Disclaimer: I don't own Kingdom Hearts, the Characters, or any Game, Movie, or TV Show content that are mentioned in this FanFiction story. They belong to their respective owners and I honor respect their great works.
After rescuing Horst and his family from the Dream Eaters, Eragon traveled with Devon along the path that led to his home in Carvahall. It was a 30 minute walk back to the village, and an extra hour and a half to get to Eragon's home, which was a few miles away, being the furthest farm in the valley. During their walk, Eragon told Devon about the stone he had found in the Spine, and also what happened in Sloan's butcher shop.
"So, you found a blue stone in the mountains?" Devon asks
"Yes. In the Spine. I was hunting for deer when it suddenly appeared in a flash of light. I figured it must've been magic." Eragon says
"Hmm... Interesting." Devon says
"Since I failed to catch a deer, I tried to offer it to Sloan as trade, but he refused to even touch it." Eragon says
"Why wouldn't he want it?" Devon asks
"After I told him I acquired the stone from the Spine, he wanted nothing to do with it." Eragon says
"Sounds to me like he's paranoid." Devon says
"And he's a bit of a troublemaker. At least, that's what Horst told me." Eragon says
"About Horst. How long have you known him? Seems like you and him are close friends." Devon asks
"Horst has looked out for me and my family for as long as I can remember. He helped pay for some of the meat in Sloan's butcher shop." Eragon says
"Well, that was nice of him. So, Sloan's a butcher. And Horst is the village blacksmith, right? I noticed he had a lot of tools." Devon says
"Yeah. I'm actually looking forward to working with Horst at his forge. His son, Albriech is leaving soon for Feinster to become a master smith. I'll be filling in his spot in my spare time as Horst's assistant." Eragon says
"Feinster? Where's that?" Devon asks
"It's a settlement far to the south, near Surda." Eragon says
"Well, it's nice of you to help Horst while his son is away. But... you said you live on a farm, right? With your uncle?" Devon says
"Yeah. My Uncle Garrow. He owns the farm." Eragon says
"Doesn't he need you to help with the farm?" Devon asks
"My cousin, Roran will help him while I'm busy at Horst's forge." Eragon says
Devon looked at Eragon with a quiet expression. Somehow, he felt that the farm boy was also an orphan like him since he mentioned nothing yet about his parents. He decided not to press him on that matter and just continued walking along the trail. Now, it was Eragon's turn to question Devon. He was curious to know more about him and the weapon he wielded in their fight against the Dream Eaters.
"Devon, that weapon you wielded. What was it?" Eragon asks
The two boys stopped for a moment as Devon turned to face Eragon.
"You mean this?" Devon says
Devon holds his right-hand out and his Keyblade: Soul Calibur appears in his grip in a brilliant flash of blue light. Eragon gazed upon the crystal Keyblade with widened eyes and a gaping mouth, staring in awe, amazement, and wonder, like it was the most amazing thing he had ever seen. The blue translucent crystal dazzled in the farm boy's eyes as it glowed with it's ever-present light. Devon wasn't surprised when he saw Eragon's stunned expression and he smiled.
"Yeah. I've been getting the same looks almost every time. You might want to close that mouth, otherwise you'll catch flies." Devon says
Eragon obeyed and he closed his mouth. Then, he asked the obvious question.
"What is it?" Eragon asks
"This is a Keyblade. It's a weapon of ancient, incredible power. And I am it's wielder." Devon says
Eragon's eyes widened again. He had often heard stories of the great Keyblade Wielders of yore from Brom, the village's storyteller. From what he learned, they were incredibly powerful users of magic and were strong warriors, more so than even dragons and their riders. And his new friend, Devon, was among them.
"So, this is a Keyblade..." Eragon says in awe
"You heard of it?" Devon asks with a raised right-eyebrow
"Only in stories. I've heard so much about the Keyblade and it's wielders, but I'd never thought I'd see one. May I?" Eragon says
Devon looks at Soul Calibur in his hand, then gives it to Eragon as he holds it in his right-hand. He expected the Keyblade to be heavy, but it was surprisingly lightweight. Then, he holds the Keyblade horizontally before him and runs his other hand across it's side, feeling the smoothness of the blue crystal. As he stared at the mystical weapon, Eragon noticed white runic markings etched along the length of the blade, which he or Devon had no idea what they meant. And right before his eyes, Soul Calibur vanishes from Eragon's hand, much to his surprise, and it reappears in Devon's hand.
"Incredible. Is it true that you can use fire? What about ice?" Eragon asks
"Yes. And yes. There's a lot more I can do with the Keyblade, too. I'd gladly show you, but I wouldn't want to attract unnecessary attention to ourselves, especially the king, given his bad reputation." Devon says
Eragon nods his head in agreement, and Devon de-summons his Keyblade as they continue with their walk. Along the way, Devon told Eragon more about who he was, where he came from, even about other worlds and the ones he visited like Twilight Town, Radiant Garden, Berk, and Middle-Earth, to name but a few. He also told Eragon about his current task on training to become a Keyblade Master to prepare for the fight against the Dark Lord of the Shadows by partaking in the Mark of Mastery Exam. Eragon was fascinated by everything Devon told him.
Eventually, the two boys reach Eragon's farm, which Devon had to admit was quite peaceful to say the least. The farm was set in a small valley with a few haystacks standing in the surrounding fields. The two horses, Birka and Brugh, grazed in the fields while their owner, Garrow, tended to the growing crops. The old man looked over to his right and saw Devon and Eragon as they came walking along the path to their farm. Eragon waved his left-hand to his uncle and the old man waved back with his right-hand. As they walked onto the farm, a young man named Roran ran up to greet them.
Roran was Eragon's maternal cousin, who was practical, straightforward, down-to-earth. He was two years older than Eragon. He had a sturdy, muscular build, shaggy brown hair, and grey eyes. Roran wore a white cloth shirt, grey pants, and dark brown boots.
Eragon and Roran were very close as they cared for each other like they were brothers. Roran was very happy to see his cousin as raised his right-hand up with a fist.
"All hail, Eragon! The mighty hunter returns!" Roran says
Roran stops and places his right-hand on his cousin's left-shoulder.
"Yeah. With his invisible catch." Roran says
Eragon smiled and chuckled. Roran quickly notices Devon as he stood next to Eragon's right.
