Chapter 3: Second Chances, Part Two?

Hey guys! Back with chapter 3 as promised! This chapter is a tiny bit shorter cause it was originally part of chapter 2 but too long for it lmao. This chapter I actually enjoyed the most out of anything I've written so far so please enjoy.

Like always, follow, fav, review and ask questions and shit cause I do respond to basically everyone at the end of the chapter :)

Arya

Second chances…Arya didn't know what to expect when that burst of magic whipped her into another world, but it wasn't her dead friends staring back at her. They were the first to notice her change in disposition after she woke up, but there wasn't exactly something she could do about it. She was overjoyed about their sudden resurrection, but…things were different after, well, a thousand years.

She ran her hand through her hair, another habit she had picked up over the past millennium. Things were simply different–she was different. Arya shifted on her saddle as they made their way through the trees. In another world, maybe, she would be on edge from the lingering sadness and death that imbued the surrounding nature, but she knew what was out there. Specifically, who was out there.

Arya could never forget this area; it was where she lost two of her closest elves: one a friend and one a lover. As such, when she woke up, she knew exactly what would happen about a week or two from then, and she immediately made sure her companions knew as well. She has a second chance, and she intends to use it well. All she has to do is rid the land of Galbatorix's foul stain and reunite with Firnen and she would be happy. She didn't need anyone else this time—as long as she filled the current emptiness of her soul. Ah, but a certain someone might make you feel just a little better, eh? No. No, it would be impossible in this world anyway, he's…human. A child. But still…

She shook it off, feeling disgusted with herself. She didn't need anyone else to hold her. The sound of her horse changing its gate slightly brought her back to the present. She traveled in the middle, head held high in mock confidence. The urgals were close, and she touched the mind of Glenwing and Faolin, "Be ready." At her words, they also perked up slightly, ears stretching to hear any slight noise.

Her mind continued to search outwards in the darkness. Suddenly, she came across a covered clearing, not far from their location, that was expertly shrouded with darkness. Found you. With practiced ease, she pushed away the veil that the Shade had put upon them, and felt the minds of the Urgals. Then Arya smiled slightly, something rarely seen in the past, her eyes glittering with barely concealed mischief. "Vakna." Awaken. The powerful magic-imbued words cut past the Shade's protective wards, and somewhere to the right of them, they heard the clattering of bows to the ground, followed by the roar of not only Urgals but one certain sinister being.

Arya and her companions immediately dismounted, on full alert in case the fighting came to them. She unsheathed her sword, a beautiful weapon of expert elven craftsmanship, and stood at the ready. The distant sounds of battle slowly quieted, until silence blanketed the evening once again, nothing but the shallow breaths of Arya and her slightly frightened companions. Slowly, a figure stepped out of the trees, his red hair stark against the background of the night. As he got closer, Arya's grip on her sword grew tighter in anticipation, her face slightly damp with sweat despite her inner calm.

"They were good slaves…" A sinister voice called out into the darkness, exuding malice and confidence. "I will enjoy killing you, elf." He whipped out his sword, a thin and nasty-looking thing that gleamed under the moonlight, the blood twinkling on its surface as if it enjoyed the actions of its wielder. At this, Arya held out a hand to her companions, who looked surprised and outraged at her request, but she shook her head again and marched out to meet him. Her boots crunched against the frozen blades, and somewhere a white raven called out into the night.

"I have waited a long time for this, Shade." The corners of Arya's mouth twitched up in a promising smile. "May we never meet again, vök (ice-hole)." Durza just scoffed and brought his sharp stick upwards.

"Your ears will make a fine addition to my collection." His teeth glittered, a startling white. "I do love pointy things." With those words, he bought his sword sideways, arcing through the air faster than the human eye could comprehend. Arya, however, simply leaned backward, the blade coming a millimeter from her tunic, throwing the shade slightly off-balance. Before he could recover, Arya stepped into his guard, grabbed his off-hand, and brought her elbow straight into his nose. The sinister being was thrown to the ground by the force of her blow, and he scrambled back upwards, a deep frown now coloring his face, his nose looking slightly bent off-center.

Arya, this time, grinned. "This will be fun, vök." The swords clashed once again, and all Glenwing and Faolin could do was watch in awe as their companion perfectly matched this all-powerful being. Steel against steel, Arya spun, slashed, and to be frank, put on a show. She had not trained weekly for a millennium just to be beaten by one of Galbatorix's pets. However, as much as she pained to admit it, Durza was criminally good at sword fighting, and it seemed he was still weakened in Farthen Dur when Eragon managed to defeat him. Now, though, he was at full ability and had no noticeable weaknesses-if you didn't count the one she was about to use to beat him, of course.

Another clash of weapons…and there it was again! When performing a large sweep from the left side after a jab to the right, he left open a minute area of weakness where the opponent, if fast enough, could jab under and through his evil heart. Arya, shifting into a defensive stance favoring her left, feigned slight tiredness. Come one, come on. Take the goddamn bait. And take the bait he did; the shade, trying to take advantage of her supposed weakness, jabbed towards her right, and upon seeing that would be blocked he pivoted, slashing towards her left side.

She seized the opportunity, springing towards him like a viper to its prey, and…

His head toppled down and off his body. Arya, watched in disbelief as the body beneath her crumbled into dust, the souls escaping and disappearing in a flash of white. But ho–she looked up and saw Faolin standing triumphantly where the shade's body used to be. She almost burst upon seeing his confident, reassuring smile.

