Pulled an all nighter tonight and it's going to kill me. What sucks is what it wasn't even to write this. I finished this yesterday and right now, at 4:44 in the morning, I'm taking my break to put it up. I have two tests, a quiz, and four hw assignments to finish by tomorrow along with two research sheets to fill out. College is being a bitch this semester!
Sorry for the weird time skips. Kind of necessary for sake of progression and such.
He pushed himself from the mat, anger and confusion filling him. How was this child beating him? He was obviously the stronger opponent. A fist across his jaw ended the session for the day and a smug grin crossed Vanir's face.
"Where'd you find this man, Oromis? He fights like a one legged monkey."
His trainer waved the kid away and crossed his arms.
"So obviously my little chat with you did nothing. Figure it out Eragon, or I'm going to suggest you be taken from any future active duty. You are not prepared."
The man was obviously disappointed and Eragon cursed his weakness. Why was he having so much trouble with this?! It wasn't like him to let anything take him over but here he was, allowing doubt and sadness run him. He fisted his hands tightly, his nails digging painfully into his palms. No, enough of this idiotic frailness. He was not one to crumble when his life turned to shambles and he'd been through so much to shrivel up and die out now. With his own rage consuming his mind, all other emotions were wiped from him. His guilt, his shame, his feelings for Arya. There was nothing but an irrational hatred for the black-haired boy that was strutting away like he was king. And it felt good, the numbness that came along with it. It made him feel hollow, empty, all except for the burning lust for destruction and victory.
Vanir was the symbol of his weakness and he was going to crush the living hell out of him. An almost feral growl left his lips and he ran at the boy, eyes seeing red and his entire body ready for a fight. Just as he approached Vanir, the teenager spun around, lashing out with precision at Eragon's head. But, there was nothing clouding Eragon's instincts in that moment and he was easily able to duck under it and roll to a stop, whirling angrily. Without pause, he drove his foot into Vanir's stomach, making the agent double over. But, instead of finishing him off, Eragon waited. He would win this fair and square and there would be no more talk of him being the wrong material for an agent. The guy before him gave a snobbish smile.
"Really? You want to do this again?"
Eragon didn't respond, only waited for an opening to destroy his opponent. He wasn't the man he'd been seconds before. He couldn't live with what that man had done. But, in this state, where only emptiness and cold decisions lay, he could grow to his full potential. Vanir feigned a strike to his gut before punching towards his face. With instant precision he slammed the man's fist to the side with his palm and drove his own fist into Vanir's jaw, sending him stumbling backwards. Eragon's vision was dead set on the opponent in front of him and he didn't even see the crowd gathering around them, his trainer included. Blood covered the teen's teeth but his mouth was turned up in a crimson grin.
"Looks like you got a lot more in you than you've been showing."
They circled each other, Vanir now much more wary with his attacks. He knew Eragon was a force to be reckoned with. The next attack was made by Eragon, his strikes lighting fast and powerful as they were barely blocked by the teenager. After several successive blows Eragon changed tactics, aiming a contained punch at Vanir's face while instead swinging his leg at his feet. The teen narrowly avoiding falling but he was sent off balance, giving Eragon the perfect opportunity to strike. In order to avoid allowing it, Vanir shot out a sloppy kick and Eragon easily saw the finishing move.
He latched his entire arm around Vanir's right calf and kicked straight up into his left thigh while also shoving him backwards. This created two points in which he was putting Vanir off balance, allowing no escape from the fall. Immediately Eragon was on top of him, holding Vanir's leg in a lock and waiting for the inevitable tap out. It came ten seconds later although Vanir did everything in his power to escape the hold. As they both stood, a new respect was shown in the adolescent's eyes.
"It seems you are a worthy opponent. If Oromis will still allow it, I'd like to spar with you again very soon."
Eragon heaved in a breath and nodded, only then noticing the people around him. His eyes came in contact with the steel gray of his trainer's and he could do nothing to discern what the man was thinking. Oromis approached him and frowned.
"You seem to have figured something out in the past couple minutes."
"Yes. I think I'm back to where I was before. I've moved past all of the things holding me back."
The gray-haired man narrowed his eyes.
"Eragon, you fought out of anger, not control. It is neither healthy nor smart. I don't want this to become a habit."
That struck a chord but he made no show of defending his actions.
"Of course, Oromis. I will do better next time."
"Very well. Be on your way then. I feel you've made enough of a spectacle for one day."