"Oh? A friend. Who's this?" Roran asks
"Roran, this is Devon. He's new to Carvahall. Devon, this is my cousin, Roran." Eragon says
Roran looked at Devon and he smiled.
"Any friend of Eragon is a friend of mine." Roran says
Devon nods his head and he shakes hands with Roran. The three boys walked over to the house as Roran teases his cousin about his hunt in the Spine.
"So, what happened? Did you get scared when the deer growled?" Roran asks in a teasing manner
Eragon and Roran laughed. Devon followed the two farm boys inside their home as they step through the double doors, and he gazes around at the interior.
An old wooden table stood in the room with grain that stood up with tiny ridges like a giant fingerprint. To the left in the corner was a woodstove with rows of cooking utensils tacked onto the wall nearby with homemade nails. An open doorway to the left led to the rest of the home. And the floor was polished from years of tramping feet.
The house was everything Devon expected it to be for a primitive farmhouse.
"It may not be much, but it's home." Eragon says
"It's nice." Devon says nodding his head
Eragon hung his bow and quiver on some hooks near the door and puts his pack down on a small hay stack, then turns back to his cousin.
"No respect for the hunter?" Eragon says
Eragon pushes Roran with both hands, causing him to stumble forward.
"Oh!" Roran exclaims
Roran lands on a haystack, then looks back at his cousin with a playful expression on his face.
"Don't you ever learn?" Roran says
Almost immediately, Roran jumps up to his feet and chases after Eragon, who climbs over the table to escape him. Roran grabs a wooden pole and takes two swings at Eragon, who grabs an iron bucket to defend himself. He leans over to the left, dodging the first strike as Roran swings the pole downward, then blocks an upward strike using the bucket as a shield. The pole hits the bucket with a loud clunk.
"Shall we have another lesson today?" Roran says
Eragon moves around a wooden column of the house as Roran comes at him with three more swings. The third strike hits the column, knocking some hay that was hanging off onto Roran, while Eragon stands on the other side, taunting his cousin.
"You fight like an old goat, Roran." Eragon taunts
Roran tosses the wooden pole aside and grabs a wooden stave off a haystack behind him while Eragon grabs a stave of his own near the left side of the burning wood stove. Eragon chuckles and twirls the stave in his right-hand, then pokes a pile of hay that was up on the beams above them, sending them falling onto his cousin. He then goes on the offensive and comes at Roran with three strikes, swinging his stave left and right. Roran parries his blows and strikes back with some blows of his own. Eragon defends himself as he backed away, blocking his cousin's strikes. Roran swings his stave down at Eragon, who blocks by holding his stave horizontally infront of him as he leaned back against the table, which had a iron plate of bread and a wooden cup of milk.
"Mind my breakfast." Eragon says
Pushing the stave away, Eragon quickly moves to the left, dodging Roran's stave as he swings it down onto the table with enough force to cause the plate and the bread to hop slightly.
"You're too slow, Roran." Eragon says
"Wake up, dreamer!" Roran says
Roran attacks with a left and right swing and a left-upward strike, but Eragon blocks all three strikes, putting the two cousins into a brief lock.
"That sounded like you're head." Eragon says smiling
Eragon and Roran drop their staves and the two boys wrestle each other on the floor.
Devon sat on a haystack with his arms crossed as the two boys continued with their activity. Watching them reminded him of the times that he and Sora would play together.
(Flashback)
It was a bright, sunny day on Destiny Islands when a ten-year old Devon played with his best friend, Sora as they sparred against each other on the beach with wooden swords, while Kairi and Riku sat on the sand nearby, watching them. Devon and Sora stood on their respective sides as they got into their battle stances. Devon held his sword with both hands infront of him while Sora held his sword at his right side, also with both hands, pointed away from him. The two boys shared the same dream of becoming adventurers, exploring other places, and heroes to help save and protect people.
"Here I come, Sora! Get ready!" Devon says
"Let's go, Devon! I can take you on!" Sora says
Devon makes the first move and dashes forward at Sora with a right slash, only to be blocked by the spikey-haired boy as he held up his sword in defense. He quickly follows up his attack with a downward slash, an uppercut slash, and a roundhouse slash. Sora blocks the first strike by holding his sword up above his face, leans over to the left in dodging the second strike, and blocks the third strike by bringing his sword to the left.
Now, it was Sora's turn to strike. Swinging Devon's sword away, he attacks with an uppercut slash, a downward slash, and a reverse roundhouse slash. Devon leans his body left and right, dodging the first two strikes, then holds up his sword as he parries the third strike.
Each sword strike made by Devon and Sora made a wooden clunking sound as they traded blows back and forth, taking turns attacking and defending. Kairi cheered Sora on as he fought against Devon.
"Come on, Sora! You can do it!" Kairi cheers
Eventually, Devon and Sora both swung their swords and they clashed in a blade lock. The clash went on for five seconds before Devon shoves Sora back. Catching him off guard, Devon swings his wooden sword with a strong right slash. Sora blocks against the blow, but he stumbles backwards and falls onto the sand on his rump.
Sora was panting for breath as he sat on the sand. He was bummed that he had lost against his best friend again. Apparently, Devon was more skilled with a sword than he was, not to mention he was faster and stronger. Devon walks over to Sora, switches the sword over to his left-hand, and extends his other hand to the spikey-haired boy. Sora smiles and gladly takes hold of his hand as he was pulled up onto his feet.
"Wow. You're good, Devon." Sora says
"You're not bad yourself, Sora. You just need some more practice. Keep it up and maybe someday you'll get to my level." Devon says
"Yeah!" Sora says
Devon and Sora turn and gaze out at the ocean, admiring the view as the ocean's gentle waves crashed onto the beach with their soothing sounds.
"Someday, we'll build a raft and leave these islands. Then, we'll go together on many adventures. Visit other places, meet other people, and see all kinds of amazing things! And maybe, we can help save people and become heroes!" Devon says excitingly
"Yeah! That would be so awesome!" Sora says excitingly
A smile forms on Devon's face as he stares out at the ocean's horizon, dreaming of such wonderful adventures that awaited him and his friends beyond their world.
"Hmm... Yeah... Someday..." Devon says
(Present time)
The same smile was on the Keyblade Wielder's face as he snaps back into reality, remembering such a fond memory.
"Heh. Who would've thought I'd actually be living my dream." Devon says
Uncle Garrow soon walks into the house and puts an end to the boys' fun.
