This seems to almost be turning into a real story…hmm. A warning, this chapter is a little…mature. Yeah, let's go with that. As always, it's an ExS story/test.

Eragon yawned and sat up on Saphira's now scaly back, tapping her on the shoulder to signal he was up. Eragon, I was thinking…and I'm going to the worst case scenario, what if I can't be turned back, and you can't become a dragon yourself? Would you still want to be with me?

"Yes." Eragon Answered instantly. "I don't care hat you are, you're still my Saphira." She turned her head to look back at him, a lopsided grin on her face.

But wouldn't that make it hard to…you know. Eragon's eyes widened. You know…I don't know if this body is a male or female dragon. She looked herself over. There's no way to tell, really.

"I could check, you know." Eragon suggested with a smile. Saphira narrowed her eyes.

You know, since this isn't really my body, and I need to know, I'll let you.

"You what?!" Eragon asked in surprise, jumping from her back as she stopped walking.

I'm going to let you check to see if I'm male or female, as I can't see for myself. Eragon just stared at her wide eyed. Eragon, stop being a baby and get under me. Saphira watched as he hesitated and finally ducked underneath her bulk. Eragon looked over her scales, but there was nothing. No markings, no ridges, it was just flat identical scales.

"I can't tell, it all looks the same." Eragon said. Saphira sighed. "From the looks of things, you may not be either."

So what, I'm an it

"I don't know…" Eragon ducked out from under her, sighing. "I'll just say you're a she, since that is what you were before."

If you called me a he I would have crushed you. Saphira frowned. You know…it just now dawned on me that I'm a dragon!

"Where have you been?" Eragon asked sarcastically, crossing his arms.

Sorry, I just got the whole idea now…this is beyond incredible, Eragon.

"I know, but can we hurry and ask Brom what to do?"

Alright, hop on… Eragon jumped to her back and looked down as his legs pained him.

"Saphira, your scales are rubbing my legs raw." He said with a grimace.

Then keep them from moving while I walk. Saphira said with a snort. She jerked as black smoke billowed from her nostrils. That was…interesting… She padded along silently for a time, occasionally looking back at him over her shoulder.

"Saphira, there's something about your face…"

What? It's a dragon's face, Eragon…

"Yes, but I can see some of your human features in it…there is a resemblance." Saphira smiled slightly and fluttered her eyelids at him. "Saphira, don't do that. I've always seen you as being a little…wild." She stopped dead in her tacks and turned completely around to look at him.

What do you mean?

"I mean…that…you're just not very much like any woman I've met, you're far…fiercer…than anyone else." Saphira chuckled.

Maybe that is why being a dragon suits me. Saphira turned around. I can see the smoke from the village…She ran into a patch of trees, Eragon jumping from her back and running off.

"Be right back!" He called. Saphira snorted.

Saphira

Saphira closed her eyes and reached out with her mind, going past the people she saw and finding Brom among the buildings of the village. Brom? She sensed fear from him, and, for a split second, excitement.

Gods…it can't be true…Saphira?!

Hello, old man.

Saphira…I thought you were gone…

For a few days, maybe. Since when did you care if I left? Saphira asked.

I always cared, Saphira, you know that. Brom said with a little amusement.

I'm very sure, with your locking yourself away at all hours of the day, never seeing the light of the sun…

Saphira, where have you been? I thought you were dead! Brom asked frantically.

South, I don't know exactly where, but I believe it was the river. Some people would wish I were dead… Saphira chuckled at the thought of Sloan.

I wouldn't…where are you?

In the forest outside of the village, to the south. Saphira responded.

I'm on my way. Saphira opened her eyes, looking about, but Eragon was nowhere to be seen. A few minutes later and Brom came through the trees, looking up at her with wide eyes…filled with tears? Saphira snorted.

Since when did you get emotional?

"Since I thought you died…" Brom said softly. "You look just like you did when I lost you."

I…wait, say what?!

"You never seem to get any older, do you?"

I would take that as a compliment, but could you explain why I look the same? Saphira asked, putting her nose right up to his. And why aren't you surprised to see me like this?

"I am surprised!" Brom said loudly. "And it's just that; you look the same as you did a hundred years ago!" Saphira drew back with surprise.

Are you alright? Have you been out in the sun too long?

"The sun?"

Maybe you have me confused with another Saphira…and how were you around a hundred years ago?

"I…Saphira?" Brom's eyes widened. "Saphira from Carvahall?!"

Who else do you think? Saphira said sarcastically. Now spill it; who is this other Saphira, the dragon one that looks like this? Brom drew back hastily, eyes wide.

"I thought you were…another Saphira…"

I figured that much out…now can you explain what you mean by this other Saphira, or at the least tell me how to get back to being human? Brom just stood very still, his eyes gleaming with something Saphira couldn't identify. Brom? Brom, are you still with me? Brom snapped out of it and instantly became the crotchety old man she always knew.

"I'm right here, as you can plainly see, woman. Now, how did this happen, and spare no details."

Eragon and I were running from those two strangers…