Eragon nodded curtly and walked out of the gymnasium area, feeling the effects of his decision wear off. The emotions and that same feeling of weakness was returning, swallowing him in it's grasp. Arya's eyes burned into his mind and he wanted to yell in despair. How come it couldn't last!? How could he shut it all out for good!? Dammit! The very conversation that led him to this place ran through his mind, giving him an idea.
She'd said I could learn to be cold. If that numbness that I felt fighting Vanir could return, I'd never feel like this. I could ignore who I was. He quickened his pace, searching for somebody he thought might be able to lead him to the person who could remove this pain. He pushed into the cafeteria and searched the room, looking for anyone he recognized as being a high ranking agent of DuWeld. He caught sight of stark blue hair and headed for it, hoping to find the owner to be Blödhgarm. To his luck, it was. The other agents at the table watched him curiously and Blödhgarm seemed to notice their faces. He turned just as Eragon arrived. Before anyone could speak he went straight to the point.
"I must see Islanzadi."
A small smile crossed his expression before he stood without a word and nodded to his fellow agents. He led Eragon out of the cafeteria within a minute and was taking him through a dizzying amount of halls and doors.
"She said you'd ask for her. I didn't think it would be this quickly. You must be struggling more than you let on."
Confusion filled him but he remained silent while they clapped down four flights of stairs. Why would she be expecting him? He pondered it for several minutes before deciding to just wait until he could ask her himself. They finally stopped their descent and the blue-haired man opened a door that led to a long hallway. He paused in front of a door to the left and knocked. Islanzadi's commanding voice broke through.
"If this isn't important I will demote you."
Eragon noticed a grin on Blödhgarm's face as he answered her.
"Our new recruit wants a word."
A momentary silence.
"Send him in."
The agent beside him nodded and he twisted the knob, entering into the spacious office. Before him sat Arya's mother, alike in most physical characteristics. The woman leaned back in her seat, watching him with interest.
"What is it you wanted to speak with me about?"
He narrowed his eyes.
"It seems you already know. I hear I'm expected."
A small chuckle slipped past her lips.
"Fair enough. Yes, I expected you. It was only a matter of time before you realized while Oromis is a brilliant trainer, there are quicker and more permanent ways to become what you want. It requires no effort once you are in the correct state of mind."
Eragon sat across from her.
"I see. And tell me, how would I do this?"
Islanzadi seemed to be thinking about something for a moment before she responded.
"Before I explain this to you, you should know that once in this state it is incredibly hard to escape."
He shrugged.
"I couldn't care less. What would I need to escape for?"
"Fine. I hear you defeated Vanir today."
He became slightly angered at her random shift of topics.
"What of it?"
Arya's mother tapped her fingers on her desk.
"What did you feel in that moment? I've been watching you closely, Eragon. You've been blocked and suddenly you defeat one of our most talented fighters? What was going through your mind?"
Eragon opened and closed his mouth a few times.
"Most talented fighters? Oromis told me he was just a trainee."
"And I'm sure he's also told you you're not allowed to use the elevators. It's just a way to get you to work harder."
Resentment for the old man welled in him but he ignored it.
"Good to know."
"So?"
He knew what she wanted to hear and so he told her.
"I was furious."
"Alright. So that was your trigger."
He frowned.
"My what?"
The woman leaned forward, placing her clasped hands on her desk.
"Your trigger. I'm assuming that anger pushed out all of the other things bothering you." She didn't let him respond as she continued. "I'm surprised that is what overpowered the rest. You seem like such a different person. But, that emotion is what you need to embody. That rage you felt, that is what you have to become."
He shook his head.
"But in anger, everything is barely contained and wild. Fighting like that is detrimental against a stronger opponent."
She nodded.
"Exactly. But I'm not saying you must always be angry. You just must become it. The rage will consume the rest of those emotions and if you allow it, you will remain in a state of numbness. Have you felt it, Eragon? That pure emptiness that allows for peace?"
He nodded, having felt those moments very rarely and never more so than when he'd gotten mad. Not at what he'd done, no, when he'd gotten mad at his own weakness and emotion. It was then that he felt nothing.
"I'm sure Oromis is teaching you masterfully and building up your control, but, he doesn't believe emotion can be shut out." Eragon grimaced, remembering his conversation with his trainer. Islanzadi caught his look and chuckled. "Has he been sharing with you about my methods?"
She tsked and he stepped in there, not wanting Oromis to get into any trouble.
"No that's not it-"
"Oh there's no need to lie to me. What he says is completely correct. I am less human for what I do to block out the emotion. But from my perspective it's better. I'm a better agent because I don't have feelings weakening me. Now think, wouldn't you rather just get all the emotion and shut it away? There is no need for them in this business."