"Hey, come on, boys. That's enough." Garrow says
Eragon and Roran stop their rough-housing and stand back up as Garrow walks up to Devon.
"And who might you be, young man?" Garrow asks
"Oh!" Devon says
Devon stands up from the haystack and steps forward, introducing himself.
"I'm Devon. You must be Eragon's uncle, Garrow."
The Keyblade Wielder extends his right-hand out to the old farmer, offering to shake his hand. Garrow stares at Devon for a brief moment until his face softened with a kind smile.
"That I am." Garrow says
Garrow accepts Devon's hand and they both shake hands.
"So, what brings you to these parts? You obviously seem like you're far from home." Garrow says
"Oh, I was just traveling when I happened to find my way here to... Carvahall, I believe it's called. And that's when I met Eragon." Devon says
"Uncle, Roran, Devon is actually a Keyblade Wielder. He's not from Alagaësia." Eragon says
Roran and Garrow looked at Devon in surprise upon hearing what Eragon had just said. Obviously, they had heard tales about Keyblade Wielders same as Eragon, but they had no idea that one would someday come onto their farm.
"What? Really?" Roran says
"Yes. It's true. I saw it with my own eyes. He saved Horst from a bunch of nasty creatures that attacked his forge." Eragon says
"Is that so?" Garrow says
Garrow shifts his gaze back at Devon as he stared at him more now that he knew he was a Keyblade Wielder. Although he was a bit suspicious around magic, the old man, like so many others in Alagaësia, respected the Keyblade Wielders and the many great deeds they had done for the world.
"Devon, you have my thanks. Horst is a very good friend to me and my boys, and I am grateful that you helped protect him and his family." Garrow says
"Just doing my duty. Eragon actually helped out, too. He's got a sharp eye with that bow of his. Eragon offered me a place to stay on your farm for a while. He also told me that you're a little suspicious about magic. Now, I don't want to be much of a burden if-" Devon says
Garrow smiles and shakes his head, waving his right-hand dismissively.
"Nonsense, my lad. No trouble at all. Any friend of my boys is a friend of mine. It would be good to have a Keyblade Wielder around to keep the farm safe, especially with what's happened at Horst's forge with those creatures. You're more than welcome to stay on the farm for as long as you need." Garrow says
"That's very kind of you, Garrow. Thank you." Devon says
Eragon walks over to his pack and picks it up from the haystack. He then walks over to the table and sets it down. Reaching inside, he takes out the packages of meat and places them onto the table. Garrow walks over to the table, noticing the wrapped packages.
"What's this? Did you buy meat, Eragon? Where did you get the money?" Garrow asks harshly
"No. Horst bought it for us." Eragon says
Garrow's face paled with slight anger.
"You let him pay for it? Eragon, I've told you before, I won't beg for food. If we can't feed ourselves, we might as well move into town. Next thing you know, they'll be sending us used clothes." Garrow says
"Uncle, I didn't accept charity. Horst agreed to let me work at his forge this spring. Albriech is going away and he needs someone to help him." Eragon says
"And where will you get the time to work for him? Will you simply ignore the things that need to be done here?" Garrow asks
"I don't know how, but I will find a way to help both him and you." Eragon says
Garrow places his hands on his waist and shook his head with a sigh.
"Tomorrow, you'll have to help Roran finish harvesting the barley. If we can get the squash picked too, the frost won't bother us." Garrow says
The old farmer places his right-hand on Eragon's left-shoulder.
"You're a good lad, Eragon. Just try not to burden yourself with too much." Garrow says
"I'll try, Uncle." Eragon says
Later that day, Devon followed Eragon into his room where the two of them would not be disturbed. While the farm boy went to put his pack down, the Keyblade Wielder glanced around at the room.
The room was bare with a pine wood floor, except for the straw-filled mattress bed on his right, a small dresser straight ahead, and a nightstand, which was next to the bed on the right. Also, there was a row of shelves beside the bed, covered with objects that Eragon had collected. Twisted pieces of wood, odd bits of shells, broken rocks that revealed shiny interiors, strips of dry grass tied into knots, and a root so convoluted that Eragon never got tired of looking at.
Setting his pack down onto the wooden floor, Eragon reaches inside with both hands and takes out the blue stone, gently putting it down on the floor. Devon kneels down next to Eragon on his right and they both stare down at the stone.
"This is what you found in the Spine?" Devon asks
"Yes. But I still don't know much about it." Eragon says
Eragon gently knocks the stone with his right-hand, knocking twice on it's surface like he would for a door. A soft tone echoes on the stone's surface, almost as if it was hollow.
"It seems like it's hollow, but I don't know how to open it." Eragon says
"Do you think someone could've sent this into the Spine?" Devon asks
"Maybe, but whoever sent it hasn't taken the trouble to retrieve it." Eragon says
"Or they don't know where it is." Devon says
"I don't believe a magician with enough power to transport the stone wouldn't be able to find it again." Eragon says
"Do you think maybe you were meant to have it?" Devon asks
"I've been wondering that myself, and honestly I don't know." Eragon says looking at the Keyblade Wielder on his right
Devon glances back down at the stone and stares at it with a curious expression. He felt that this mysterious object was more than just a stone. Judging by it's shape and it's size, there was no doubt in his mind that what Eragon found was an egg. But what kind of egg was it? The only way they would know is until the day it hatches. But until then, they would have to wait.
The next day, Eragon and Roran went to work in the fields of the farm. They picked the barley and stored them in the barn. Next, they worked on gathering the prickly vined squash, then the rutabagas, beets, peas, turnips, and beans, which they stored in the root cellar.
After hours of labor and scrapping the ground with garden hoes, the two boys stretched their cramped muscles, glad that the harvest was finished. Then, Roran spoke to his cousin on his right.
"Eragon. I'm leaving." Roran says
Eragon looks at his cousin with a surprised expression on his face. Roran was leaving?
"I'm old enough to be recruited now. Before the soldiers come looking for me. I won't serve in the army. I'll send word when I've settled." Roran says
"But what-" Eragon says
"They know. I already told them." Roran says
"Where will you go?" Eragon asks
Roran leans on his hoe and looks off to the fields on the left.
"I don't know yet. All I know is I'm going." Roran says
The two farm boys share a moment of silence before Garrow calls them from the house.
"Eragon! Roran!" Garrow says
"C'mon." Roran says
Eragon and Roran drop their tools onto the ground and they head back to the house.
