This is rough…and graphic. Sorry if some OOC occurs, but this is needed. DRAMA!

Chapter 36: Grounded

Murtagh and Thorn glared at each other in complete shock as Saphira snorted to look at her rider.

"You cannot be serious," Murtagh breathed, shaking his head. "Eragon? How can he…?"

Why must he be a dragon to be my mate? Saphira quickly questioned, winking an eye towards, Eragon. He has a heart and all of its love goes to me. What more should a female ask for…?

A male dragon, Thorn suddenly blurted out. One that can keep the race alive.

So can Eragon, she shot back slyly, still dancing around the true fact.

No he can't! Thorn roared. How can he?

True, she sighed. Eragon stepped forward and placed his hand on her side.

"Murtagh," Eragon said maturely. "After spending so long with her, I couldn't help it. No one else could come closer to me than she has already. I take care of her like a husband, and she takes care of me like my wife."

Can she please you like one? Thorn growled, barring his teeth towards Saphira.

"Actually…?"

"Stop your tongue!" Murtagh grumbled. He faced Saphira and pointed at her. "Saphira, you need to think about this! Thorn is available and the dragons can come back. Do you want to let such a great species fall to extinction because you like how Eragon pets you?"

What if I did? Saphira curved her lips back in a sadistic smile. I wouldn't procreate with Thorn if he were the last dragon on Earth.

"He is!"

Well then, I suppose I still won't then.

Traitor! Thorn roared, raising up on his hind legs and spreading his wings out in an attempt to intimidate her.

Your petty threats don't work on me, Saphira snickered back. Besides, if I recall, you were the betrayer of our race…not me.

I will tear out your throat for that! Thorn opened his jaws to let out a deafening roar that pierced through the desert and resounded around the barren hillsides around it. How could you be so selfish?

Do you expect me to treat love as if it could be shared? Saphira asked. If I do that, I am no better than a slattern, right? She turned to face Eragon. Would you love one of those, Eragon?

"No way," he replied with a smile. I just am happy with my own precious 'virgin.'

Well, not anymore, she snickered back, keeping it quiet with the other two. Thorn ruffled his wings and turned to face Eragon.

A word, if you please. The rider shrugged and tossed his head to show for the red dragon to lead the way while Saphira stayed behind with Thorn's rider.

Be cautious, Saphira told Eragon. I can see that this snake is up to something.

Murtagh…?

I was not referring to him. She padded over to her lover and gently brushed her muzzle against his hair, roughing it up with every breath she took. Just remember, no matter what happens, I am the one you will sleep with tonight.

And every other night afterwards, Eragon finished, before walking off. Murtagh watched in horror as Saphira suddenly flicked her tail out to slap it playfully against Eragon's backside.

Try to keep the shift subtle, okay, Eragon?

I'll play it as long as you can too.

­

- - - - - -

How can you do this? Thorn roared to Eragon after they were far enough away. You have doomed the race now, you filthy vermin!

"Thorn," Eragon growled. "Chill."

What the Hell does that mean? Thorn pressed his head close to Eragon's to where they were eye to eye. No matter. Like it or not, Saphira will be my mate. What do you possibly have to offer her?

"What do you have?" Eragon mocked. "She obviously has no interest in what you're packing down there, considering the comment she told you about…?"

I should snap you like a twig. Eragon smiled and crossed his arms.

"You won't," he replied. "If you do that, you lose Saphira. If you lose Saphira, then your chances for getting laid go even further down, unless you have some plans with your rider." Eragon snickered as Thorn gritted his claws against the hard rocky soil hard enough to shoot sparks up into the air.

Damn you, rider!

"You can hate me all you want, but I am the one that has her heart, not you."

That will change! Eragon watched with a satisfied smirk as Thorn turned away, purposefully attempting to strike Eragon down with his tail as he walked away but failing miserably at his task. Eragon sighed and crossed his arms angrily at the sight before him. Thorn was enraged, but he also did not understand; was it time to tell the two? Nope.

How'd it go? Saphira suddenly asked Eragon. He chuckled to her and began walking back.

He wants to eat me like his last meal, Eragon replied with a subtle laugh. In short, he hates my guts.

Then that means that he also hates mine.

You are right though. He is planning something.

I told you. Don't worry. I will keep my eye on him. Eragon rejoined by Murtagh, who still held the look of disgust on his face.

"So," Murtagh muttered. "How did this…err…come about?"

When you sleep with your rider for as long a time as I, you'd understand.

"No," Murtagh suddenly snapped. "I won't understand. Thorn is not only a different species, but he's a male! Do I seem to enjoy that type of sexual encounter?"

