I'm truly sorry for the wait. I kind of became a little out of synch after being away for a few days and couldn't exactly slide back into it. I'm going to try now though so hopefully I'll have another chapter up by tomorrow or the day after. No promises though because I start classes Monday. BLEH. Hopefully there's hot guys! (Yes, that's secretly the only reason I go to College). . . . I kid! Sort of ;)

-E-R-A-G-O-N-

He stood in the doorway, not exactly sure how to proceed. Saphira was sitting on her bed, knees pulled to her chest and her arm crossed over them. She'd rested her head on her arms and he could tell she was crying by the way her shoulders were shuddering. Finally he pushed off the wall.

"Hey."

She looked up, a sad smile on her tearstained face.

"Hey."

He sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her close.

"It'll all work out in the end, Saphira. And I think if you give it time, Firnen will realize that there's no way for him to stay angry forever. He's as smart as you from the looks of it so it wont take too long to figure out."

Saphira chuckled, taking a breath.

"This sucks. I didn't think I'd even like this kid. He was all popular and I figured he'd be conceited and obnoxiously douchey. It caught me off guard."

Eragon momentarily thought of Arya and smiled.

"People can surprise you."

Saphira seemed to catch on and nudged his ribs.

"I'm sure. Like you two sucking face on the couch. We never got a chance to talk about that, ya know?"

Eragon knew she was deflecting, trying to change the conversation and distract herself. He allowed it, wanting to help in whatever way he could.

"I know. It was. . . amazing to say the least. The fact that she instigated it-"

"What!? Wait, so are you two together?!"

He shook his head, letting his disappointment show on his face.

"No. Not yet at least."

She pulled back, staring at him like he was crazy.

"Why haven't you gotten to it?! Ask her!"

He dropped back onto the pillows of the bed.

"It's really not that easy, Saphira. I, well, I brought it up and she shut me down."

The girl's face became annoyed.

"What the hell? That woman needs a talking to."

Eragon chuckled at her tone.

"Don't do that. She made a very valid argument."

His friend waited for his explanation with an unbelieving look.

"And what might that be?"

He sighed.

"I'm, well, I used to be a player. And that's all she's seen from me. She even admitted that there's a possibility she has feelings for me, but she said she wouldn't allow herself to be hurt because she didn't think I was serious."

After a moment of silence she responded, and he could tell that she was rather guarded. He wanted to smack himself, knowing that now Saphira was debating this possibility as well.

"So what do you do from here?"

Her question was a test. After all, Arya was her friend way before him and she would protect her if Saphira had the slightest feeling that he wasn't serious about this. He wanted to put all doubts aside.

"I wait patiently and prove what I told her. I know who I used to be. I wish to everything now that I hadn't been that man in front of her, because she'd probably not be so doubtful of my intentions. It's just, well, when you grow up like I did, winning was rare and being hurt was an everyday thing. It became a goal of mine to always get as much as possible and walk away."

Saphira nodded, obviously satisfied with his answer.

"I think, if you show her that you truly have changed, she'll come around. Just know this. Arya has had a rough life as well. You two are like to sides of the same coin. Polar opposites and yet so much alike. She wont be swayed easily so don't give up if it seems like nothing is happening."

Eragon smiled and stood, wanting to take a nap and relax, suddenly feeling the adrenaline from earlier wear off.

"I wont. I don't actually think I'd be able to, truthfully."

He excused himself and chose a room, stepping inside and dropping down on the bed. Regret filled him still, almost overpowering all of his other emotions. If only he'd just been a different person in front of her! Dammit! His mind wandered back and he found himself in a memory he'd rather forget.

"Eragon Shay, you have a visitor."

He stood, waiting to be released from his cell. As the buzzer sounded and the door slid open, he walked out and followed the guard. As soon as he got there he saw his social worker, a grim look on his face. Sitting across from him he looked down.

"What's the news?"

He knew what was coming, yet the words still tore through him.