His teachings from Oromis warred with her words, but the agony in his soul at the thought of Arya and his failures tipped the scales. He clenched his jaw.
"So what do I do?"
She smiled.
"The next time it happens, embrace it. Do not fight the darkness for in this line of work it is your ally. It will be frightening and you will feel as if you are losing yourself. That is because you are. That purely human part of you shall always remain, but it will be blocked off and subdued by your own control. You will have peace. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
"Perfect. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting to attend."
He stood and exited her office to find Blödhgarm waiting for him. They were just about to head back when Islanzadi spoke.
"Oh, and Eragon? Avoid sharing this with Oromis. He will not approve of this technique."
He agreed and turned away, mind dead set on doing as she'd said. He was done with this terrible agony he was being put through. He would take it no more.
Finding himself back in his rooms, he sat down on his bed and settled his head in his hands. He again thought back to Oromis' words and warred with himself. He knew it wouldn't be peace waiting for him, even if that's how Islanzadi saw it, but anything had to be better than this. Finally he clenched his jaw. He would do this and end his torture. Taking a deep breath, he waited for the onslaught of guilt, confusion, and sadness to smash into him. It didn't take very long to comply and he almost doubled over at his weight. He wasn't prepared for what came as he'd dropped all of his walls that had been blocking them. As the torment suffocated him he forgot what he was supposed to be doing and did everything in his power to keep tears from staining his face.
Thoughts of Arya and what could've possible been crossed his thoughts while shame for those he'd lost tore at his heart. After almost ten minutes of an almost paralyzing sadness, he yelled aloud, feeling that rage creep from it's deep hole. It slowly began to overcome the rest, sinking them in it's icy claws. He was able to think straight then and remember exactly what he needed to do. So, as the hollowness shrouded him and held him tight to it's cold embrace, he latched onto the feeling, letting it fill every pore of his being.
Terror gripped him as he felt a darkness seep from it's depths and settle on his soul. It was almost too difficult to keep striving to hold on. Part of him wanted the pain back over this emptiness. But then he realized that his emotions would cripple him from being the best agent and it wasn't like he would ever have Arya. He'd lost her and now it was time to focus on himself. It was time to move on. Slowly breathing in, he jumped off the cliff, fully immersing himself into his new identity. No more wallowing in what he'd missed out on. He was done. His pain was done.
Two Months and Two Weeks Later:
"Very good, Eragon!"
He was straddling Vanir, his fist raised to strike a final blow. Oromis signaled that the match was over, but something in him was changing. It had been happening a lot over the past weeks and somewhere in his head, he knew it was bad. He wanted to finish it, to completely demolish his opponent. Vanir was no longer a sparring partner but an enemy to flatten. The teen seemed to see the shift in his gaze and he narrowed his eyes at Eragon. Beside him, Oromis gripped his shoulder.
"Eragon, it's finished."
He wanted to laugh. It wasn't finished. Not while his opponent still breathed. But instead he shook himself from his trance and stood, helping Vanir up. Faking a smile he slapped the kid's shoulder.
"Good battle, friend."
The boy nodded although he watched Eragon warily before he turned away. He cursed himself. What the hell was wrong with him. Get yourself in check, Eragon! Beside him his trainer studied him.
"Everything alright?"
He nodded.
"Yes sir it is. Never better."
"You sure?"
A burst of anger surfaced and he struggled to tamp it down. He'd just piss Oromis off if he became all pissy. Taking a relieving breath, he grinned.
"Of course I'm sure. What's next?"
His trainer watched him for another couple seconds before nodding and motioning towards a door on the far side. Eragon's stomach dropped but immediately he shoved the fear aside. Oromis had been training him in the pool for the past month now and every time he was about to enter he had a lapse back into his old self. It only lasted a moment but it was a dreaded moment. This time he'd decided he wasn't going to allow it. As they walked towards the oppressive room, he steeled himself. The door opened and the smell of Chlorine assaulted his nostrils, bringing with it a string of thoughts. You let Garrow die. Jonathan's death- But in a move that surprised even himself he overrode those thoughts. Who the fuck gives a shit! With that it was gone, leaving nothing but a sense of horror and a contrasted sense of relief.
He'd just acted as if Garrow's death was nothing to him . . . . and had sort of meant it. Terror scraped up his spine but instead of allowing himself to worry over what he'd done, he shoved it away. Out of mind, well, out of mind. No more guilt for something he couldn't fix it. And this time, as he changed into his swim trunks and dove into the water, he let a small, if cruel smile turn up his lips. He'd defeated his past. This new man he'd become was his future. After seemingly endless laps, Oromis motioned for him to get out of the water.