Later one night, Eragon was with Uncle Garrow inside the stables, tending to one of the horses as they brushed it's sides. Eragon held a silent expression, which Garrow noticed right away.
"Roran told you then?" Garrow asks
Eragon nods his head.
"Your day will come too, Eragon. And you will decide for yourself the kind of life you wish to lead." Garrow says
"Uncle, I like my life. Right here." Eragon says
"Hmm... What many men seek is often right under their noses. But for some, the unknown is too hard to resist." Garrow says
"Is that why mother left?" Eragon asks
Garrow sighs.
"My sister was in a great hurry when she left you here. Whatever her reasons, we can only trust they were for your own good." Garrow says
The old farmer's face softened into a caring expression as he looked at his nephew with a kind smile.
"Besides, had she not, I wouldn't have gained another son." Garrow says
A smile forms on Eragon's face, happy to hear Garrow say this. He was proud to have him as an uncle.
A few days later, the time came when Roran was ready to leave Carvahall to lead his own life. He carried a pack full of all his essentials on his back for his journey. Devon, Eragon, and Garrow were all with him to say farewell. The old farmer walks up to his son and holds out some coins for him
"Take these. I've been saving them for you. It isn't much, but if you wish to buy some bauble or trinket, it will suffice." Garrow says
Roran accepts the coins and looks up at Garrow.
"Thank you, but I won't be spending money on trifles." Roran says
"Do what you will. It's yours." Garrow says
"Your blessing is all I need." Roran says
Garrow smiles and then wraps his arms around Roran, who hugs him back.
"Take care of yourself, Roran." Garrow says
"Good-bye, Father." Roran says
And with that, Roran pulls away and starts to walk down the path to the village of Carvahall with Devon and Eragon following him while Garrow watched them go.
Eventually, after nearly a two hour walk, Devon, Eragon and Roran reach the village and walk down the street. They were soon met by Katrina, who came from another street to the right.
"Katrina!" Roran greets
"Roran!" Katrina greets
Roran and Katrina embrace each other in a tight hug for several seconds until they pull apart.
"So, I guess this means you're leaving now?" Katrina asks
"Yes. But don't worry, Katrina. I'll send word once I've settled." Roran says
Katrina nods her head in understanding, then looks over at Devon on her right, instantly recognized him.
"Oh, hey! I remember you from the other day. You're the Keyblade Wielder that saved Horst from those monsters, aren't you?" Katrina says
Devon scratches the back of the head with his right-hand, looking kind of bashful as he smiled with his cheeks blushing a slight red.
"Uh... Heh... Yeah. That would be me." Devon says
"I really appreciate what you did for Horst. He's a very good man." Katrina says
"So I've noticed. And who might you be?" Devon says
"Oh! I'm sorry. We didn't get much of a chance to talk. My name's Katrina."
"I'm Devon."
"It's so wonderful to meet you, Devon. The whole village has been talking about you, and your Keyblade." Katrina says
"Really?" Devon says
"Yes. And already word has begun to spread out across the kingdom. After so many years, a Keyblade Wielder has come to Alagaësia. Your presence here gives hope to so many helpless people." Katrina says
"I doubt the king would see it that way. He might consider me a threat." Devon says crossing his arms
The Keyblade Wielder leans over to his left and Eragon, Roran, and Katrina follow his gaze as a few soldiers walk across through the village several feet ahead of them.
"Even so, isn't it good to deliver some least bit of hope to those who have none? The people of Alagaësia have suffered endlessly in misery and pain. They deserve to live in freedom and happiness, not in despair and sadness." Katrina says
Katrina takes hold of Devon's right-hand and places her hand on top of his.
"I believe that someday you can give them that, Devon." Katrina says
The auburn-haired girl leans in close to Devon and gives him a kiss on the left-cheek of his face, causing him to blush bright red. She then turns to her love, Roran.
"Roran... Good luck. I hope one day we can see each other again." Katrina says
Roran takes hold of Katrina's hands and looks into her blue eyes.
"I will, Katrina. I promise." Roran says
The two lovers leaned closer to each other and kissed on the lips while Devon and Eragon watched with happy smiles. They soon pulled away and Roran turns right toward Devon, wishing him farewell.
"Good-bye, Devon. I'm glad to have met you, even if it was for a short while." Roran says
Roran extends his right-hand out to Devon, who accepts it gladly, and the two boys shake hands.
"Same here. I hope you find a good life out there." Devon says
Roran nods his head and embraces Devon in a hug. The Keyblade Wielder pats him on the back twice with his left-hand and they pull apart. Finally, Roran turns to his cousin, Eragon, the one person he had ever considered as a brother. Placing his right-hand on his left-shoulder, Roran gives Eragon a fond, loving smile.
"Be strong. And work on that aim." Roran says
Roran and Eragon soon embrace in a tight hug, wrapping their arms around one another
"You may make a hunter yet." Roran says
After a good long seven seconds of hugging each other, the two boys pull away and took a step back. Roran looks upon his friends and cousin one last time before he turns and walks off down the street, taking the path that led out of Carvahall to begin his journey, while Devon, Eragon, and Katrina watched him go.
Later that night, Eragon sat on a haystack in his room, staring down at the floor, while Devon sat on another haystack to his left near the blue stone, watching him before he looks down with a sigh. Neither one of them said a word after Roran left.
Suddenly, the two boys heard noises inside the room. Devon looks over to his left as does Eragon. The noise was coming from the blue stone, which was now rocking back and forth with little cracks breaking on it's surface. Eragon held a perplexed look on his face while Devon held a calm, yet surprised expression. Soon, the egg hatches with the shell bursting open, and emerging from the egg was a baby dragon.
This dragon looked dignified and noble, as long as the forearm of the two boys. The scales on it's body were a sapphire blue, the same as the egg, which refracted light in a radiant display, while it's underbelly was a cream color. The dragon fanned it's bat-like wings, which was several times longer than it's body, ribbed with thin fingers of bone that extended from the wing's front edge with a line of widely spaced talons. The dragon's head was roughly triangular with beautiful icy-blue eyes, four cheek spines, and slightly curved horns, which were bone-white. It's jaws were filled with white, sharp, knife-like, meat-shearing teeth. Even the claws on it's paws were also white, like polished ivory.
The little dragon was on it's back when it hatched from it's egg, but it rolled over flat on it's stomach, taking it's first breaths while Devon and Eragon stared in awe and wonder.