"You're being transferred back until we can find you a new home."
He gripped his head in his hands. He'd screwed it up again. This family had actually been pretty decent. Two sweet little twin girls and a twelve year old boy. The father was a little strict but the mother had been an angel. He slammed his hand on the table, feeling tears well in his eyes. He wasn't one to cry, but his own stupidity had gotten him this time. It was his fault, something he could have prevented. Eric, the social worker, sighed.

"I told you to play nice, Eragon. You were finally in a wonderful family and you had to go off and rui-" Eragon didn't let him finish, standing and turning to leave. Suddenly Eric grabbed his shoulder and spun him around. "Don't walk away from me, Eragon. I need to discuss some things with you."

Eragon had had enough.

"No! Just get me out of here and send me back! I'll be long gone as soon as my feet hit the steps of the exit here! I'm done playing house with people who don't want me!"

Eric frowned.

"They did want you. You fucked it up."

He really wanted to slam the guy's face into the table. He was supposed to help him and yet here he was giving him crap. But he was sober and he knew it would only get him more time. Ignoring the social worker's next words, Eragon headed for the entrance to the cell block, telling the guard he was done.

Eragon returned from the memory and sighed. When he'd said he was done, he'd meant it in more ways than one. He was done trying to be normal, he was done trying to become the man society wanted him to be. There would be no more foster homes, no more faux families who threw him out on his ass after one mistake. No more.

Now he realized what an angry kid he had been. He realized how big the chip on his shoulder really was. But still, that hopelessness he felt when Eric had told him he was going back. . . . it was truly a horrifying and despairing moment for him. He was better now, well, at least on the outside. Some part of him, the darkest part, knew that that anger and resentment was still there. It was still kicking and fighting to lash out at everyone around him. And then he realized that maybe all these 'emotions' he felt for Arya were truly just his hidden side trying to gain control. Trying to get what he couldn't have.

Fear radiated through him and his mind and emotions became confused as he tried to sort it out. Yet, as somebody knocked and he opened his eyes, all that turmoil was eradicated. There she was. The woman that plagued his mind and made his heart beat ten times faster. And he knew, without a doubt in his mind, that the things that he felt for her were anything but false. It was too powerful to not be real. Too consuming to be just a small game to be won.

She seemed a bit uncomfortable but her tone was cool.

"Firnen's about to wake up. Saphira wants you and I to speak with him. She's actually locking herself in her room until she leaves. At least that's what she says."

He rolled to his feet, shaking his memories from his mind and frowning.

"I thought it would last another three hours?"
Arya shrugged.

"Maybe his body is quick to recover. And both Mary and Richard confirmed Firnen to have the capabilities of a DRAGON. Which is good and bad, depending on how you look at it."

Eragon followed her into the hall.

"And they are cooperating? Are they going to help us?"

She shrugged, her slender shoulders rising and falling gracefully.

"Not really sure yet. It all depends on him. I think Saphira's making a good decision, at least for now. If he wakes up and looks at the person who hurt him the most out of this, he'll feel angry and betrayed and cause more problems for us." She paused and looked at him. "How is she doing? I didn't really get a chance to sit and talk with her."

Eragon sighed.

"She's. . . coping. Although she's pretty upset."

Arya looked toward the girls door.

"She seemed pretty upset but I didn't know what to say to help her."

He stuffed his hands in his pockets.

"There's nothing we can do right now except distract her. I-"

A slamming noise caught their attention. Arya swore and sprinted to the door, him on her heels. She shoved the it open and saw that the room was empty.

"Shit. I got the window. Go out the front and circle around. It's dark so be careful and watch yourself."

He nodded, taking off.

-A-R-Y-A-

She shoved the window up and nimbly climbed out, silent as she could be. For a moment she just listened and heard the crunching of feet far off to her right. She ran for the sound, Eragon joining her as he'd also heard them. Within a minute she could three shadows dashing around trees. Eragon called out, trying to get them to stop.

"There's no reason to be running from us! You go out there and you're easy prey for Galbatorix!"

They were getting closer and Firnen seemed to know that because he whirled, bringing up a gun Arya recognized as Saphira's. She swore and instinctively brought up her own weapon, stepping in front of an unarmed Eragon. He tried to get around her but she moved with him, refusing to allow him to put himself in harms way without any defense. That and she couldn't stand seeing him get hurt yet again. She looked to Firnen, his face set, his jaw tense.