"You've come a long way since your arrival here, Eragon."
"Thanks Oromis."
They walked towards the changing rooms but before he went in, the silver-haired man stopped him.
"Your training with me is being put on hold for the moment as Islanzadi claims to have need of you. Do you feel prepared for a mission?"
Eragon grinned.
"Finally! I was born ready."
His trainer seemed somewhat sad as he nodded.
"I know what you've done, young one."
This sudden and blatant accusation caught him off guard but he masked it.
"Meaning?"
Oromis' gray eyes went darker.
"Do not play me as a fool. You have shut away your humanity for this copy of yourself. It is worrisome, especially when I see how cruel you can be. You've never acted on it but Eragon, one day you will and you wont be able to take it back."
Not even bothering to deny it, he scoffed.
"I'll be fine. Islanzadi and Arya have never had a problem."
His trainer shook his head.
"You are a deeply emotional human and, while before that was used in the correct ways, now your anger controls you. Arya is a very logical. Where you would feel, she thinks. It isn't that she has a lot of control that makes her seem like she never does the wrong thing. It's the fact that while she might not feel that something is the wrong decision, she knows rationally that it isn't. So while it barely works for her, it will almost definitely fail for you."
Eragon moved to get in Oromis' face.
"Just wait and see, old man. I will become the strongest agent this place has to offer and you can watch yourself be proven wrong."
With that he stormed into the changing rooms and put on shorts and a t-shirt. Whatever Islanzadi had planned, he was ready for it.
One Week Later
"What is your name?"
"Rhydian Brady."
"What is your background?"
"Ex-marine. I was dishonorably discharged for almost beating the life out of a superior."
"Why are you applying for this job?"
"I heard they pay alot."
"And why should that make them want to hire you?"
"Because as big of an asshole I am, once I'm committed to something, I stick with it. And I can kick anyone else's ass."
Blödhgarm smiled.
"Very good. I'm not quite sure what the process to get in will be but your cover is completely set up so that part shouldn't be a problem."
Eragon nodded, fully prepared for what he was going in for. This was a perfect mission to get back on his feet with. It would allow him to ease in as the position he would be filling would almost require nothing but strength and brutality. No talking or constantly keeping in mind his cover story. The blue-haired agent beside him chuckled.
"Are you ready for this? Once you're in there's no backing out."
He nodded curtly, opening the door to the BMW he'd been driven in.
"I've been ready for the past seven days. I'll check in tonight with how it all went down. Unless I'm dead that is."
Blödhgarm didn't seem the slightest bit amused but Eragon couldn't bring himself to care. Truthfully, part of him knew there was a chance he was going to die from this mission. Apparently 'interviews' to be this bitch's body guard were absolutely savage affairs. Excitement flooded him as he walked into the Art Gallery, taking curious note that the place was impossibly rich. Too rich for what he knew would be going on. A guard on his left held out a hand.
"I.D."
Eragon opened his wallet but he knew that wasn't what the man was looking for. Twisting his wrist slightly, he showed the guard the symbol he'd been given in an encrypted email. It was drawn on his skin in black ink as had been instructed. The man subtly nodded his head towards the back of the gallery where another guard, this one a woman, was standing. Eragon headed her direction, not even reaching her before she held her hand to his left, motioning him to enter into a door there.
He opened the heavy door and paused, looking curiously at the alley he found himself in.
"What the hell. . . ."
A sound behind him alerted him to a presence and he spun around, ducking as a hand came towards his face. A burly man had been tucked into a crevice in the brick wall and was holding a white rag. Eragon retreated backwards, worry filling him as he realized this may have all been a trap. More feet behind him and he could almost sense the strike coming for him. Ducking, he rolled to the side and took in the three people before him. One was a woman and she stepped forward a step.
"Stand down. If you want this job you will come with us."
"Why are you trying to knock me out?"
The woman smirked.
"You can't know where we're going. That wouldn't be safe for the Lorga family. Now will you submit to our rules or do you wish to walk away?"
He knew he should leave. It could be his death sentence if he said yes.
"I'm in."
The woman nodded and without further comment the man with the chloroform ran walked to him and smothered his nose, the sweet scent consuming him. Within seconds he was out.
His vision was blurred as he came to, a sporadic thumping sound coming from somewhere behind him. Shaking himself awake, he found that he was lying on a cement floor next to two other guys who were still out cold. He sat up, instantly taking in the scene around in. They were in what looked like an abandoned parking garage and any and all exits were blocked by guards. He looked to his left and found out what was causing the thumping sound. Two men were in a marked out square area about twenty feet by twenty feet with white paint.