"You're not a stone... An egg." Eragon says
"I knew it." Devon says
The small dragon stumbles around a bit on it's feet as it tried to maintain it's balance.
"Look at you." Eragon says
Curiosity seemed to overtake the baby creature as it awkwardly explored the room. A cute tiny squeal escaped it's mouth as it bumped into the nearby walls and furniture.
"What are you?" Eragon says
"It's a dragon." Devon says
Eragon looked at Devon in surprise. All this time he had been keeping a dragon egg in his care, and now the legendary creature was here standing before him. Myths and stories about dragons and their riders were treasured, just as much as Keyblade Wielders were revered. Being a rider would place him among those legends. However, there was a danger also. If the Empire discovered about Devon and the dragon, he and his family would most certainly be put to death.
With a flutter of it's wings, the baby dragon leaps up onto the straw mattress bed on it's right and crawled over to the feather-filled pillow, squeaking with it's cute voice. It's mouth opened up with a yawn, revealing rows of pointed teeth, and it shook it's body. Eventually, the baby dragon jumps back down onto the floor and sniffs the air before it finally turns it's curious gaze over at the two humans infront of it. A smile formed on the faces of the Keyblade Wielder and the farm boy as they watched the small creature. Devon pats Eragon on the back with his right-hand, encouraging him to touch the dragon.
"Go on. Try and pet it." Devon says
Tentatively, Eragon reaches his right-hand out to pet the baby dragon, who sniffed his hand and recoils a bit, but then steps closer to the farm boy. When his hand came in contact with the small creature's head, a flash of light illuminates the room and a blast of icy energy surged into Eragon's hand and raced up along his arm, burning through his veins like liquid fire. The farm boy fell back with a cry onto Devon as an iron clang filled his ears. His hand went numb and his fingers paralyzed. Every part of his body seared with pain, overwhelming him until he fell unconscious. It was in this moment that Eragon's life would change forever.
In the village of Carvahall, the old man, Brom sensed something as he woke up from his bed inside his house. It was almost as if he felt a disturbance in the air.
In Urû'baen, the king, Galbatorix, who was sitting resting on his throne, also sensing something as he lifted up his head to look up at the cave-like ceiling.
Arya also felt the disturbance as she regains consciousness, gasping in surprise, but she soon smiled, relieved to know that the dragon was in good hands. The elf princess was locked up in a dungeon, chained down to a stone cold table in Gil'ead, a fortress city located in the northern part of Alagaësia near the Isenstar Lake. It was also one of the Broddring Empire's best security prisons. Durza entered the room from a door to her left and approaches the elf princess, towering over her as he stared down with an emotionless expression.
"Where is it?" Durza asks
"Too late... It's hatched." Arya says in a weak voice
Durza held his right-hand over Arya and she gasps in pain. Through her, he saw visions of Devon, Eragon and the baby dragon. Eragon finding the egg in the Spine. Devon fighting off the Dream Eaters with his crystal Keyblade. And the baby dragon hatching from it's egg. Durza continued torturing the elf princess to learn more what he could while she suffered endlessly from his dark powers.
Dawn came as the sun crested over the horizon, shining down over the farm as the new day started. The morning air was crisp and fresh.
Eragon woke up in his room to find himself laying on his bed. He then looked over and saw the small dragon lying on his chest, resting like a sleeping dog until it opened it's eyes, cocking it's head slightly to the right as it stared at him. Then, he looked at his right-hand as his skin itched slightly. On his palm was spiral-shaped scar resembling a stylized 'e'. This was the Gedwëy Ignasia, the mark of a dragon rider in Alagaësia.
"What is this?" Eragon asks
Eragon and the baby dragon soon heard groaning inside the room. It was Devon, who had slept on the floor at the foot of the bed with a pillow and a brown blanket. The Keyblade Wielder sat up and stretched his arms, groaning with his voice as he woke up. Devon looked over at his right and was relieved to see Eragon awake.
"Oh, good. You're up." Devon says
The baby dragon crawled over to the foot of the bed and squealed happily as it nuzzled itself against Devon's face, arching it's back like a cat.
"Heh heh. Good morning to you too." Devon says smiling as he stroked his left-hand down the dragon's head along it's back to it's tail
Eragon sat up and rubbed his head with his right-hand.
"Devon? What happened?" Eragon asks
"You sorta fell unconscious after you touched our little dragon friend here. I tried to wake you up, but you wouldn't budge. I was worried. So I dragged you onto your bed so you could rest while I slept on the floor." Devon says
The two boys and the young dragon soon heard Garrow calling Eragon as his voice echoed from elsewhere in the house.
"Eragon! Wake up! Get on with the chores!" Garrow says
The dragon jumps off the bed and backs away, growling at the door where Garrow's voice originated. While Eragon got up from his bed, Devon quickly went over to the dragon and scratched it's head to keep it quiet.
"Shh! Shh... It's okay. It's okay." Devon says
The Keyblade Wielder looks down at the dragon as it stayed by his side. Then, he and Eragon heard it's stomach growling. They knew the dragon hadn't eaten anything since it first hatched from it's egg.
"This little guy needs to eat. It hasn't been fed since last night." Devon says
"Go grab some of the meat. It should be enough to fill up it's belly." Eragon says
"Got it." Devon says nodding his head
Devon leaves the room for a few minutes and returns with a strip of dried meat in his right-hand. The small dragon growled with anticipation as Devon kneels down to it. Carefully using a knife, he cuts up the meat into six small squares, and offers one to the dragon.
"Here you go. Be gentle please." Devon says
The baby dragon sniffed the meat cautiously, then jabbed it's head forward like a snake and snatched the food from Devon's fingers, swallowing it whole with a jerk.
"Wow. That's quite an appetite." Devon says
The dragon prodded Devon's hand for more food, which he gladly complied. He fed the baby creature two more squares of meat, being careful to keep his fingers away from it's teeth. Suddenly, the Keyblade Wielder, farm boy, and small dragon heard the rustling of straw and tiny squeaks in the room. It was a rat, scavenging for scraps. Rats had always been a problem for Eragon and his family on the farm, especially when the rodent pests get into the barn and the cellar where their food is kept. The dragon looks off to it's left and hears the rat with it's incredible hearing. The sounds was coming from behind a square haystack near the wall to the left of the bed. Growling in hunger, the dragon sprints toward the haystack and Devon and Eragon watch in amazement as it leaps up over the haystack and dives down behind it. A few pieces of straw kick up in the air, followed by the pained squeals of the rat. The two boys walk over to the haystack and watch as the baby dragon slurps up the rat's tail, then licks it's chops as it glances up at them.
