Alright, next one up. Time to see some car action… Enjoy and review as always. I'm hoping I can eventually get 100 followers and around 60-70 favourites as the story goes on, it's a target for me. We'll see. A big thanks to everyone who's favourited and is following now, as well as for the constant flurry of reviews every chapter. It's really appreciated people and I hope you continue reviewing.
One reason why this is late (…again) is that Unrivaled Mind and I have been working on an AU Inheritance fic. It's up now and hopefully a good read. Look out for it under the author 'Unrivaled Dragon Slayer' (imaginative name, eh?); it should be called 'Under a New Banner'.

Dill Dragon: Cheers for the review. You're right in horse having something to do with cars but not white. One person's been able to guess right so far ;) And Islanzadi is a parent, so she's not really in a street racing crew. Also she's an adult, middle-aged, etc. I didn't think it would fit too well. But she will certainly have somewhat more of a role later on.
Evatross: Okay, will do. Sorry for the delay, please don't hurt me…?

Chapter 10 - Memories Revisited

Murtagh POV

"Yo Dad, I'm home." I say, stepping through the door. Silence greets me. He's probably working away, as always. I shake my head, annoyed at his usual lack of presence, and head towards his study. I'm about to knock but I stop just before my knuckles hit the door as I overhear him talking on the phone.

"…in which he came third out of five. I feel we should keep an eye on him if he continues to appear at events. Suggestions?" All goes quiet and I hear him put his mobile down. Wonder what that's all about; probably something work related I bet. I knock a couple of times before turning the door knob and entering.

"Ah, Murtagh. Back from school I see. I'm rather busy right now though," he says while pointing to the display of papers scattered on his desk, "so make it quick please." Figures. No time for me… as always.

"I just wanted to tell you I'm going out tomorrow again at around six. That cool with you?" Before I'd even finished speaking, he'd already turned back to his laptop and papers. He waves his hand nonchalantly in acceptance.

"Yes, yes. Of course. Just be back by midnight then s- okay?" Walking out, I begin trudging up the stairs to my room, ignoring his falter on the word 'son'.

Son. I stopped being his son years ago…

I'd been out that night, hanging around with a few friends and having a few drinks - illegally. This was before I'd moved to Kensington and I was only 14. I was supposed to be home by midnight but looking at the clock as I stumbled through the front door, it was one already.

"Nads. I hope Dad's asleep."

"No. He's not." I whipped around to see him standing there with his arms crossed. And boy did he look pissed. "I told you to be back at midnight. You're an hour late son."

"Oh, I'm so sorry. Wait, no I'm not." I retorted sarcastically, my words laced with venom.

"Do not speak to me like that! Why are you late? I gave you a strict deadline and you broke it. Explain yourself."

"Why the fuck should I?"

"Don't you dare use that language with me young man! Now answer me."

"Whatever. It's not like you give a shit about me anyway." I retorted, emphasising the swear word to annoy him further. A second later, I felt his hand connect with my cheek. He'd slapped me.

Putting a finger to the corner of my lips, I immediately felt liquid there and a metallic taste entered my mouth as I licked at it. We'd had these fights so many times before; I'd lost count by now. It always ended up the same way: me coming home late after drinking a bit, him raging, us arguing and eventually physical punishment. Like what happened just now.

"Go to your room and get to sleep." He pointed upstairs with a quivering finger, vibrating with fury. I was about to move but a wave of anger washed over me and I opened my mouth instead.

"You know, I can see why Mum left." His angered face twitched in reaction.

"I said-"

"Why would she want to stay around someone like you? You don't care about me, her or anyone! Only yourself, you selfish piece of crap!"

"Hold your damn tongue! Your mother was a bloody whore - she left to be with some other man! She's the one who's selfish, not caring about leaving us alone. Now shut up and get upstairs, before I throw you into your bedroom!" I felt tears prickle my eyelashes. He called her a whore. My mum. A whore.

No. He was clearly lying. "Don't you lie about her! She was a million times the person you were, are and ever will be! I hate you! I fucking loathe you! You never were my father and you never will be! Just rot in hell." With the tirade over, I ran past his angered face, now lined with astonishment, and into my bedroom while slamming the door shut.

I remember my last thought that night, as I stuffed my face into my pillow, being 'Mum… I wish you were here.'

I snap out of my trance, realising I'd been standing outside my room with my hand resting on the door knob. Clearing my mind of the memory, I head inside and dump my jacket and bag on a chair while lying down on my bed. I feel seriously tired after school today for some reason.