Standing around it with timers, clipboards, and weapons were faces he recognized. They were Trianna's current bodyguards, constantly caught in photographs with her whenever she was hitting the clubs or just walking her dog. They were completely focused on the fight at hand between a slight but muscled black guy and a tall and over-buff white kid. Eragon knew immediately who was going to win and he watched as the final strike took the bigger one down. Blood streamed from the winner's nose but he raised a fist arrogantly and grinned at the men outside the makeshift ring.
A motion across the garage from him caught his attention and he had to keep from reacting as the the drug kingpin himself sauntered into the room in a ten thousand dollar suit. He had dark blue eyes and black hair that made him look even more intense. By his side, much more hot than even the pictures, was his daughter. Eragon looked appreciatively at her slender form and nice curves, discovering that this job was going to be a lot more pleasant than he expected. Beside him, another man stirred, eyes confused as he shot off the ground and acted like a cornered predator. Obviously he'd not been warned before he was knocked out.
The guards, along with both Vorga's looked over and Eragon watched their faces turn up in humor. Obviously this had been happening a lot. It was then that they realized Eragon was awake as well and curious glances were given to him.
He kept passive, looking like he was in complete control of the situation even though he had no clue at all where he was. One of Trianna's guards leaned towards Pierce Lorga, telling him something that seemed to intrigue the man. Eragon watched and was surprised when the guard waved him over. He complied easily, smirking as he approached and conveying a cockiness he knew would win him points. Pierce spoke, his sexy as hell daughter watching closely to Eragon's every move.
"I hear you're one of the ten who were able to escape our attempts to bring you down. I'm impressed."
He stuck his hands in the pockets of his jeans.
"There were ten?" He sighed. "Now I feel less epic."
Pierce chuckled and waved his finger pointedly.
"A sense of humor. I like that. But, you could've just gotten lucky. We need a true test of skill for him," The drug lord waved his hand dismissively at the standing opponent in the arena. "not these amateurs who took a boxing class and think they're something."
The guy in the ring looked affronted and he glared at Eragon.
"I could take this punk in seconds!"
A few chuckles ran along Trianna's guards and one spoke up.
"You are an idiot if you think so, Mr. Connor. Can you not see how he holds himself? It is the stance of a soldier."
The bloody man in the center scoffed.
"Military? I destroy military trained men all the time in my MMA battles. He'll be nothing."
Trianna was the one that spoke this time, her voice incredibly sensual and enchanting.
"Then why don't we test this out. You versus him."
She met his eyes and hers twinkled mischievously, making him grin back. He was enjoying the stare-off until the ice-blue eyes turned to emerald green and immediately his attraction to this new girl was quenched. Part of him resented that as he knew that no matter how much he shut Arya out, she'd taken part of his soul and it would always belong to her. His mind and body were tied to her whether he wished to want another or not. Looking to the man in the ring he walked towards him, stepping inside the white line. Immediately the obviously reckless Mr. Connor attacked, swinging aggressively at his face.
Eragon ducked and lunged forward, driving his knee into his opponent's stomach and watching as he fell to the cement. Without a second thought he slammed his foot across his face and the man was out cold. Looking back at the gathered group, he held out his hands as if expecting something.
"So what now?"
The ice-eyed woman winked at him before speaking quietly to her father and strutting back towards the entrance. Two of her guards followed her which left four and Pierce. The druglord spoke.
"Now we bring you to the next stage and you fight those who are at your level. I am sorry but we are going to have to at least blindfold you and block your hearing. Do not resist."
Eragon tensed slightly but nodded, allowing one of the bodyguards to stick headphones in his ears and tuck an Ipod into his pocket. He finished by sticking a bag over his head and cinching it tight. The guard gripped his arm and led him over one hundred feet until he was halted. A tap to the side of his leg he guessed was a signal to step up. He did and his foot found purchase on the rail of a car. He climbed in and felt two people sit beside him. Knowing that DuWeld would be tracking him, he relaxed into the seat.
The blind was yanked off of his head and the music was halted as the earbuds were removed. He raised his eyebrows as he saw he was in front of a massive mansion with beautiful landscaping that surrounded the place. There was an artistic fountain bringing it all together and making the scene perfect. He chuckled, rolling his shoulders.
"Nice place. This your summer home?"
Pierce narrowed his eyes.
"You have a smart mouth on you, boy."
Eragon knew this was a make or break moment. Keep it up or back off. Taking the risk, he just nodded.
"Yes. Is that going to be a deal-breaker?"
