kissed him on the lips and felt his hands wrap around my neck…

I'm waiting, I'm praying, realize, start hating.

You take the breath right out of me! You left a hole where my heart should be! You have to fight just to make it through, 'cause I will be the death of you!

Author's Note: Wahaha, please tell me what you think. It took a little longer to write but I'm finally done! I'll update either tomorrow or whenever I feel, hehehe. Don't you just love me? Well, don't you!? Remember to review! Peace out!-