"We're not going back with you."

Arya kept her face clear of emotion and holstered her gun again. It was obvious she wouldn't shoot the boy.

"Then you'll have to shoot me because you're not leaving."

Firnen shifted.

"I will."

Arya studied his eyes, noting the calculated knowledge in them. She wanted to throw her hands up. He really would. He'd gone through every scenario he knew possible, every option, and somehow had decided the only way was escape. No matter the cost, he would save his family. Eragon noticed this and gripped the back of her shirt, part warning, part desperation to get her safe. She ignored it all, looking at Mary.

"You're going to let your son carry that on his conscience forever? Killing somebody is not so simple! It never goes away! Especially the first one. . . especially if you know them."

Mary seemed unsure but stubborn.

"You shot six people just to get me out of here! Not to mention how many countless more both of you have killed!"

Arya clenched her jaw and then shouted back.

"That is the life I was forced into! I didn't choose this and the lives that I have snuffed out will forever plague me! But the first? That day was one of the worst of my entire life. I looked in the man's eyes as his light dimmed, the terror etched across his face. I was only sixteen and I lost part of my soul in that moment. Don't let him do the same, please. I am begging you."

She felt Eragon tighten his fist in her shirt and wished that she hadn't had to share that. It wasn't something she ever revealed. But in this moment it was necessary and she truly didn't want Firnen to have to deal with that. Mary seemed somewhat horrified while Firnen was only slightly deterred. He took a deep breath and let it out. Now was the moment. Eragon tried to force himself in front of her but she drove her elbow back into his solar plexus, sending him to the ground. She waited for the click and explosion but then somebody was in front of her, the shorter frame barely reaching her nose.

"Don't, Firnen."

The boy blanched, immediately moving the weapon so it wasn't pointing at Saphira.

"Izzie. . . ."

Arya glared at Richard and Mary simultaneously.

"You didn't tell him anything did you?!"

Firnen looked at his parents who just frowned.

"We told him what he needed to know. I didn't want him to know that Saphira had betrayed him as well."

Arya heard Eragon stand and his fingers latched onto hers, not allowing and room for escape. She allowed it, partly as an apology for what she'd just done, and part of her desiring to remain attached to him, so to be sure he was safely behind her. Saphira crossed her arms.

-S-A-P-H-I-R-A-

"I'm sorry that you feel as you do, but he should know the truth. Firnen, we are part of the Varden and we're up against a terrifying adversary who wants to find old nuclear weapons and take out half the planet. It doesn't matter what you do from here. If you don't come with us he will never stop hunting you. He will kill your parents and innocents will die if he is able to use you to his own whims. Now, I want you to point that gun and fire."

Firnen looked horrified.

"No!"

Saphira nodded.

"Then put it on the ground and come back. We are risking our position every second we remain in the open like this." The boy looked indecisive so Saphira pushed. "Put it down or fire. But I'm coming over there and if you don't shoot, I'm taking my weapon back."

Saphira didn't hesitate and Arya understood that it was because the girl knew Firnen wouldn't shoot her. She was halfway to the family when the gun went off. And for a split second, Arya's heart was in her throat and she thought he'd actually done it. It only took a second to realize that he'd just shot the ground.

"I'm serious, Izzie! Back off!"

Saphira had paused at the gunshot but she started moving again. When she was close enough, she stripped Firnen of the weapon in less than a second, shocking him and causing him to step back a few feet.

"You. . was it. . . no. . . Who are you?"

His tone was cold and she almost recoiled at it.

"My name is Saphira and I'm a DRAGON for the Varden. I need you all to get inside immediately. Your lucky that we're so secluded here or that gunshot would've gotten the cops called."

Firnen glowered at her, anger and resentment filling him as he backed away. Suddenly he whirled, moving to sprint off. Saphira debated in that second, deciding that there was no way he would forgive her for what she'd done. There'd be no reason for her to continue letting him know how much she actually cared for him. So steeling herself, she fired, hitting the gravel at his feet and watching as the scattered rocks cut into into the back of his legs. He stumbled and turned back, obviously feeling even more betrayed and hurt by her. She felt her heart clench painfully but kept her face clear of all emotion.