Pierce pondered before shaking his head and heading for the door.
"Not all all. Trianna will enjoy snapping you out of it."
They walked through the door and he took in the marble pillars and spiral staircase that spun up towards the next floor. He barely had a chance to take it all in before he was ushered all the way to the back and outside. There he found Trianna already waiting with her bodyguards and a handful of others standing about. He immediately took note of the ten mentioned before, those he'd be fighting, and pursed his lips. Only two looked like they might actually be a relative challenge. They all seemed to be doing the same, taking him in with competitive eyes.
He smirked smugly and made his way over to them, not bothering to introduce himself. They wouldn't be here long.
The man Eragon assumed was Trianna's main bodyguard, with dirty-blonde hair and a body-type much like his own, stepped forward.
"Greg and Teagon, face off."
For the next twenty minutes he watched four different battles that ended with somebody limp on the ground. All four of the fights were somewhat fast with one man obviously being better than another. Eragon was finally called to face off against a Russian that looked absolutely brutal. He knew going in that he was expected to lose. He looked much less powerful with this guy standing in front of him. The man's name was Nikodim and he was most likely in his late thirties. His brown hair was already graying but it just gave him a more weathered look. But his opponent's eyes were what were rather unsettling. One was a stark blue while the other was light brown. He shook off all concern and got into stance, knowing he could beat him no matter his skill.
The past months of rigorous training had hardened him to the point that he no longer reached a limit. He didn't recognize boundaries and he fought and worked until he literally fell over from exhaustion. More than once he'd pushed so far that he'd dropped to his knees, almost blacking out on the mats. Nikodim would be nothing.
Keeping loose, he waited for the Russian to make the first move, each of them circling the other slowly. The first strike finally came when the man lunged forward, quick strikes flying in only to be parried by Eragon. After several more attempts to land a blow, Nikodim retreated back and studied him with new curiosity. Again Eragon waited, intrigued at how the man would adapt to the new development. The next attack came in the form of a powerful punch meant to break through his guard. Eragon almost grinned as he used a technique called Uchi Uke to slam his arm down on the strike, blocking it and leaving the Russian open. Taking it, he punched twice into Nikodim's jaw before his opponent was able to bring his guard back up.
Eragon didn't wait now as he let loose a flurry of blows that impacted heavily on the Russian's guard. Each one caused the man to inch backwards and put him at more of a disadvantage. To stop him, Nikodim ducked under and jumped to the side, rolling to his feet as fast a humanly possible. Eragon debated running at him, trying to get him before he could reposition himself, but he was enjoying this fight a lot more than he should've. It went on for the next ten minutes, no more strikes landed and neither getting a leg up on the other. They were both in excellent shape though, and Eragon found that this could go on a lot longer.
Seeing an opening, he snuck in a shot, landing a powerful kick into the side of Nikodim's inner, lower thigh with the top of his foot. The Russian stumbled backwards, obviously in pain, but he gripped Eragon's calf before it could drop and shoved him off balance as well. Each struggled to keep their balance but Nikodim recovered quicker, running forward and driving his elbow into Eragon's forehead. Stars burst in front of his eyes but he looked past them, knowing another attack was coming any second. Sure enough, he saw the oncoming blow to his stomach and clenched, taking the hit and using the time to reorient himself.
The Russian was relentless but he was too slow in his next strike, allowing Eragon to block it and shove him backwards. Nikodim shook out his hands and grinned at him, one which he returned easily. This wasn't a battle now. It was a dream come true for the best of the best. Every fighter who never lost desired the one opponent just as good as him. The result was always incredible. His head pounded and he felt blood dripping from his eyebrow down his cheek, mixing with the sweat already there. Nikodim struck again and this time Eragon caught his wrist and pulled it to the left, revealing the back of the Russian's neck. Instantly Eragon swung his right arm, pounding his wrist into the man's neck with a technique called Kote Uchi.
Nikodim staggered and Eragon knew it was done. He gripped his shoulders and buried his knee into the Russian's chest, sending him flying backwards onto the grass. There he lay, groaning audibly but interestingly enough, there was a toothy smile there. Eragon walked over and held out his hand, chuckling at the Russian on the ground.
"My friend you are quite the opponent."
Nikodim clasped his hand and let him help him up.
"And you as well. I have finally been bested, and by a youngling at that."
A rustle of grass behind them alerted them to the approach of several feet and the Russian shoved him to the side as the remaining eight fighters went for them. Rolling to his feet he dodged a blow from one and spun around him, crushing his fist into the man's skull. He could hear the sounds of fighting behind him as well but could do nothing to help as two others closed in. Blocking the first's strike, he held him there while also parrying the other's. Using brute force he twisted the first's wrist and heard a sickening crack followed by a shout of pain.