Well, not really. Saphira snickered and flopped down on her paws while Eragon reached out to massage her neck. Murtagh, there are things in nature that no one understands. Why do you think a mere dog would risk his life for his owner? It is not duty like the old Riders told us. It is love. I am no pet, I can assure you of that, but if I must, I would lay my life down for him just as swiftly as he would for me. That is why I love him; he is willing to lose everything to keep me. She looked over to Thorn. Would you be that willing?

Don't be absurd, Thorn replied kindly. I'd go to the ends of the world and back for you.

Would you grab a star out of the night sky for me, then? Thorn cocked his head and ruffled his wings at the confusing question. Could you bring me one back while it is still cold?

It's impossible! Thorn roared. That is preposterous!

Is it really? Saphira winked over to Eragon and growled lovingly towards him. Did you ever think that it was the romance between it that made it less impossible? I know it can't be done, but hearing that someone would be willing to try made me fall in love.

"So…who told you?"

My Eragon. Murtagh coughed to clear his throat while Thorn stood in shock. He told me when we took a few hours to rest during the flight over here. It was clear and he was explaining to me the things he would do…?

This has gone far enough! Thorn raged. Saphira, I have had more than enough of your foolish treachery towards the Dragon Race! Now, we shall settle this.

"How do you intend to do that?" Eragon asked. Thorn glared at Eragon, his ruby eyes shining with anger more intense than the largest wildfire.

Eragon, he muttered. I challenge you…for her.

What? Saphira suddenly blurted. You can't do that! We are no animals, Thorn.

Do we walk like humans? Thorn replied angrily.

No…?

Then that answers your question. Thorn rose up on his hind legs and looked down at Saphira's rider, who still stood strong with the look of confidence and courage on his face. This will be the task...? Eragon placed his hands into a 'T' shape and took a small step back.

"Now you listen here," Eragon scorned. "I will not go at it with you and treat my mate like a trophy. Besides, Saphira told me that once a female had chosen her mate, they stay together for the remainder of their lives."

There is your key reference, Thorn argued back. 'Mate.' Have you taken her innocence? I doubt it!

What do you know? Saphira suddenly jumped in amusingly. He has.

WHAT! Thorn roared. Impossible!

"Nothing is anymore," Eragon shot back with a chuckle while his brother stood silently, listening to the conversation.

Still, it was pointless. Eragon, this is your last warning. Accept my challenge or I will be forced to take her from you. Eragon balled his fists and faced his lover.

Is this possible? He asked her. How can he fight for you? I mean, what about what you told me…?

All of what I said is true, Eragon, Saphira assured. However, Thorn had probably been raised to see how mere animals react during mating rituals. He must believe that he could win my heart by defeating you. If I am correct, declining a battle with another male gives up your spouse, at least in the animal world.

So if I don't fight…? She lowered her head.

He gets me. Suddenly, she popped her head back up to face him with a toothy grin. But he would never 'get' me like you have, sweetheart.

I don't want to do this, Eragon contested. What if I lose? Doesn't that mean I lose you too?

If you take this challenge, you must be a man of your word. Don't worry, even if you lose, I will never love this brute! She padded forward and nuzzled against his cheek with her snout. Do it, honey. No matter what happens, he can't keep me away from you, even if I have to sneak inside the house every night to sleep by your side. She licked the side of his neck. I told you I would never fall for another man, Eragon, and you told me the same regarding females, yes?

Right?

Why would now be the time to go back on my word? Eragon nodded his head solemnly and turned to face Thorn.

"What is the challenge?" Thorn inclined his head to look up at the setting sun. It was going to be dark in just a few hours and Thorn knew that they did not have much time left.

You are to fight me, rider. No weapons, no magic, just shear might verse might. First one to falter will lose. Eragon snickered and winked towards Saphira.

"…Doesn't sound like such a fair fight," he commented. "How can I fight against a dragon four times my size?"

Perhaps you should have thought about that before mating one?

Oh, Saphira sighed out jokingly to Eragon. That was certainly uncalled for, don't you think?

I've had enough of this dragon's horseshit, Saphira. Eragon glared into the red dragon's ruby eyes and nodded his head.

"When and where?"

Right here, rider, Thorn replied. Right now. Suddenly, Thorn reared up and roared into the sky before lunging at Eragon, who managed to sidestep the attack.

"Thorn!" Murtagh called out to his dragon. "What are you doing? This is enough!"

No, Thorn replied, setting up another lunging attack towards Eragon. I must…?

"That was an order, Dragon!" Murtagh commanded. "Saphira and Eragon should have their own choices on who they love. It is not your place to decide for them." Thorn ignored his explanation and leapt towards Eragon with his claws outstretched, pinning Eragon to the ground with just a tiny gap between his chest and the red dragon's.

