Where have all my precious reviewers gone? I miss all you like Spellrocks, Dinohunter, and Dogman…not to mention those thousands of others who have vanished. ARE YOU STILL THERE???? Well, for those who are still hanging around, this is another sad one. Enjoy and thanks for so many fun memories. I'll be ending it soon.

Chapter 84: My Guardian Angel

Saphira poured fresh water into a large pot and placed it in front of the wounded wyvern.

Thank you, Guardian said humbly. He turned to face Eragon, who had just finished healing him. I suppose I should explain now?
"It would be a good time." Guardian lowered his head into the pot and took a hearty gulp of the cool liquid. "First, may I ask a question?"

Yes.

"Why did you get hurt?" Guardian shuttered and tucked his wings next to his sides.

Recioh's vision was not one of my own, Rider. I have no reason to fear or hate humans, unlike he did. You see, Recioh had a horrid encounter with a few merchants in the Spine when he was younger. The poor lad fell from his nest and shattered his wing, which was always seen as a death sentence in our eyes. He was sprawled out in front of one of the traveler's paths and two humans came along with their wagon of goods. They saw him and placed him there in it.

"What is so bad about that?" Saphira asked. "It sounds as if they were going to take care of him."

Far from it, Guardian growled. Those humans helped Recioh heal his wing, but they wanted something in return…money. After he was healed, they sold him to another human for a mere twenty shillings to keep as a pet. They tried to permanently clip his wings, but he escaped. Since that day, he hated humans with every breath he took.

"So that was why," Eragon muttered. "Two greedy humans created this. Tell me, why do you not fear us?"

Unlike him, I had a better encounter. Guardian tucked his feet in to sit underneath them. A month ago, I decided to fly out of the Spine to explore this environment, despite Recioh's rash warnings. I flew for hours until I made a stop at a village called Furnost. It was midnight there and everyone was asleep. I was going to return to the Spine, but something drew me closer in. He turned to look Eragon dead in his eyes. I met the most beautiful girl there in that village. She was young but her attitude towards me was more than acceptable.

"Who was she?" Saphira and Equinox asked at the same time. Guardian shook his head and turned away.

Her name was Arian, and she was only twelve-years-old. Her hair was long and her skin was pale, but her smile could light up an entire hallway. I used to fly to her window every night to talk with her and we actually went for a flight or two together. Her father was one of the strongest in the village, but he would hit her for no reason. I tried to take her back with me, but…" he trailed off.

"What happened?"

Recioh followed me to her home.

- - - - - - -FLASHBACK- - - - -

It was dark outside as the young wyvern flew. The moon was not up and dark rain clouds covered the bright stars overhead. He could make out the village and the windowsill that he stopped at for the last two weeks. He was pleased to see the light from the candle glaring through the room in the house.

She's awake, he said happily to himself, as he tucked in his wings to dive down.

As he touched down on the windowsill, a young girl emerged from underneath her brown soiled blanket. Her brown hair was matted and her skin was bruised. Upon seeing the wyvern, the girl tossed the blanket away and rushed forward to greet him.

"Guardian," she murmured as she hugged him. He remained still as she wrapped herself around his neck. "I feared that you would not have come."

I always come for you, child, Guardian comforted. He snorted and looked down at the numerous bruises on her arm. Arian, did he do that to you?

"It is mandatory before bedtime, Guardian…you know that." The wyvern snorted loudly and flapped his wings.

Not anymore child. I am taking you away from him.

"Guardian, you can't."

Watch me, young one. Guardian stepped inside of the large window, causing the young girl to step back. I will not stand to let him hurt you.

"If you stand up for me, we will both be killed." Guardian looked out the window and shook his head.

Then come with me. The girl whimpered and lowered her head. She turned to take a look at her nasty makeshift bedroom and then brought her gaze back to her feathered friend.

"Where will we go?"

The Spine. Guardian used his beak to latch onto Arian's tunic and hoisted her up to his back. I will not stand for such a behavior against his own offspring.

"What are you saying, Guardian?'

I am saying that I would be a better father to you than that creature. Arian grasped around Guardian's neck and held on tight while he leapt out of the window. He left swiftly to avoid alerting the village, but he was unaware that someone was already watching.

"You are my only friend, Guardian," Arian sighed, as she stroked the feathers along his neck. He hummed pleasingly and gently banked towards the mountains.

You are mine too, youngling. Guardian looked up and scanned the dark sky. It was a cool night, but he felt very warm inside. For some reason, he felt as if the child on his back was his own.

"Can you be my father, Guardian?" He looked back at her and opened his beak up to create an awkward smile.

Of course, child. Suddenly, he was hit hard from his left side.

Traitor! A voice called in his head. He turned to see the black wyvern Recioh rushing towards him to attack again. You were going to bring it to our sanctuary!

She has nowhere else to go, Recioh! Guardian argued. If I leave her, I may never see her again.

Good! They are the enemy, Kilo. Guardian shook his head at his real name.

Recioh, I am Guardian now. She calls me that…?

Just like a pet! It will not be long before your wings get clipped.

As long as I am with her, I would not mind.

Kilo, you are being ridiculous! Drop her…Kill her!

"Guardian," the child whimpered. "I am scared." The young wyvern let out an agonizing screech at his decision, but turned away to face Recioh.

I cannot.

Then I shall for you! Recioh suddenly ducked underneath Guardian's underbelly and slammed upwards with all of his strength, forcing the wyvern to arch his back to absorb the impact.

Arian hold on! Guardian screamed, but it was useless. The child shrieked as her grip loosened. He looked down to see the young child flail wildly in the air. He dove down to get her, flapping madly to gain more momentum, but she was too far out of reach. He was forced to turn away as the child hit the ground below. Arian…I am sorry.

- - - - -End Flashback- - - - - -

The room grew silent as the wyvern lowered his head.

I named myself Guardian after her. She called me her Guardian Angel two days after we met, and I failed to protect her. Equinox whimpered and scratched her muzzle against his beak. Equinox, she is the reason why I could feel loneliness, and everyday I miss her smile.

"She was so young," Eragon muttered. "He killed her…?"

No, Guardian sighed. I did. She was on my back and that made her my responsibility. I killed the only human who cared for me. She looked to me as if I was her father and I let her fall. Her death was avenged though when I killed those hatchlings. Now those who exist know what it is like to lose something so close to you.

"What happened to her father?" Saphira asked.

He never even bothered to look for her. I stopped by where she fell two weeks after the accident and she was still there. When Recioh was not watching, I dug a grave and placed her in there with one of my feathers to let her know that I always loved her. The room fell silent yet again as they took in his hurtful words. Saphira placed her hand on his shoulder and lowered her head.

"I am so sorry, Guardian," she comforted. "You are welcome here as long as you like." Suddenly, Lunalese popped her head up and turned to Draken.

Ouch! Draken cocked his head at her and growled nervously.

"I've heard that one before," Saphira chuckled. "Draken, your son is on his way."

PEACE!