As expected, my eyes begin to droop before eventually closing altogether and sleep taking me…

A five year old me poked his head around the corner to Mum and Dad's room, having heard the yelling from down the hall. Instantly, his eyes filled with fear and apprehension at the sight of his parents' feud.

"What do you think you're doing Selena? You can't just leave!"

"Just you watch me Morzan. And I'll be taking my son with me."

"I don't think so. He'll be staying safe with me."

"Safe? Don't make me laugh. You'll soon find yourself presented with a court order for sole physical custody of him as well as a set of divorce papers."

"Good luck with that. I do happen to own a legal firm and be a lawyer, in case you happened to have forgotten this small fact."

"Then I will fight with all my soul for him, something you can't do since you sold yours to that devil Galbatorix!"

"Now just-"

"No! You listen to me: you're a monstrosity. I can't believe you'd sink so low and think to do such a thing! All for power?! Higher status?! 'For a greater cause'?!" Her tone lowered to a whisper suddenly and my five year old self was unable to make out her harsh words.

"Because I did what I had to do! I had to protect this family: you and Murtagh. If I didn't go through with his plan, he would have sent for someone to-"

"If you hadn't entangled yourself so deeply in this 'business' in the first place, you wouldn't have needed to protect us! You trapped yourself, along with your family too, in this web of illegal dealings and trade. Is money and power all that's ever on your mind? Did you not think of our son at all? Did you not think that Galbatorix could use him as leverage?! I was willing to wait this all out, to hope that some good could come of this. To support you Morzan."

"Then continue to do so. Please Selena. Good will come out of this: I promise you that."

"It's far too late for that. I can only hope you haven't corrupted our son by filling his heart with such hate and violence as yours contains." She looked away for a moment before returning to his face with a look of pure sorrow. "And to think I once told you I loved you… I have wondered to myself these past few months Morzan, wondered how I did not see past your façade of affection when we first met. Wondered how I did not see the raw desire for power lying in your eyes until it was too late. Wondered why I did not leave with my son years ago…"

"Because you still love me and I love you. You still care for me and I do-"

"Stop. Stop with the lies. I despise you. I hate you for fooling me with your charms and I hate having shared any of my life with you! Go to hell Morzan and may you burn there forever." She turned to the door only to see my small form standing there, tears threatening to spill over from his eyes. She rushed towards him, gathering him in her arms tightly.

"I… I have to leave Murtagh. But only for a while; I promise I'll return as soon as I can. Be good-"

"Why are you angry at Dad?" He asked, looking at him. "You and Dad have fought loads now. Many times over the past weeks. Why do you guys fight so much?" Tears filled her eyes too at his question and they fell quickly down her face at the same time his did.

"You don't need to know right now dear. Just be good and know that Mummy loves you very much. So, so much. I'll be back for you." Kissing him lightly on the forehead, she wiped his tears away with her thumbs and pulled away. She grabbed her suitcase and purse before heading downstairs to the front door.

"Who will you be staying with then?" asked Dad in quiet voice.

"A friend's house. He-They offered me a place to stay if I ever needed it." Dad caught the slip up of the word 'he' and his fists clenched tightly.

The door opened and Mum gave a last look at the five year old me before walking out. Walking out of my life forever.

I shoot up from the bed, a hand instantly coming to my face and feeling the sweat on my forehead.

It may have been thirteen years ago but that night has been permanently scarred in my dreams and memories forever. Although, come to think of it, I'd stopped having this nightmare for a while... Why the hell has it started up again? Why now? And why could I not clearly remember the face of my mum? Throughout the whole memory, my mother's face was always a blur and the only feature I could clearly make out was her cool, grey eyes.

I drop back onto the bed and stare silently at the ceiling for a few minutes.

'Screw this…' I think to myself and grab my laptop, randomly surfing the internet to take my mind off all these memories.

School the next day is pretty much, well, normal. There's the usual banter at lunchtime and in lessons, homework being dished out and, of course, the unending teasing of Eragon and Arya. I think I'm seriously starting to get on his nerves now. The more, the merrier is all I can say.

I arrive back at home and open the front door, making my presence known to Dad once again. Except, this time, there's no response.

Walking over to his study, I rip off the post-it note on the door and read over it rapidly. 'Will be late from work tonight. Be back at around 11-12. Dad.'

Figures. It's not like I care anyway. I scrunch up the note in my hand and I'm about to head into the kitchen before realising the door is slightly ajar. The reason this strikes out at me is that Dad rarely leaves his study door unlocked.