The man yanked away and Eragon turned his attention to the other, shoving aside a blow and crouching to give him more power as he came up and slammed both fists into his gut and sent him to the ground. He looked to find four guys on Nikodim with one on the ground and two other's running at him. Waiting tensely, he waited until one was close enough and swung his foot up, hitting him in the lower abdomen before doing a small leap and slamming the second kick into the guy's face. The last man was quick and he did a running kick, burying his foot into Eragon's ribs.
He stumbled but didn't fall and as he was advanced upon again, he kicked out his opponent's legs and rammed him into the grass, cracking his knuckles across the guy's face. It was then that he felt another kick into his side, hearing a snap of bone as a rib or two broke. Growling angrily he caught the next kick and yanked the man forward, noticing that it was the opponent from before with the broken wrist. Using his entire upper body he stood and pulled the leg with him, before spinning him and shoving him to the grass. Straddling the man he buried consecutive punches into his face until it was a bloody mess of flesh and bruises.
Glancing to the side he found that Nikodim wad been downed for a moment and one of the two remaining was about to knock him out cold. Instinctively Eragon grabbed a garden gnome to his left and chucked it, watching as ceramic shattered on the attacker's face. He yelled and crouched over, giving the Russian the chance to stand and take out the last man. Once everyone was out cold, Eragon turned furiously to Pierce. The man had obviously told the others to do as they'd done and he didn't appreciate it at all. Apparently Nikodim was in the same boat as they approached with fury evident in every line of their bodies. Six guards moved in front and Eragon chuckled darkly.
"You really think they can stop us?"
Pierce shrugged.
"From what I've seen? No. But," He opened his jacket to reveal a gun. "this will. I'm not planning on using it though if you two will calm yourselves for a moment. I was planning on accepting only one, but obviously both of you are beyond skilled. I have chosen to bring you both in. After a vigorous amount of screening of course. So, are you in?"
Glancing at his newfound friend he nodded.
"I'm in."
Nikodim smirked.
"I as well."
Pierce smiled.
"Very good. Nikodim, Rhydian, you will both be escorted back to the museum now. In two days time, return and you will become part of the Lorga family."
So the alliance has been created and if anyone wants to just join in without PMing me that's totes cool as well. You'll want to get into the world 'Bombur100' and choose to be elves. You can be dwarves as well but they don't have as cool of stuff in my opinion lol. Once you're in, search in alliances for 'The Varden' and ask to join in. It'd be a cool way for a bunch of people on here to chat and have fun.
Ocadioan: Lol don't give up on me! It might take a bit but I'll always be back. I can understand that though because you're right, usually when it's been way long the story isn't getting finished. I thought it fit pretty well too :D
TheLoneVoyager: Sorry! Lol it was like over 5000 words! Plus more if you add in the AN and review responses. But I can see how it seemed short just because not much happened. Thanks! Ah I gotcha, do you like working during the night or day more? I know some people think night jobs are cool but you miss out on so much if your asleep through the day. What would you rather go into?
thetinker: Lol and now I'm updating at 4 am. I should totes sleep more often. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! And I hope you like this one as much :)
Ninja15912: Nah he'd rather me not say. I'll start putting them up again as soon as I get some free time :/ Sorry it's taking so long to put chapters of this up.
urstrulyanonymous: Good and thank you so much for helping me get over my writer's block lol. I get that, I just didn't want people to start raging on me for messing with their relationship. I need to learn that I can't please everyone and just write it without any notion of what's coming next. I'll definitely try and get into other character's heads and stuff to try and make the story more dynamic. Will do and thanks :D
Aceon786: Thank you!
Rainxoxo: That sounds pretty dreadful to be honest. Hopefully I never get it to where it lasts so long because I'd get so frustrated with the boring reality of life if I couldn't write what I wished it was like! Thank you and I'm glad it made your day :D Sorry about your project and I hope it went well in the end. :)
LaughingAfro: Thanks!
abhaybazaz: Lol he does act pretty bipolar I guess. Well he's kind of going to be a dick ;) I hope this chapter with Vanir was better although I didn't want to focus too much more on training so I couldn't really do much with him. Thank you! That's awesome I'm so glad it's getting better then! I'm sure you guys will be closer after all the dust has cleared :)
BlossumHunt: It'll probably be more like two and a half or so just because of all I have left to cram in. This one was actually a lot easier to write after a certain point and I hope I don't get it ever again because that was awful.
jonwright46: Thanks :D And Vanir's ass has been royally kicked!
magic: ;D You'll just have to wait and see. . . = yes. Lol thank you that's good to hear. Well, the loving the stories part. Stalking I'm not so sure on :D
Tamerhelm85: Thanks! Lol it's 5 months and if you really want to know check the reviews for the hint that I placed in chapter 35. Or you could hold off and be surprised! Your choice haha :D
burning book: :P
Firestar3271: Thanks!