"Get inside, now. I wont ask you again."

With that she headed back, feeling the tears escape down her cheeks. Her heart was now completely shattered and there was no way she could pick up the pieces.

-E-R-A-G-O-N-

He watched her retreating, a pang of sympathy filling him before he gave his attention back to the Henders. Arya was already sliding her fingers from his and walking toward them, guiding them back to the house. As she put them all in the room with no windows, one that had obviously not meant to be a bedroom, he was left to ponder what had just been revealed with perfect clarity. First, he never wanted to be faced with that situation again. Seeing the barrel of a gun aimed at Arya was something he almost couldn't handle. He'd about knocked her out just to allow himself to step in front of her. Second, he'd heard something intriguing and saddening about Arya that he wanted to look into.

But that would be for later, now, he needed to get into the house and make sure everything was locked up. He arrived inside and Arya glanced at him, her eyes explaining everything that she wanted to convey. Worry. Worry about Saphira. Worry about Firnen and his family, and underneath it all, worried of what she'd just told them; told him. He gave her a reassuring nod and went to sit on the couch. Somebody was obviously going to have to stand guard because they couldn't risk losing the family. Arya got everyone settled and came to sit by him. She was uncomfortably silent, as if she had something to say but couldn't bring herself to say it. Finally he helped her.

"So you didn't choose this life?"

She winced, giving him a rueful half-smile.

"I was hoping you would ignore that."

He nodded.

"But you knew I wouldn't. That's why you're sitting here right now. I wont pry if you don't wish me to."

She seemed to consider for a moment before shrugging.

"I mean, you know the basic, detail wont hurt anything." He waited for her to continued and she did a couple seconds later. "As I was growing up, my mother and father were constantly traveling, leaving me at home with whoever they'd hired to watch me."

Eragon frowned.

"The cover Saphira put in place for us must've been a bad reminder, then."

Arya nodded.

"But it was the right move. It was easy to relate to emotionally and easier to act out. Anyway, I was left wondering where they went until I turned fourteen, the day my mother returned home alone." Eragon watched her, catching a haunting memory racing through her eyes. Without thinking, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, hugging her, trying to comfort her. She froze and he berated himself while removing his arm.

"I'm sorry, it was a reflex."

To his utter surprise and happiness, she just shrugged and let her head rest against his arm as she continued talking.

"The look in her eyes. . . . I knew in that moment that I had been lied to my entire life. She sat me down and gripped my hands tightly, explaining everything. It was then that she began to train me. She brought me in To DuWeld and gave me the best teachers, even teaching me herself at some points. And after two years I had gained a level of expertise that was rare for one so young. My mother, thinking me ready for field work, brought me on a case with her. Long story short, something went South and I ended up alone in a car, prepared to drive off as soon as my mother and her partner returned. And then. . ."

He watched her pause, as if remembering, and put his arm around her again, this time with more confidence. Arya closed her eyes and sighed.

"And then this guy came sprinting around the corner, gun in hand, aiming it at me and motioning for me to get out. I knew he was the man my mom was after because I'd been briefed on everything involved. I had a gun in the car door that I grabbed as I slid out and I could feel the desperation coming from the guy. I was panicking inside, knowing what I was going to do, knowing there was no other way. I had that same look Firnen did today. Like it was my last resort, there was nothing else. I could tell the man was sorry for what he was doing and it made it that much harder because at that moment I raised my gun and fired."

She paused for a long while, her head shifted slightly as she made herself more comfortable. Finally she continued, her voice quiet.

"He was so shocked as he looked at me, this child holding the weapon of a killer. And then that horror still etched on his face remained as he dropped to the ground. That's when it hit me and I started crying. I ran to him, I even tried to save him because he was still breathing but slowly, I watched every drop of life seep from his eyes and fell back to my hands and dragged myself away." She shook her head. "When my mom found me minutes later she took in the situation and I could see how worried and ashamed she was for brining me. But at that point, I was numb, I couldn't feel anything. I couldn't think straight. I just kept seeing his face as he died. Still, to this day, I can picture it perfectly."