With curiosity getting the better of me, I slowly push the door open and step inside. It's looks the same as when I went in yesterday i.e. pretty dull in all honesty: a simple desktop computer and monitor furnish the desk, two or three filing cabinets line the wall and some boxes take up the rest of the space. I turn to leave, wondering why I even went in here the first place, but suddenly stop as something catches my eye in one of the open boxes. Once again, curiosity overwhelms me. Walking over to it, I lift the flaps of the box fully open and take out one of many packets lying in it. The packet is labelled 'White 09A' and is filled with white powder. What the…

Thousands of questions instantly swamp my mind and I feel the blood drain from my face. My eyes widen with shock and I feel my hands begin to tremble faintly. I drop the packet back into the box, as if feeling tainted just by touching it, and close the flaps quickly. Rushing out, I make sure to leave the door slightly open as it was before and thunder up the stairs to my room, shutting and locking my door. My hands snap to my phone instantly and enter 911 into the keypad.

But my thumb hovers over the green 'call' button. What if it's not crack which I've assumed it is? What if-

Suddenly, the phone falls limp from my hands though, clattering on the floor as four words flash in my mind from one of the memories I had earlier today. 'Illegal dealings and trade.'

Did Mum leave because… because Dad was drug trafficking?

Arya POV

"Arya, where you going at this time of night?" I sigh deeply and turn around to see my mother looking at me expectantly by the living room entrance.

"Out mother, like I always do. I really don't see the point of you asking this every day."

"Me too! Wait up sis." shouts Firnen, scrambling down the stairs and leaping down the last five steps.

I raise one of my eyebrows at him before turning back to my mother. "I'll be back at around midnight, likely earlier."

"That's fine but where exactly-"

"Iz, just let her go already. She's old enough to stay safe, you know that." I smile briefly at my Dad for his words, giving him and mum a small hug, before heading out the front door. As I close it and turn around though, a loud 'thud' sounds, followed by a person yelling "My fucking nose!" I automatically smirk and turn around, waiting for my adopted-brother to stagger outside.

"Sis! Why'd you close the god damn door?! You knew I was coming outside…" he groans, clutching his nose with one hand. At the sight of him I burst out laughing and he eventually joins in too, chuckling along with me. It's quite odd actually: only whenever I'm with Firnen or my father do I truly let my guard down. With my mother it's a little tenser, to say the least. She's always been a bit too motherly and Dad has always had to step in to give me some freedom.

"Which is exactly why I shut it. It's your fault for assuming the door was still open, dear brother of mine."

"Whatever. I'll get you back, just you wait; you'll never see it coming."

"Sure. Keep telling yourself that Firnen."

"Annoying woman…" he grumbles in response, to which I once again smirk at. We carry on walking, heading towards the High Street. He coughs suddenly, giving me a sly look. "But tell me, what's this story Saphira's been telling me about you and your new Year 12 boyfriend?" I instantly freeze, turning and glaring at him intently.

"What?!" I reply icily. Saphira… she'd better not have spread this idiotic rumour around. I'll most definitely be having words with her tonight. He grins openly at my response so I decide to turn things around.

"Maybe," I reply in an off-handed manner throwing him off-guard, "but tell me, what's this I hear about you and Saphira getting together?" He starts stuttering immediately, looking for something to say. "Yeah, as I thought. So shut it, mister." We reach the High Street and Firnen turns right as I turn left. Looking at him curiously, I silently ask where he's going.

"I'm meeting up with some mates at the pub. Might pop in later to the Warden's base, I'll see." I frown slightly at his answer. He was the only one out of my family who drinks casually; everyone else, including myself, only drinks on social occasions and events. Still, he's 18 and therefore an adult and legally able to drink now, so he's responsible enough I'd say.

"Alright, just don't come home too inebriated or mother will have a fit, likely one of rage." He winks in response only while turning away and walking off. "I mean it Firnen!"

He waves a hand in the air saying "Yeah, yeah…" in response. I scowl at his retreating form before walking off in the opposite direction. Moronic brother.

I take a quick glance at my watch, seeing that I've another twenty minutes to burn before heading to the hotel. Spotting a nearby bench, I head over to it and sit down, crossing one leg over the other knee, while pulling out my iPod and putting it on shuffle. 'Moves Like Jagger' by Maroon 5 comes on and I turn up the volume before locking my iPod.

As the music surrounds my ears, I enter a semi-relaxed state and random thoughts begin to flitter in my head.

Faolin used to love this song… No. Don't go there Arya, change the subject. I quickly flick to the next song: 'Awake and Alive' by Skillet. Yet another song Faolin liked. I yank my earphones out, frustrated at bringing back these memories, and sit in silence with the bustling of Kensington's night in the background. I turn my head to the side and gaze absent-mindedly at the various stores lining the street, along with the cars driving by…

"Miss, you need to step back. Please."