"So much for our rat problem." Eragon says smiling
The baby dragon lets out a belch, which Devon and Eragon had to admit was incredibly cute. Then, Garrow's voice sounds off in the house again, calling for his nephew.
"Eragon!" Garrow calls
"You'd better get on with your chores, Eragon. I'll watch over our little dragon." Devon says
Eragon nods his head and sets off to his tasks on the farm, leaving Devon to take care of the dragon. The Keyblade Wielder glances down at the baby dragon and it stares back up at him.
"Well, it's just you and me now, buddy." Devon says
The small creature crawled over to the young teen and nuzzles itself against his squatted right-leg. Devon rubbed his right-hand along the dragon's body and a low hum came from it's vibrating throat as the dragon felt content by the Keyblade Wielder's gentle touch.
Devon and Eragon both knew that Garrow would care to have a dragon around. Their only option: Raising the creature in secret. Perhaps in a month or two when the dragon was more larger and grown they could break the news to the farmer. But the question is: Will he accept it?
Knowing that he had to find a safe place for the young creature, Devon picked up the dragon, placed it onto the bed, borrowed an empty pack, and packed some essentials while the dragon watched him curiously. Four brown blankets. Two more strips of meat, adding to the three squares he already had. A few rags. Some carrots, a few loaves of bread, and turnips to feed himself, but surely there were some available food sources out in the field to sustain himself.
Once he was finished, he hoists his pack onto his back and turned to the baby creature.
"Alright. Come on, little guy. Let's go out camping." Devon says
Devon gingerly picked up the small dragon in his arms and began heading out. He stopped for a moment, remembering the egg fragments on the floor where the dragon hatched. He knew that Eragon can dispose of them once he was done with his chores and he continued out the door. Moving quietly and swiftly, Devon sneaked out of the house and hurried across the fields and into the forest west of the farm, while Eragon tended to his chores with his uncle.
The Keyblade Wielder took a stroll through the forest with the blue dragon in his arms as it looked around at it's new surroundings with interest. It was a 15 minute walk before Devon stops infront of a rowan tree, which stood alone on a barren knoll, believing this would be a good place to look after the dragon. He gently sets the creature down at the base of the tree, then sets his pack down against the trunk next to it. From there, Devon went to work on setting up base camp.
First, Devon kneels down and takes out the four blankets, setting them flat out on the ground. One he sets down for him to rest on over the earth. The other for the dragon. And the last two he places on his area. One curled up as a pillow. The other to cover himself with against the elements.
Then, he builds a campfire to provide warmth against the cold and light for the night time. Devon takes four steps away from the tree and sweeps away the dirt, leaves, and forest debris with his right-leg. Getting down on all fours, he flattens out the dirt with his hands, and gathers ten large stones, putting them in a circle around the patch of dirt. Then, he collects the wood for the fire and places them in the center of the stones. Lighting up a fire was easy with Devon's magic, but he would not do so until dark. He also made sure that no forest debris was anywhere near the campfire whenever he would light it so that if the wind blows it wouldn't accidentally cause a forest fire.
Pleased with how his work turned out, Devon sat down on his blanket, leaned back against the tree, and relaxed with his left-leg bent and his other leg stretched out. He took the curled up blanket and used it as a cushion his head against the rough tree bark. The dragon cuddled up to the Keyblade Wielder and laid down next to him on his right. Devon gave the small creature some nice scratches it's back, which it really enjoyed as it squealed in content. The dragon was loving the scratches so much that it rolled over on it's side, allowing Devon to scratch it's belly, which made him chuckle and smile. The Keyblade Wielder gazed up at the forest canopy, which casted shadows on the ground, offering shade from the sun, and listened to the sounds of singing birds. He soon shut his eyes and fell asleep with the dragon resting alongside him.
In Urû'baen, thunder rumbled in the dark skies above the black citadel as Durza met with Galbatorix inside his throne room as he sat on his throne.
"My King, Galbatorix. As you feared, the dragon has hatched. But to a mere farm boy." Durza says
"To whom is not the issue." Galbatorix says
The tyrant king rises up from his throne and descends down the stairs that led up to it.
"When the Varden learn that the legend is real, they will be encouraged to challenge me, and I not interested in being challenged." Galbatorix says
"There is more that you should know, my king." Durza says
"I already know. A Keyblade Wielder has returned to Alagaësia. Most surprising... and also troublesome. As I recall the legends, Keyblade Wielders were exceptionally strong users of magic. Their powers exceeded far beyond those of any mortal and immortal being in existence. Elves, Gods, even dragons. And from what I have been told, this Keyblade Wielder, a child, possesses incredible power." Galbatorix says
Galbatorix looks toward the curtain map of Alagaësia on the wall and gestures to the Beor Mountains on the southwest part of the map.
"Beyond these borders are remnants of the resistance. Elves, Dwarves, the Varden. We cannot let them have hope. Summon the Ra'zac. Hunt them down." Galbatorix says
The tyrant king walks over and leans close to the Shade, speaking into his left-ear with a menacing voice.
"Do not let them reach the Varden." Galbatorix says
"I will find the boys, and kill them before they become men." Durza says
The next day, Devon met with Eragon at the campsite in the afternoon and they sat together with the baby dragon. They built a crude hut made from sticks and leaves as a shelter for the dragon and for Devon when he watched over it. The two boys shared a quiet moment with each other as the baby dragon stood between them. Eragon gazes down at the small creature, wondering what happened to it's mother.
"Where is your mother? Did she abandon you too? Did she leave in a great hurry?" Eragon asks
The dragon cuddles up to Eragon and nuzzles itself against the inside of his right-leg, sensing his sadness. The farm boy smiles and strokes the dragon's head with his right-hand. Devon looks over at Eragon on his right, pondering what he had just heard from him. Is that what happened to him with his mother? Eragon looks back at Devon and speaks to him.
"So, Devon, all your life you've been on your own?" Eragon asks
The Keyblade Wielder nods his head.
"Pretty much." Devon says
"Where are your parents?" Eragon asks
Devon remains silent for a moment before he tells Eragon the fate of his mother and father.