She stopped then and he squeezed her shoulders in comfort.

"I'm so sorry, Arya. I can't even imagine."

She looked at him, her eyes tired and sad, but underlying he saw more and he wished with everything she would just take that leap of faith and trust him. Because he seriously felt the need to kiss her right then and there and he couldn't. But, as she continued to look at him and he noticed just how close he was, he began to ignore the conscience in him and lean forward. She didn't move and he saw her fighting herself as she held completely still. Just as he reached her there was a bang and she jerked away. He looked over to find Saphira walking toward them, a solemn look on her face.

"You two go to sleep. I'll take watch."

Eragon shook his head in concern.

"No it's fine. I got it. You need a little bit of rest."

The girl chuckled dryly and flopped down in a rocking chair by the couch.

"There's no way I can sleep tonight. It'd be dumb for me to just lay there doing nothing all night."

Arya pondered for a moment and then nodded.

"Alright, but if you need to switch out with somebody come and grab one of us."

"K."

Arya stood to leave but he remained, looking worriedly at his friend.

"Saphira sleeping might help you."

She shook her head.

"Or plague me with horrid nightmares. I think I'll just watch cartoons."

He opened his mouth to protest but Arya gripped his shoulder, giving him a look that told him to keep his mouth shut. Sighing, he stood and followed her into the hallway. There rooms were directly opposite one another and the first two doors. They paused and Eragon crossed his arms.

"Arya I don't want her to be alone."

His voice was a whisper and she responded in kind.

"Neither do I, but she needs it. I can see it in her eyes, Eragon. She needs to be alone. Go to sleep alright?"

He shrugged and without asking, hugged her quickly and turned away, not even checking to see if she was angry or annoyed. He collapsed in his bed, not bothering to get under the covers. He laid there for almost two hours, feeling like something was missing. Like a puzzle that was incomplete. He rolled onto his back and groaned. What the hell. Why can I not sleep?! Thinking about it for another few minutes it finally hit him. He'd been sleeping in the same room as Arya for the past month or so and it had become his routine. This realization made him sigh even louder. So he was basically screwed.

For another thirty minutes he remained staring at the ceiling until finally he swore and stood up. Grabbing a pillow, he opened his door and silently crossed to her room, pushing inside and closing it behind him. Saphira wasn't staying up all night for nothing. He froze when Arya shifted and couldn't believe how stupid she was. Of course she would wake up, she was a highly trained spy after all. He waited for her to flip out but nothing happened and he crept forward slightly. She was still asleep. He gazed at her peaceful expression for some time, taking in every curve of her face. Shit she was beautiful.

He smiled before setting his pillow on the ground by her bed and laying down. There was no way tomorrow morning would be pleasant, but if that is what it would take to sleep, then he would bear it.

Ok, so here's my view on the new doctor. He'll be more like the older, classic ones, which is totally fine with me, I just think the relationship and camaraderie between Clara and him wont be as epic as it was with her and Matt. They had such a unique chemistry that was refreshing to watch. Also, part of me wishes that Twelve was just a bit younger, and less 'eh' looking. I know it has nothing to do at all with how amazing he will be, but I have kind of enjoyed these young attractive doctors :D We'll just have to see. Either way, I'm pretty excited!

burning book: Lol aren't they one in the same? Yeah you saw a little more of him this chapter. He'll get involved a lot though later on.

lightningwind: That's actually my very favorite part of any ExA story. The breaking down of boundaries and walls until they finally get together. And she will definitely get her shining moment soon. Well, when I say soon . . haha no it will be in a few chapters I assume.