"My friends are in that wreck, damn it! Let me through!"

"Miss! The paramedics and firemen are working to get them out. Just stay behind the police line like everyone else or I'll have someone restrain you. So get back, please."

The familiar silver Mercedes SLR McLaren lay overturned, now crumped all over and grossly distorted. I stared in dread as they hacked at the bent doors with axes before ripping them off and pulling two bloodied bodies out, cuts all over them and pieces of metal shrapnel from the car stuck in their chests and legs. Two paramedics immediately checked for breathing and a pulse in both of them.

They both slowly stood up simultaneously, turning to each other and shaking their heads. They then laid a white cover over their lifeless forms to shield them from public view.

The two seventeen year olds were dead.

The sixteen year old me clamped her hands over her mouth at the sight of this and stumbled back unsteadily, collapsing onto the cold, hard ground with her knees pulled to her chest. For the first time in over 8 years, two glittering tears rolled down her face and under her chin, her raven hair falling down to cover her grief-stricken face.

Suddenly she looked up, her eyes taking on a solid look as she remembered the shady face of the grinning driver who sped off, just as she arrived onto the scene of the incident and police cars, along with ambulances and fire trucks, started filing in. His car, an Ascari A10, had a few small depressions in the front parts of its bodywork, implying he had purposefully rammed into the SLR.

Yet all she had to go on was the mysterious man's shady face: she had no idea of his hair colour, facial hair, eye colour, ethnicity and so on. All she made out, by the light in his car, was his malicious grin and almost deadly-white skin under the hood of his jacket, as he sat in his car before escaping. She didn't know the colour of the Ascari and hadn't been able to make out the number plate in the night, since it was far enough from any streetlights; the only giveaway that it even was an Ascari had been its unique headlight pattern.

The sixteen year old just sat there on the unforgiving surface, her resolve strengthening. She promised herself that day that she would find this man… and make him suffer for his crimes.

I blink rapidly as I return to reality. That was two years ago but the culprit had yet to be found. And it was that day that I apparently became extremely closed off, turning from the care-free, outgoing teenager to the silent, thoughtful young adult. Saphira, Firnen and my father are the only people with whom I really 'open up', so to speak.

Yet my thoughts snap to someone else at that line of thought. Him. In the few days that he's been in my life, he's managed to draw out more of myself than I thought possible. I find myself smiling more, the urge to laugh now more frequent and naturally taking a more active role in casual conversations.

I sigh deeply, trying to rid myself of these thoughts, before getting up and deciding to make my way to the Warden's base. As I walk there, my thoughts are still partially occupied by him and I begin to wonder how much learning he has to do: does he know about different ways to initiate a drift? When to use the handbrake? At what revs and in which gear to use nitrous? Hopefully he has some knowledge basis otherwise this might take a few nights.

Walking towards the Warden's garage, I input the unlock code and head inside the unlit room. The moonlight reflects off some of the cars' bodywork inside, showing off their sleek curves and making them appear menacing in the dark. Unperturbed by this, I roll back down the garage door and proceed down the stairs to the underground car park - I say car park, yet it's actually used extensively to practice drifting by the Wardens, Paladins and Smithies.

As soon as I reach the lower levels, the sound of screeching tyres, cheering and roaring exhausts fills my ears. But as soon as I open the door, that noise amplifies at least tenfold, likely deafening my ears if I wasn't used to it by now.

Rolling my eyes at the antics of some of the boys from the different groups, I look around for Saphira, Eragon or the others. In the end, I just pull my phone out and text Saphira.

At the car park. Where are u guys? It's pretty busy today

We're in the SE corner, by the pillar with a D on it. And yeah, it's jam packed

Alright, I'll head over. Is Eragon here yet?

Wouldn't you like to know ;)

You're unbelievable sometimes…

Why thank you

As well as being incredibly annoying

Now that's just plain rude :P

I know

And you say I'm unbelievable…

I smile in amusement at her response before walking towards pillar D and, sure enough, the 'gang' is there as well as Eragon to my surprise. For some reason, I expected him to be late.

One person I didn't expect to be late though is Murtagh: he was nowhere to be seen. I quickly voiced my concern to the rest of the group once I'd walked over and greeted them all.

"I was wondering the same thing in fact." replied Nasuada, a very anxious look settling on her face. "He's not normally one to miss out on the fun." She pulls her phone out abruptly, staring intently at the screen. "That was him. He says he won't be able to come tonight due to…" She falters slightly, her mouth pursed in uncertainty almost. "Due to family issues."