"I saw you were getting tired, and that he was about to break through your guard you so I," Faolin gestured to himself, "stepped in to make sure you didn't get hurt. I know he will eventually reform, but, we did just vanquish a great evil that plagued this land. Izlanzadi would be proud, Arya." He beamed at her, and her breaths came out in short, strained puffs. Glenwing, out of view, grimaced as he took notice of the poorly concealed rage in Arya's emerald eyes.

"We," Arya gestured to the elf across from her, "did not beat Durza. More accurately, I did. I was moments away from besting him–stabbing him through the heart; and now, thanks to the fact that you needed to play...hero," Arya took a deep, shuddering breath and tried to compose herself, "he will kill hundreds more before he will meet his end under my blade. I am glad the Queen is proud of me, because I hope she will welcome you home with open arms. Go home, Faolin, and tell my mother you will not be needed in this quest any longer." Faolin took a step back, shocked at her words. He stuttered, trying to form a response, but upon looking into her still smoldering eyes, he nodded his head and despondently trotted back towards the horses. Arya let herself mourn the loss of her friend from a millennium ago for the last time, and walked over towards where Glenwing stood, shocked but slightly amused from what she could tell.

They both looked towards where Faolin was mounting his horse. It was a long time since she had realized her relationship with Faolin had been based on naïve admiration of his relative immaturity, and some people had to learn to understand the bigger picture. He may not realize it, but Arya knew that Faolin would benefit from traveling back home and focusing on bettering himself; recognizing his flaws.

"I can't say he didn't deserve that, Arya, but that was harsh. Why spurn him so; do you not love him?" Glenwing questioned, turning back towards her. "I will not pretend to know what has changed in you, but if you need to talk about it, know that I still care deeply for you, no matter what." Arya sighed, inwardly warming at the words, but forced her expression to remain passive.

"I wouldn't call it love, but yes: I adored him. However, some people must grow up, and learn that there is more to life than just being the hero." Arya pivoted, turning her emerald orbs back upon the pouch in which the sapphire egg lay. "Have you heard of Carvahall, Glenwing?"

"I…can't say I have, Arya."

"Good. We leave for there with the egg at dawn. Get some sleep." With that, Arya picked up Durza's sword and walked away, leaving Glenwing to follow her, muttering about stupid shades.

...

Woo! Isn't Arya so friggin cool. I have no idea why I wrote her like that but she's kinda a badass now that she isn't constrained to being a queen and I love it. Thanks for all the reviews again, please leave a comment or concern or even suggestion because I respond to basically all of them below.

Next chapter gonna be hella spicy (so don't get mad if it takes a week lol),

Dritty

Review timeeee:

Winsome248 said: Interesting, despite the timeframe of a millennia I thought rider and dragon bonded for life? It's like their dragons became tired of their riders, which I believed was impossible? Perhaps not? Anyway interesting direction, I will just keep reading.

Like I answered in dms, the two are bonded for life, yes, but that doesn't exclude them from behaving and contracting illnesses (mental too) like any other creature. It was simply Saphira's time, and they both knew it, and the chances are Eragon would have followed soon after, had he not been whisked away :)

SuperSaiyajin4Vegeta said: I figured the egg wouldn't arrive at the same time. I assume Arya is delivering it directly?

Hmmm, interesting theory…

Winsome248 said: Interesting 2nd Chapter, and I like the direction where this story is going. If Eragon is looking more Elf, how do these physical changes affect Garrow and Roran? Look forward to your next chapter :D

Thanks! Chances are Eragon will either use his features to break the news to his relatives or he will simply hide them with an easy masking spell.

Madhatter said: Looks like Arya has some plans of her own and saving a few people from her past. It should make for interesting tension between Eragon and Arya now that there is competition. Just remember to take your time and there is no need to rush things through. Nice job overall and I can't wait to read the next chapter.

Nice to see you around Madhatter, and yes, I will try not to rush things but make sure to tell me if it feels like things are going too quickly. Thanks for reading!

merendinoemiliano said: Pretty cool chapter overall, I would have just put some more work into Eragon meeting his relatives again. And while Eragon is with no doubt very powerful, keep in mind Galbatorix possesses dozens of thousands of Eldunari at least, that's not a gap you can jump just with training (although admittedly Eragon found a way to defeat him in canon). Best of luck with next chapters

Ah, the interesting guy himself. Yeah, more relative content will be coming in the future so dw, it was just that he was so focused on his new goal he probably didn't want to dig too deep in the moment, yk. Also, yes I get that Galbatorix has many, many Eldunari, but if canon Eragon can win then I'm sure that Eragon who's 4x Galby's age can find a way too lmao. I do plan on making it a little more interesting and not up to luck, though.

EvandarTheGreat said: but if arya has her memories does that mean that she avoided the ambush? but she knows that saphira is eragon's so maybe she's going to take her to him? dude! i can't wait. keep up the good work!

She might be able to avoid a thing or too :) That would have been a really cool approach to the plot too, but I felt this worked better. You should be proud of your daughter

Minci said: Hi

interesing prologue. so i hope u will continou. thy

I wil continou thk u *)

Guest said: Can't wait for them to meet ahah

I guess Eragon will understand that she went back as well but will Arya get it fast?

Thanks for posting my friend go on

The infamous "Guest," nice to meet you. Eragon knows that something has changed other than him, so it probably won't be too long before he wonders if other people came back too, maybe Brom will propose the idea of Arya you never know :) thanks for reading