You have fallen, Thorn said victoriously. The match is…? Suddenly, Thorn found himself being lifted upwards. In a moment, he was tossed through the air, sent crashing down into the pool behind him. He sputtered in the water and quickly leapt out only to stare in shock at the scene before him.

Era…Eragon? Thorn asked. The human was in dragon form, scaled black from the top of his head to the tip of his tail, his eyes golden and shinning with fury. Wh…what is the meaning of this?

Now we have a fair fight! Eragon scratched his claws against the gravel while Thorn crouched low, sneering as he began crawling closer to his target. Give me your best shot. Thorn roared in rage and leapt, spreading his wings out to give him a faster boost of speed. He collided into Eragon and fell forwards, creating a massive cloud of dust where the two hit. Eragon's black tail swished frantically around the red one of Thorn while they struggled to pin the other into submission. Jaws were heard snapping shut only inches away from the opponent's neck and the dragons' claws were raking into the scaled flesh like razors. Eragon suffered a nasty slice just above his shoulder, but Thorn had a worse mark on his underbelly. It seemed that every time Thorn had Eragon in his grasp, a simple roll broke the hold; it was the same when Thorn was the oppressed.

I will win this, rider, Thorn growled into Eragon's ear as they continued to struggle. Eragon shifted his eyes to see a very confused Murtagh watching on beside Saphira, cautiously petting her side as he watched.

Good luck on that, Eragon commented. No matter what you do, Saphira will still love me, and that is all that matters at the end of the day.

How you are a dragon is beyond me, Thorn hissed. But you can never defeat me in a match like this! Eragon suddenly hollered as Thorn locked his jaws on the side of his face, causing blood to flow freely from the wounds the dragon's teeth left behind. Saphira roared in desperation and looked into Eragon's hurt eyes, as if pleading for him to stop the battle.

Eragon! Saphira cried to him. Stop it!

I can't, he replied painfully to her. If I give up, you go with him. Thorn's teeth dug deeper into their holes, forcing Eragon to bellow in agony. He knew that this was the submitting blow, but he could not give up.

If you won't then I will. Saphira suddenly lunged forward, knocking Murtagh flat on his ass as she took off. With one mighty crash, she plowed right into Thorn's side and toppled him over Eragon.

You wretch! Thorn cursed, shaking his head to get the dust out from his horns. You've disrupted the battle. Do you know what that means? Saphira looked over to Eragon, who couldn't show his bloody face to her.

Yes, she replied sadly. My mate has lost, thanks to me.

Saphira, Eragon whispered in pain. Why? I…I could have beaten him.

I can't see you hurt, my love. She glared at Thorn and let out an intimidating growl. It is not a battle that is worth such a terrible injury.

Saphira, Thorn said sternly to her. It is time to claim my prize.

I will never love you, Saphira sneered. Thorn suddenly laughed and tucked his wings in against his sides.

Who said anything about love? He asked menacingly. You can tell what I want, and I want it now!

"Thorn!" Murtagh suddenly shouted. Eragon looked to see his brother rushing over to his side. "Control yourself! Eragon is a dragon, and if he has mated with her, then the dragon race has already begun! Stop this now so we can at least figure out how this has happened."

No, Thorn shot back. I have waited a full year without the pleasure of a mate and do not want to wait any longer. Suddenly, Thorn reared up and jumped towards Saphira, tackling her and pinning her helplessly against him. Eragon roared and rushed towards the red dragon, but a single swipe of his tail sent him flying back. Saphira dug her claws on her forearms deep into his chest as she struggled under him, reaching out for the cut under his stomach, but it was no use; he was committed. A hard paw to each of her forearms and she was held down effortlessly, overpowered by the male.

Saphira! Eragon called out. He could see tears running down her sapphire eyes as she turned her head to look at him. She winced in fear of what she knew would come next and tried yet again to escape, but it was pointless. Nothing could help her.

Please, she begged Eragon. I don't want you to see this. Thon snickered as his flap fell down near her vital area.

Finally, he grumbled. This is how a true dragon…?

"THORN!" Murtagh screamed. "You leave me no other choice." He pulled out a dagger from his cloak and held it at the ready. "The second you enter her, I plunge this into you. Make your decision!"

You wouldn't kill your dragon, Thorn retaliated. I am what completes you.

Eragon is my brother, Murtagh argued back mentally. If he has mated with Saphira, then that makes her my sister-in-law. I will die before having my dragon bring more dishonor to my name in this family. Thorn looked down at Saphira, who had not moved her eyes from Eragon.

I'm so sorry, she kept repeating to her rider as Thorn began to inch closer. He suddenly collapsed on top of her, driving inside and causing her to bellow in shame. I…can't break free. Too strong.