"Family issues?" asks Eragon, clearly just as confused as the rest of us.

"Well, let's not waste any time. Eragon." interrupts Saphira, spinning to face Eragon. "There's an Evo X over there and that's going to be your learning vehicle today." Eragon continues to stand in front of Saphira, thinking she has more to say. Instead she claps her hands, making him jump slightly. "Go on then, hop in you numbskull."

"No need to get snappy now." he says in response, smirking at her before getting in the car. Eragon starts it up, the low thrum of the engine rumbling in the background.

"First things first. Let's see some donuts. You can manage that at least, right?"

"Coming right up." replies Eragon, a tinge of arrogance colouring his voice. I crack a smirk at his response: just wait till you get to the hard stuff Eragon.

Eragon POV

Donuts: piece of piss.

I turn the steering wheel and push the clutch in, revving the engine to just before the red line on the tach. Simultaneously letting the clutch out while jamming the accelerator down, I feel the car suddenly whirl into life as the back end begins to spin around. I flick the steering wheel left and right slightly, while still having it fully turned to the left almost, to begin controlling the spin speed.

Looking out the window, I grin at the others as I rotate on the spot and the smell of burning rubber fills the air. The car rotates a bit too fast to my liking, so I alternate between the gas being about three-quarters and fully pressed down every second roughly to slow it down.

Saphira makes a gesture with her hand to stop so I let off the gas and allow the car to come to a halt.

"Not too dizzy are we?" she says, walking over and leaning on the window frame of the door.

"Nah. You'd have to be a right pussy to be get dizzy after a few donuts. What's next then, teach?"

"Wheel spin. Let's see some static rubber burning."

With the steering wheel straight, I pull the handbrake up and push the clutch in before ramming the throttle to high revs around the red line once more. After dumping the clutch sharply, the effect is instant: both back tyres lose traction, squealing and spinning rapidly with puffs of smoke being produced. Again Saphira gestures for me to stop.

"Good and I'm guessing you know how to prevent wheel spin right?"

"Clutch control." I answer swiftly.

"Correct. Alright, let's see. Arya, you got anything for Eragon?" says Saphira, suddenly turning to her. She narrows her eyes suddenly at Arya, before a flicker of recognition seems to pass over her face. What was that all about?

Arya's facing away from her so she misses the look Saphira gives her, instead pursing her lips for a second and looking at a different part of the car park. Her eyes light up momentarily a second later.

"Pendulum. Do you know how to do that?" she says abruptly, turning to face me in the car. I look at her blankly in response. "It's where you drift into an S-curve and change the direction of your drift as you exit the first corner. It should be simple enough to learn for someone of your ability."

"Alright, knowledge me teach."

For the next ten mintutes or so, Saphira and Arya had me drift through a chicane, allowing me to alternate the direction using my own technique at first. When they put me on an S-curve though, things got pretty ugly in terms of my driving ability.

I spun out horrendously on the first attempt while trying to change my drift direction. This was shortly accompanied by the echoes of Saphira's and Raven's laughter at my failure, along with Arya cracking her usual smirk and Nasuada, Rum and Nirya stifling a laugh or too as well.

Jerks.

Eventually, they all manage to calm down and Arya comes over to tell me how exactly the pendulum works.

"As soon as you exit the first corner while drifting, you need to release the throttle sharply but immediately reapply it and maintain it. And make sure you don't delay in returning to the throttle, Eragon, otherwise you'll spin out as the back end pivots too far in the opposite direction. Everyone tends to make this mistake early on so don't be too hard on yourself if you end up in a plume of smoke the first few times. Got it?" As I open my mouth to reply, I find my lips have gone dry. Her face is only a couple of inches away from mine as she leans on the driver's door awaiting my confirmation, her eyes once again the centre of my attention.

They take me captive every time I look at them, their emerald shade like a torrent of molten green fire. She pulls away sharply as I respond finally by nodding, glancing at me once before refusing to look in my direction for some reason.

I can't help but be baffled by her change in demeanour. Do I have some sort of effect on her, like the one she has on me maybe?

No way. No chance in hell Eragon; you've dropped back into coo-coo land. Focus on driving and get your head straight.

Lining up for another run at the S-curve, I run over Arya's instructions in my mind once again: it's all about throttle control. Go time. Gunning the accelerator, the Evo picks up speed rapidly even with the turbo lag and as the first corner approaches I brake harshly while shifting down to third at about 50mph. As the weight transfers to the back of the car, I yank the steering wheel to the left, breaking traction and starting the drift around the tight first part of the 'S'.