N-Six: :) As for KoM, I can see where you would've gotten bored because sometimes it seems like there's nothing to do. Usually then I just attack the crap out of people and steal their resources :D And I have heard of it but never played it. What's it like?
Guest: Thank you and I'm glad you like the pace. I was a bit worried about it but I think these chapters were definitely needed for his character transformation. Thanks again!
Morzan's Elvish Daughter: Because dreams are such a good way to convey emotion while keeping it entertaining. I haven't read any FF lately that involve them though so maybe they do it for different reasons. I know I do that. I tried to find all of the mess-ups in this one though so hopefully it's not so bad.
peanutbutterprince: :D And thanks! Nobody can be sad forever! It'll all turn out alright. Sorry this one still took a while but it wasn't as long so hopefully it's all good with everyone :)
Lost Grey Soul: Aw thank you! And here's your bad ass Eragon! Hope you liked it :D
Geraze90: He can't forget Arya, she's too awesome :P Thank you and he's going to get a gun. I'll put a link to it when I write it in so you all can see.
JLo: Oh yeah! Um well I was planning on doing that before I started re-updating FtP. Eragon sings in that one and so I didn't want him to do it in more than one of my stories. I'll have to go back and change that at some time lol.
GUESTHHEEHEE: ;) It's not too far off.
TheeRoyalJester: Well Eragon is a much more emotional character than Arya and umm. . . . of course he's not going to be cold. . . . . sorry haha. He has to be the asshole for a chapter or so but it'll wear off. Lol I think Noon was just messin' with ya! Or not but either way, I know nerds with deep voices. Maybe A Dark Noon just hasn't met any deep-voiced nerds :P Lol "which is pretty deep. . . I think." That was awesome. You learn so many interesting things when you take a walk on the creepy side of life! Stalking is such a fun thing! Can that be a FB thing? I'm totally creating this club in real life! I mean, yeah. Maybe we should say manchild. I think that works. I will hunt you down! Jk. But ranch is the best. And I don't like, just eat ranch. I just add it to all fries, chicken, and I load it onto salads. Hey now, ranch has feelings too. Yeah he totes is a little fibber :D And I'm totes telling him you said that, that's great. But no, no chance for romance lol. Ha I like how you added 'shit' to the end of the title. Makes it sound like great read. . . but actually yes! I have. I'm a bit behind on the new series though. If I randomly met you we would be best friends haha. You sound so much like me it's crazy. I can't remember if I've already said this because last response was a week or so ago, but I once shot an arrow through a barbie's boob. And then her head. Super fun. I also shot a firework at one. I mean, probs not but it's all good! You can still chat it up with everyone.
mr rophone: It's all good :) Yeah I've never liked those stories much although that's kind of what I did in FtP. It was warranted though and all fluff so I think I had to. Thank you so much! I like to hear that mu story is unexpected because it means I'm not following a stock path set for FF :D Well, he hasn't really gotten with her but I'll see how far their relationship really goes next chapter. Probably wont be anything but like, physical lol. Thanks again and that's a great motto. I kind of lets me off the hook :P
Nandon: Thank you! That's kind of sad, why do you think it might be happening? Just upset by the ending or what? And will do! That's awesome! What kind is it?
Question: Oh there will be just not for quite a while haha. Everything must come to an end sometime :)
herpydederpy: I actually did experiment in starting a new story which might of helped :P Not sure if I'll keep going with it but we'll see :)
Gazamidori: Lol I wont ever go on hiatus I don't think. Glad you liked the chapter though!
chittart: Sorry it was taking so long but hopefully you like the chapter. And I know everyone's eager for it but I don't think it would be quite as epic if there wasn't a good build up.
Yabadabado: Thanks! Lol I don't really think my grammar is all that awful. I know I make some mistakes but not enough to need a beta. As for scheduling, I've realized over my writing life that if I set a deadline for myself, I immediately set myself up to fail. I hate restrictions and rules and so giving myself some is usually a bad idea. I'm really sorry that it's been taking so long. The easiest way for you to know when a chapter is up is to make an account and follow the story. It'll get sent to your email every time an update occurs :)