TheeRoyalJester: Yeah it kind of has to go that way before she relents :/ But he will get her! I liked her too although I do wish she wouldn't have big as big of a bitch as she was. She was bad ass and an interesting character overall though so no, I don't think it's too unusual. Unless it is and then we can be unusual together :D lol

Tinker: Lol and really? Longer than seven hundred pages? I must read these now because I LOVE long books! Is it just boring? Thank you! I try to keep a lot of stuff pretty canon. Thank you so much :) Wait you never finished Inheritance?! I mean, you saved yourself heartache and a few days depression but I still liked it haha. What didn't you like? (besides the ending, Roran parts, and Nasuada's parts).

A Dark Noon: Oh yeah I totes hate it if I'm doing something but if not, then I just go scare the shit out of my siblings haha. Yeya! Thank you :)

Krokodyl: Yeah I think he'll be interesting although like I said, I think there's going to be a different energy.

Flyflyaway: :) I know it was pretty short, I just wanted to get it up and couldn't think of another ending place. Hehe yeah it sounds stupid but I had to come up with something. Yeah both. She;s a confused little ninja. I thought she needed more of a reason to keep her distance in this one than just her self preservation. Him being untrustworthy like that in her eyes worked pretty well into the story.

Microbat98: I also wanted to be surprised but I didn't look for it very much so I was still excited until they revealed it. Then I was like, eh, alright. What do you mean Matt was bullied? But David exaggerated it in an incredible way so as to bring new people. It doesn't mean those viewers don't count, especially if they go back and watch ALL of the series. Just because they came along later doesn't make them any less a fan. I do see where you're coming from though, especially for those who haven't gone to watch the entire show. As for people who wanted an attractive doctor, I see both sides of that argument. I was hoping he'd at least be mildly attractive and a bit younger because while I know he will do fine, I don't think the chemistry between him and Clara will be as good as eleven and her. And I don't mean like, sexual chemistry. I mean just playful and energetic. But he may be just as brilliant at it so I look forward to the show.

Prince Xylux: Thanks and will do haha :D

pie6013: Lol thank you and apologies :P Lol CAPS LOCK IS AWESOME THOUGH!

Taeyeon: Thanks! I thought canon Eragon was a whining little baby half the time at the beginning, that's why I like changing that part of his personality. Yeah I will be doing flashbacks and stuff like that so you get to know the characters better. :) Will do haha.

Payprklip: Thank you!

Elemental Dragon Slayer: I think you need a slap upside the head ;)

Morzan's Elvish Daughter: What are they about? Sorry! I did go back and remove it though. I hope I didn't ruin it for you though :/

Microbat98: Probably but I edited it anyway just because I don't want to be the one to ruin it even if it gets ruined for people later.

Renaissancebooklover108: Yeah he'll do well I believe! But I definitely agree. Tennent is my fave doctor lol.

funnelwebs: Haha exactly. And neither. It's just inevetiable that it will happen in that kind of situation. But you're not stupid haha it's a valid argument. Yeah I know shit about racing lol. Well she has a legitimate reason for it! He's a player and she doesn't want to get hurt. They will pretty soon though! That was awesome and hilarious though. There will be more action later on, promise!

Walter Peterson: Thanks! Lmao wow I watched it and it's soooo true and hilarious hehe.

Gazamidori: True but I'm not sure it would be classified as a tragedy. Like, there was a lot of happy stuff too although nobody cared about that haha. You're probs right though, I know I felt like it was a tragic ending because I was depressed for a week after. Glad you liked it! And yeah I couldn't think of another place to end it :P

Fan: Thank you! Oh dear goodness no. Haha that Eragon made me cringe as well. I hated those scenes and it made Arya look like a bitch when he really should've kept his mouth shut and maybe she would've seen him as more mature. Idk but don't worry, that will not be my Eragon portrayal lol.

mr rophone: Hehe I mean like that although I feel really bad this time because the wait was so long. He is! It's a no hunting authors season so I think you have to wait for the spring ;D He'll actually be doing that pretty soon but I don't think I'll have a superhuman injection because I want most of this stuff to be realistic. It's an epic idea though. Yeah I getcha. I will miss the younger faces but he'll do really well. Thanks!

leminhman0312: Thank you so much! I'm really glad you enjoy them and hope you keep on reading :D Yeah Elemental Dragon Slayer is an awesome writer! I lov