As the car exits the corner, I release the throttle and feel the back end swing wide in the other direction. Wider than it should have though. I did exactly what Arya said I would end up doing: delaying.

The back end whips right round, halting the car in its tracks and, of course, creating a few plumes of smoke billowing from the back tyres. Ah, shit.

The same thing happens for the next five or so attempts but every time I feel the delay time shortening, as I get back on the throttle faster each time. On the sixth run, I finally land it.

Just as I exit the corner once again, I lay off the throttle but this time snap to it almost instantly, flicking the steering wheel in the opposite direction moments later. And it all fits together perfectly: the back end changes direction just enough, without arcing out completely, and the car continues to drift, now in the other way. Skidding around the second corner of the 'S', I straighten out and bring the car to a stop.

"Textbook. Well done Eragon." applauds Nasuada, walking over with the others.

"I think even Arya's impressed and, take it from us, she ain't ever impressed. By anyone." says Rum next, grinning away.

"No Rum, I'm just never impressed by your so called 'mad skills' which usually turn out to be you sliding into the side of another car or building." replies Arya, giving him a cool look before turning to me. "And that was great but practice makes perfect Eragon: another few times."

"Yes miss." I mock salute, teasing her and causing her to roll her eyes, before lining up for another run. Each run is successful, giving me more confidence for successive ones. Unfortunately, it gives me a bit more bravado as well and on one of the runs I try drift at a much higher speed of 70mph. It's not hard to guess how that turned out.

Plumes of smoke galore. And don't forget the laughter of the others at my failure at an attempt to show off. Saphira staggers over, almost stumbling over her own two feet as fits of giggles rack her body.

"Eragon, there's-" she cuts off, erupting in a fresh batch of snickers and mirth before continuing. "There's a reason why S-curves exist: to slow drivers down. It's a feat in itself to drift through one at 50mph but at 70mph? Even we can't accomplish that except on lucky, one-off occasions. 70mph plus is for pros only."

"Well, it was worth a shot. A shitty shot at that but worth it nonetheless." I glance around the car park, noticing it's emptied quite a bit since I first arrived. "Everyone's kinda left. Is it because it's late?"

"It's 10:30 now so everyone's likely gone out for some drinks or just returned home to get some sleep." replies Arya, walking over to the car as well. "I think we're done for tonight. Can you make it tomorrow, same time, same place?"

"I think so." I reply slowly as I get out the car, chucking the keys to Saphira and considering how Uncle Brom might react. "I'll check with my Uncle, I think he should be cool with it though."

"Good." Her eyebrows furrow in concentration suddenly. "I have an idea actually concerning your 'training'. When we all first joined the Paladins and the Wardens, there used to be a man called Oromis Fraser who trained us further and improved our racing skills and abilities. He's an ex-Le Mans racer and used to participate in several drifting competitions before that, both nationally and internationally. The reason he started teaching new recruits is because his niece, Wylandria Fraser who's currently head of the Wardens as you know, somehow managed to pull some strings with him after she had been a member for a few months. When she first asked him, apparently it was out of the question. Then he started coming along to a few race nights and seemed to warm to the idea before eventually accepting.

All went smoothly for a year but suddenly he stopped teaching, telling us it was starting to bring back too many painful memories he'd repressed from his racing career. And he left, never to come back.

I was considering-"

"Arya, it's not possible." interrupted Saphira, an exasperated look on her face. "It's pointless! Everyone tried so hard to make him stay but in the end he was having none of it. What makes you think he'll train Eragon as a one-off?"

"That's just it though. It will only be a one-off and hopefully he can be persuaded to do so. I'll talk to Wylandriah tonight and see what she can do."

"Sounds awesome. With any luck, the guy will come around and I can get some serious training in. Thanks Arya." I say, getting excited by the prospect of an ex-professional racer giving me coaching.

"It's no problem. The thought just popped into my head." She flashes me a quick smile before gesturing towards the car park exit with her head. "I take it your heading home now?"

"Yeah, I'll get some shut-eye for school. See you guys tomorrow then."

"Bye Ery, sweet dreams." I stick my tongue out at Saphira in response to her condescending tone before turning to Arya.

"Goodnight Eragon. Remember: same time, same place tomorrow. Don't forget." she says, curt but an almost playful tone in her words. I nod at her, smirking in response as well.

"Seriously don't, Eragon. She'll drag you here herself if you do forget." adds Saphira, before they both turn around and walk towards a set of doors in the distance.

"I wouldn't mind that to be honest…" I mutter to myself, thinking they wouldn't hear. Yet the moment the words leave my mouth, Arya whips her head back towards me with one of her elegant eyebrows raised. Whoops.