"They're dead." Devon says in a low voice
Eragon stares at Devon in shock and disbelief. He shared glances with the dragon before they looked back at the Keyblade Wielder as he continued to explain.
"It happened one night when I was a child. They were murdered right infront of me by another Keyblade Wielder. A servant of evil who's a dozen times more ruthless and cruel than Galbatorix. And while they were trying to protect me, my parents, who were also Keyblade Wielders, were killed." Devon says
Eragon could not believe what he had heard. Devon's parents were Keyblade Wielders? And was there actually someone more cruel, ruthless, and evil as Galbatorix? The farm boy felt bad for his friend having suffered such a terrible loss. Yet there was one thing that Eragon wanted to know: How could Devon have survived the horrific event?
"I'm sorry about your parents, Devon. But how did you survive?" Eragon says
"An ancient, powerful being called The Inheritor saved me. He had watched over me ever since I was born. After the murder of my parents, I was left in the care of my aunt and uncle like you and Garrow." Devon says
The dragon looked up at the Keyblade Wielder, now sensing his sadness, and climbs up onto his lap, cuddling close to his chest. Devon glances down at the small creature and smiles, stroking it's back with his right-hand. Then, he gazes off into the sky, staring up at the blue sky while Eragon stares at him, praying that what happened to the Keyblade Wielder's parents never happens to his family.
Far to the south, a black tower stood among four-peaked mountains of Helgrind near Dras-Leona and thunder rumbled overhead within the dark grey clouds. This was the domain of the Ra'zac where Durza traveled to summon them. The evil Shade stood in a dark cave with his hands spread out as a black-red cloud of darkness covered the ground. Bats fluttered about in the cave, screeching loudly as Durza called upon the Ra'zac, saying their name.
"Ra'zac... Ra'zac! Ra'zac!" Durza says
Two humanoid creatures burst up from the ground and land infront of the Shade, answering his call to serve. These were the Ra'zac.
The Ra'zac were nightmarish monsters not native to Alagaësia, but an ancient, invasive race that had migrated from their homeland somewhere across the sea. They feasted on human flesh like zombies, drinked human blood like vampires, and dwelled deep underground. There were only two Ra'zac currently in existence in Alagaësia that served Galbatorix as deadly assassins.
They had a vague human form with bodies crawling with or made up of colonies of insects, covered in bandage-like rags, wearing black cloaks to hide their true grotesque appearance.
The Ra'zac were truly hellish creatures, but what really made them so fearsome was their abilities. They had superhuman strength, speed, agility, stamina, and keen senses equal to an elf, not to mention a strong exoskeleton that was tough as armor. And yet there was one ability they possessed no elf, Shade, or dragon rider had: an evil breath like poison gas that fogs the minds of humans, making them incapable of doing anything.
The two humanoid creatures uttered their own language, speaking in sharp clicks, clacks, clucks, shrieks, and chirps, as well as other bug and bird-like sounds. The Ra'zac turned to the Shade armed with dual knives protruding from their sleeves as he gave them their order.
"Kill the Keyblade Wielder, and the rider." Durza says
Late one night in Carvahall, Eragon and Devon took a stroll through the village, passing soldiers as they went on their patrols. They soon walk over to a porch and overhear the villagers, mostly men, talking amongst themselves. Horst was among them, listening to the conversation.
"Nothing from my boys. Not a word. Their mother's heart is broken. And for what? More fear, more death, more suffering?" A man says
"Easy. The soldiers will hear you." Another man says looking behind him
"What's that matter?" A third voice says
This voice belonged to Brom, the village storyteller, who sat on a wooden stool, leaning against a column near a fire pit with a wooden cup in his right-hand.
"Speak or not speak. It makes no difference." Brom says
"Quiet, Brom, A fool like you has nothing to lose." The same man says
"No argument there. Don't mind me." Brom says waving his free hand in dismissal
Brom stares down at the fire pit for a moment, gazing at the dancing, crackling flames before he spoke again.
"It wasn't always like this. There was a time when our land flourished without fear, cruelty, and shadow. A time when peace, life, and light truly ruled Alagaësia. A time of Dragons, Dragon Riders, and Keyblade Wielders." Brom says
"Those days are long gone." A man says
"No one could defeat them. Until there was one of their own. A rider named Galbatorix, who swore to take all the power for himself and cut down any rider or Keyblade Wielder who opposed him." Brom says
Nearby, a group of soldiers stood at their posts when one of them, possibly the leader, overhears Brom's tale. More importantly, he heard the ill-words about the king. Not wanting to hear any more, the soldier storms over and grabs Brom by his robes, lifting him up and nearly shoving him off his seat, making him drop and spill his drink in the process.
"Enough! Before you hang by a tree!" The soldier shouts with a threatening voice
Before the soldier could do anything else to the old man, Devon and Eragon step in to defend him.
"Stop!" Devon says
"No!" Eragon says
The soldier turns to the two boys on his right with a flabbergasted expression.
"Let him finish." Eragon says
Hesitantly, the soldier allows the request and turns back to Brom as he continues with his tale, rising up to his feet.
"And one day he will pay for his crime." Brom says
With his patience wearing thin, the soldier pushes Brom with both hands, threatening him once more.
"Are you daft? Be on your way!" The soldier shouts
"The time of Keyblade Wielders and Dragon Riders..." Brom says
Brom pauses for a second and looks over at Devon and Eragon on his right with a gentle smile.
"...will come again." Brom says
The Keyblade Wielder and farm boy smile back at the old man, sharing his hopeful gaze before he shuffled away, heading off to his own home. Eragon could've sworn he felt and saw a tear shining on his cheek.
Inspired by Brom's story, Devon and Eragon became more determined than ever to care for the dragon. They established a smooth routine. Devon stayed with the dragon and looked after it while Eragon tackled his chores on the farm until he was finished. Every morning Eragon would check on Devon and the dragon. The trail was marked with rags wrapped around the trees so that Eragon could find his way back and forth between the farm and the camp. Every time he went to visit Devon and the dragon, Eragon checked to make sure he wasn't being watched or followed. Garrow noted his nephew's strange behavior and wondered why he spent so much time outside, not to mention Devon's whereabouts. Eragon shrugged and explained that Devon was hunting in the nearby forests and that he was just helping him.