Then I will! Eragon flung his wings open and crouched down, opening his maw to let out the loudest, most intimidating roar any dragon had encountered during their entire life. Eragon's body shock as his voice resounded out off of the desert landscape. He fought hard to hold it, envisioning Thorn's scales flying off with each piercing sound that escaped his throat. Before he stopped, Eragon summoned up his strength and charged Thorn at full speed, smashing into him and rolling him out and away from his lover. The wound on Eragon's neck was slowing him, but he was filled with too much rage to care. How dare someone try to rape his mate…and to do it in front of him? No, Thorn had to pay. He lowered his head and took a hearty bite on Thorn's neck, tearing his mouth back to rip out flesh. Thorn shrieked in pain and flailed his arms and wings like mad to escape, but Eragon refused to let him go.

You listen to me you dirty little bastard! Eragon shouted as he pinned the dragon down. Saphira is my girl and I should kill you right here for that trick you just pulled. Dragons like you should be castrated! Eragon then tilted his head back and slammed his forehead against Thorn's snout, shattering several teeth and knocking the dragon unconscious. Eragon let out a satisfied snort and staggered to his feet. Try picking up women looking like that.

"Eragon!" Murtagh called. He rushed over to Saphira and placed his hand on her forehead. She was still on the ground in a teary mess, her wings balled up underneath her from how she lay. Thorn's blood was on her scales, shimmering a cool red color with her sapphire.

I…I failed you, Saphira began to whimper as Eragon approached her. I...I couldn't…?

He didn't finish, did he? She slowly shook her head.

Oh Eragon, I was so scared. He held me down…he outweighs you by too much. I…I…?

"Easy, Saphira," Murtagh cooed to her. "I will make sure Thorn gets punished for this one. I told him, but he refused to listen."

Eragon, I'm so sorry. She slowly lifted her head up to nuzzle his. I had my guard down.

It's okay, Saphira, Eragon told her kindly. I want you to get inside and hit the bed. Murtagh and me have some explaining to get from Casanova over there. She let out a soft, reassuring growl and shut her eyes.

I'm glad we mated last night, she whispered. He never got what you did, and I am glad for that.

So am I, sweetheart. I love you, and I should have killed that dragon for what he did.

You are too kindhearted for that, little lover, she replied with a soft chuckle. Eragon, I feel terrible. Please, can you at least take me to bed? I do not think I…I have the strength to make it on my own. Eragon let out an acknowledging snort and crouched to help his mate up. She placed her wing over his body as a crutch and slowly padded back into their home while Murtagh stayed behind to look at the bloody stupid mess of his immature dragon, who had just awakened.

What happened? Thorn asked.

"You disobeyed me, Thorn," Murtagh growled. "I told you not to, but you did. What were you thinking?"

To be honest, I wasn't.

"Obviously!" Murtagh let out a frustrated roar and stormed over to him. "Do you realize what you have done? You have just ravaged Eragon's dragon! You raped his mate!"

Sorry.

"Sorry?" Murtagh shouted. "SORRY?! You would be dead by now if it weren't for Eragon. I was going to keep my word right when you connected, but he attacked first. Be glad, stone head! Instead of having no life, you just have some missing teeth!"

You were going to really do it? Thorn asked, hurt in his eyes. You were planning on betraying me.

"How can I betray someone that has already done the same to me?"Murtagh answered back. "You are my dragon, Thorn, and you are supposed to listen to me. If you do not, then that is just as bad a betrayal as me stabbing you." Murtagh sighed and turned to look at the second floor of the house, where the window to Eragon's room was opened. He watched in silence as Saphira slowly climbed up onto the bed, only to flop down and be nuzzled lovingly by Eragon.

I will be right back, Eragon told her.

Eragon? Do you…forgive me?

What is there to forgive? This was no one's fault but Thorn, and I will never forgive him…ever. Murtagh cringed as he overheard their mental conversation. Now, the trust factor was broken even further, and all of the blame was toward his lustful dragon.

"You sleep out here tonight," Murtagh told Thorn. "No hunting, no drinking, and no flying for the entire night. You will not leave my sight."

Where are you going to go?

"I'm going to see if we can get somewhat of a trust back." Murtagh began walking toward the house but stopped and turned back around to face Thorn. "Tomorrow, you will do the same. Good luck, and you had better not leave this whole night. On this porch and nowhere else! Understand?"

You are treating me like a hatchling…?

"Because you acted like one today!" Murtagh snapped. "This is our one chance to make up for our past mistake, Thorn, and you just caused us to lose it…again! I am warning you. Stay here!"

Yes, Rider.

PEACE!