I quickly pull my hood up and briskly walk towards the exit, not daring to look back at her face. Great going Eragon.

Saphira's POV

"So how exactly- Arya. Arya, what are you looking at?"

"Nothing." she quietly says in response, turning her attention back to me from somewhere behind her.

"Never mind then. As I was saying, how exactly are you going to persuade Oromis to get back into coaching? He'll just slam the door in your face as soon as he sees you."

"Which is why I'm going to send Eragon himself."

"That's not- wait, what?! How's that going to aid the situation?"

"You'll see. First, let's speak to Wylandriah." At that, Arya stops talking completely and marches on ahead while I stand rooted to the spot, annoyed at her cryptic response. I swear, sometimes I just feel like slapping her silly until she gives me a straight answer.

We find Wylandriah in the lounge area, chatting casually to some other members of the Wardens, and Arya pulls her over.

"So what's this all about then Arya?" asks Wylandriah, a curious expression evident on her face as her eyes flicker between mine and Arya's faces.

"The new Paladins recruit, Eragon. I- They were wondering whether your Uncle would be willing to coach him up to the level we're all at. Could you tell us his address if possible, please?"

"Honestly, I wish I could help but surely you know as well as all of us that he just doesn't want to coach anymore. No ifs, no buts, no nothing." She raises her hand as Arya opens her mouth to protest. "But… if they really want to go through with this then I'll give them his address. I'll write it down for you and you can pass it on to the necessary person, alright?" Arya nods her assent before taking the piece of paper from her and pocketing it in her jacket safely. Wylandriah then turns to me with a wry smile. "Good luck persuading him Saphira or to whoever out of your group attempts to do so. If all else fails, then I'll try to put a word or two in, see if I'm able to work the charm on him."

"Bambi eyes? At your age Andreya? If you pull that and it works, I'll be Arya's slave for a day." I remark, using the shortened version of her name.

"I will definitely be holding you to that Saphira." says Arya, a glint in her eyes at my bet.

"Fine then. It's not like I'm worried about losing anyway." I reply, shrugging my shoulders nonchalantly. Arya just shakes her head in response, a knowing smirk on her face. Wylandriah walks off in another direction, shaking her head at us amusedly while saying bye, and we both begin to head towards the exit.

"By the way, I've been meaning to ask you something. Tonight, you looked a bit, well, out of it. Normally you're focused on the task at hand but I got the feeling you were aloof. Is… Is everything alright?" I hesitate by the end, knowing Arya may well just retreat into her own private shell at my prying. We may be pretty good friends but she still has a tendency to shy away from personal topics. To my surprise, she answers but in a hushed voice.

"I had some flashes of old memories before I arrived; it's fine." As soon as she says the word old, I can tell exactly what - or rather who - she was thinking about.

"You know you can talk to me about it, right?" I answer in a quiet voice, the mood suddenly going from cheery to solemn.

"I know, I just… I just miss them both is all. But I've moved on, it's in the past now." She gives me a quick smile to show that everything's fine and I give her a short one-armed hug to show my support, knowing Arya isn't exactly one for embraces.

"I was actually talking to Nirya a few weeks ago actually and she mentioned something about you and Faolin. Were you close?"

"We had started going out but it had only been for three to four months. During Year 11 we became closer than friends but I think we were both unsure of whether we wanted to expand upon this. Then, at the beginning of Year 12 when he found out I would be going to his school's 6th form, he asked me out, suddenly finding the courage to do so."

"And you said yes then?" I say, interrupting her with a cheeky grin. She sighs mockingly, a small smile erupting onto her face.

"Well done, I did indeed. Do you want a lollipop?"

"Oh shut up and carry on." She smirks in victory before opening her mouth once more.

"There's not much else to say: I said yes, our first date went smoothly and things progressed well. Glenwing was always teasing us both too, imitating Faolin as if he was some knight in shining armour and I was his 'fair maiden'.

When we three found out we were all part of the Wardens, we almost couldn't believe it. I remember talking to Faolin about what the chances of that were: we both loved street racing and were part of the same group. I guess it brought us closer."

"Would you say you were in love?" I think my question shocks her slightly since her brows furrow considerably and her mouth tightens. "Sorry, that was too personal, even for me. I shouldn't have-"

"No, no. It's a perfectly valid question. And in answer, no, I wasn't in love. Yet given more time, I might have changed my answer." A wistful expression appears on her face, before she shakes her head suddenly and an annoyed one replaces it. That's odd. I wonder…

"Eragon." As soon as I say his name, I watch her face carefully for any hint of a reaction. Sure enough, there's a slight twitch and I'm positive, absolutely positive, an ever so small blush runs up her ears from her cheeks. So he does have some effect on her. "What do you think of him then?"