For Devon, caring for the dragon was just about the same as caring for his own dragon, Luna. Food wasn't much of an issue. The strips of meat kept the dragon nicely fed for three days as Devon gave it three squares three times a day. When the meat were gone, Devon went to the Anora River and caught some fish using a makeshift fishing rod. The dragon gladly ate the fish, swallowing it whole. One single fish instantly filled up the creature's belly for most of the day until dusk when he would feed it again. He shared what he knew about taking care of a dragon with Eragon, who was very impressed by how much Devon knew, which was thanks to Luna, his female Night Fury, Hiccup, Toothless, and his first adventure on Berk. And during their free time, Devon trained with his Keyblade, showing Eragon and the dragon more of his skills, and his magic.
Soon, the dragon experienced an explosive growth spurt with it's size doubling in the first week. By that point, the creature was as high as Devon and Eragon's knees. When it was a fortnight old, the boys were compelled to let it roam free. As the dragon matured, it's squeaks deepened into a roar and the humming became a low rumble. The boys also learned that the dragon was a female. Although they saw no distinguishing marks, something inside told them that the dragon was a girl.
One day in the late afternoon, the Keyblade Wielder and farm boy took the dragon out into an open field and ran among the green rolling hills, training it on how to fly.
"And then Brom said. The time of the Dragon Riders will come again!" Eragon says
Eragon held the dragon in his hands as he ran with Devon, tossing the dragon up a few times to get it to flap it's wings.
"But first, I think you need to fly!" Eragon says
On the fifth toss, the dragon was finally up in the air. Devon and Eragon cheered on a job well done, jumping and thrusting their hands up.
"Yes!" Eragon cheers
"Yeah!" Devon cheers
The dragon glances back at the two humans before flying higher in the air with more flaps with it's wings. Devon and Eragon watch as the dragon disappears over the tree tops and intk the clouds. Everything soon fell quiet as the boys stared up at the sky.
"There she goes." Devon says
"She's gone." Eragon says
Devon noticed a hint of sadness from Eragon as he looked at him on his left, and he pats him twice on the back with his left-hand, offering him comfort.
"Don't worry. She'll come back." Devon says
Suddenly, Eragon felt a slight tingling in his hand, causing him to look down.
"Ah!" Eragon exclaims
The Gedwëy Ignasia on Eragon's palm began to glow with a golden light. And then, something happens with Devon.
"Huh?" Devon says
The Keyblade Wielder glances down at his necklace and noticed that the crystal Kingdom Hearts sigil was glowing brightly with it's blue light. Devon and Eragon shared confused expressions with each other, then look up toward the sky. Maybe something was happening with the dragon.
In the clouds above, the dragon flies through the air until it's body shines with a bright blue light, enveloping it's entire being. Then, the creature underwent a magical transformation as it's body grows bigger and bigger until it was a fully grown adult dragon. The process lasted only seven seconds before the transformation was complete. The dragon flies up above the clouds and flares it's wings with the yellow sunlight illuminating it's form, then descends down into a dive through the clouds.
Down on the ground, the light from the Gedwëy Ignasia on Eragon's hand and Devon's necklace fades away and the two boys hear a deafening loud roar, which made them jump back with a start. They look up and watch as the blue dragoness glides down from the clouds, pulling back and spreading her wings as she touches down infront of them, landing on her rear legs, which her strong muscles absorbed the shock of the impact, before she dropped on all fours. Eragon and Devon were stunned by the dragoness' new appearance. She had gone up as a young hatchling one minute and came down as a mature adult the next.
The dragoness had become very tall, much larger than them, almost as large as a house. Her body now strong with a muscular built, a long tail, and her wings now large and wide. The majestic creature looks upon her new form, glancing down at her front legs and her muscular body, then looks at her wings as she flares them out before setting her gaze down at the two humans, standing tall and proud.
"Wow. Talk about a major growth spurt." Devon says
"What happened?" Eragon asks
As the Keyblade Wielder and farm boy stepped closer to the beautiful dragoness, they heard a gentle, soothing voice speak to them in their minds.
"Brom was right, boys. The time of the Dragon Riders has come again."
Devon and Eragon stared at the dragoness in astonishment, realizing that the voice came from her. She was communicating with them through telepathy.
"You can hear our thoughts!" Eragon says surprised
"I have waited a thousand years to hear thoughts and now you both can hear mine. I am Saphira, and you, Eragon, are my rider."
"Rider?" Eragon asks
Shifting her gaze, Saphira looks over at Devon on her left.
"And I have waited many lifetimes to meet you, little one." Saphira says
The blue dragoness lowers her head down to the young teen. Her sapphire reptilian eyes gazing into his blue human eyes.
"Young Keyblade Wielder, Guardian of Light, I have felt the warmth of your light and it gives me strength. I have seen the horrors of your past and it saddens me greatly that such horrible things happened to one so young. If I were ever to meet this... murderer of your parents, I would tear him to shreds! I offer you my strength and I swear on my life to protect you and Eragon. My teeth, my claws, my wings are yours." Saphira says
Devon smiles and nods his head.
"Thanks, Saphira." Devon says
Saphira smiles and nuzzles her large head against Devon's body, growling softly in content.
"And thank you, little ones, for taking such good care of me. I promise that I shall return the favor." Saphira says
Devon rubs his right-hand up and down Saphira's snout, smiling even more. Eragon stood silently, still processing everything that was happening. He was officially a Rider now, but many questions flooded his mind. Were the Riders capable of performing magic like Keyblade Wielders? How strong were they? There was still so much he did not know, and he was curious to learn more about the Riders. Fortunately, he knew of an old man who might offer him some answers.
Author's Note: And that is chapter two of Devon's journey in Alagaësia. Our lovely dragoness, Saphira is born! For her appearance, I stayed with the film's adaptation, especially since she looks absolutely beautiful in it, but instead of the feathered wings, I gave her the typical bat-like dragon wings from the book. And now, the Ra'zac are on the hunt for our heroes. For them, I combined their designs from both the book and the film. Another note, I'm sure we all know now that Sora has finally made his way into Smash! Honestly, I'm not surprised. With Cloud and Sephiroth in Smash, it was only a matter of time before Sora would be included. And when the reveal trailer hit, minds must've been blown all the way to space and every person on the planet must've been screaming their hearts out! OMG! Everyone must've been dying to see Sora in Smash. Only a few days left. I don't know about you all, but I am stoked! Anyway, next chapter, the real adventure begins. Let me know what you guys think. No flames please. Hope you guys like and don't forget to review!