"What do you mean?" She looks at me oddly and I ask again.

"Exactly what I said: what do you think of him? As a person. Just talk to me, girl to girl."

"Saphira-" she protests before I cut her off.

"Arya." I say, giving her an unyielding look.

"Saphira…"

"Arya…"

"Saphira…"

"Arya..." By now we're both giving each other cold glares, before Arya sighs wearily in defeat and turns away. I tap my foot expectantly, awaiting her answer.

"Fine. He's just a good friend Saphira, that's all. He's serious when he needs to be but still knows when to have a laugh. We get on well and that's that."

"And of course you're thoughts of his physical looks are a positive trait?" She whips towards me, a dangerous look on her face. "Ah ah ah, calm down woman. Look: he's lean, well-muscled and fit and you find that a bit attractive, along with his personality. So what? Don't be such a hard arse Arya."

"That is not the case here Saphira. Just drop the subject."

"Then what is the case here? Do tell." I ask in a steely voice, trying to wheedle some response out of her. Narrowing her eyes at me, she gives me a look which clearly states 'don't try and overstep your boundaries'. Yet the only way I'll get something out of her is by doing that, so I carry on staring at her for a response before taking a risky approach. "Is it guilt over Faolin? Is that why every time the topic of boyfriends, feelings or-"

"It's none of your concern." Her face is horribly impassive now but the tilted eyebrows, tightly drawn lips and cold eyes hint at the fury beneath. "I'll see you in class tomorrow."

With that, she yanks open the exit door and quickly strides over to her Reventon in the Wardens garage, starting it up and peeling away.

I lay a hand to my forehead, frustrated at her demeanour. We'll brush this whole argument off and be back to normal which is fine. I just wish she'd talk to someone about her personal issues.

I mean we've been friends for, God, almost 2 years now and this is the first time we've managed to talk about Faolin without her retreating into that shell of hers immediately. Yet in the end, she always does.

I think I'll have a word with Firnen about it, see what he thinks. Then, maybe then, I can finally get to the bottom of this fiasco concerning her thoughts and feelings over Eragon.

End there. So, like the car action? The flashbacks? The parts concerning Faolin? Since Faolin is confirmed to have only been Arya's boyfriend (though how the hell that works or what the hell that means in elven culture beats me) by Paolini, I just thought I'd brush upon it as well as peeking into Arya's thoughts on Eragon.
As always, hope you enjoyed and please review guys. Seeing the constant flurry every chapter really feels good and immediately turns my thoughts to writing the next chapter. Next chapter will have yet more car action as well as building up the ExA (ExA wise, there is something big planned in the chapter after the next - or the one after that even).

Notes:-
-For those wondering how Murtagh doesn't know who his mother is yet knows her name, all he knows is her first name: Selena. He doesn't know her last name, her address, her physical features, etc. The big scene/reveal will occur maybe next chapter or the one after concerning her and him i.e. very soon. Drama galore.
-Purpose wheel spin is unadvisable as it can wreck parts of your engine and rear wheels, rear axle, suspension, etc somewhat. So I really don't get idiots who do that to try and impress people. However, doing it for a few seconds or so is fine like Eragon did this chapter. It's when you do it non-stop for 30 seconds or so that it creates problems.
-Donuts are fun. :D
-A car park for USA people is the same thing as a massive parking garage.
-Any other questions, don't hesistate to leave them in a review or drop me a PM.

Cars:-
-Mitsubishi Evo X: 2007-present, 4-door, 5-speed manual transmission, 300bhp (though there are so many different Evo X models, bhp varies widely), 0-60 is 4.7s, 2.0L inline-4 (means all 4 cylinders are in a straight line), 150-155mph top speed. Awesome car, known for its rallying capabilities and boy racer appeal with its turbo engine.
-Ascari A10: 2006-present, 2-door, 5.0L V8, 625bhp, 220mph, 0-60 is 2.8s, 6-speed manual transmission. This thing is blindingly quick and well handled, absolutely annihilated every other car when it came for a run on the Top Gear UK test track.
-Mercedes SLR McLaren: 2003-2010, 2-door, 5.4L supercharged V8, 5-speed auto transmission (but has 'manual' modes), 617bhp, 0-60 is 3.3s, 216mph. Classic mad Mercedes car with a 'nuclear bomb' (quoting Jeremy Clarkson) for an engine.