A/N: Before I begin this chapter, I would like to once again thank Screamstriker for her unwavering support as my beta and friend. Without her, this story would have a rising sunset and too many monotonous sentences to count. Seriously, check her profile out and give her a chance. All jokes aside, not too much else to say. I will be switching in between POV, tell me whether you prefer me just putting the single horizontal line or stating the POV change in the story.

Also, please tell me if I should put dragon-speech in a diferent font. Apart from that, enjoy the chapter, and please remember to favorite and review if you liked it!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Inheritance Cycle or any characters that are featured in Christopher Paolini's books, only Ethan, who is an OC that is essentially me, personality-wise.

Do you think he might be Galbatorix's slave? I mean, he can't have stayed un-noticed for this long – he looks to be about as old as me, if not older.

I have no idea, Saphira – wait! He's waking up. Finally, some answers.

Vague thoughts brushed against my head as I got up, seeing that I was in a new environment – a clearing of sorts, with bushes and trees cleverly concealing anyone inside. So, it wasn't a dream! This is really Alagaesia, and… My new dragon heart almost skipped a beat as the events of last night flooded back into my mind. I got up to see a camp nearby, with a blazing fire contrasted against the sunrise. Two horses were tied up nearby. How the hell did that get there? I thought I was the only one…

"Who are you?"

Spinning around clumsily, I tried to adjust to my new body as I looked at the source of the sound. An old man – wielding a blood red sword, poised straight at my breast.

Brom? It has to be him - I'm sure that no-one else in the book had a sword like that one... Speaking of which, where the hell am I? I'm not where I was last night – something must've moved me here, presumably the same thing that turned me into a dragon and brought me to Alagaesia…

Realizing that I didn't have either a new name or a backstory, I blankly stood there as I tried to put my extensive knowledge of the series to use.

Think, you stupid brain, THINK! I know for a fact Brom mentioned a few names in the book, but… Unable to remember any of the names from the book, I tried to at least create a legitimate name off the top of my head.

Um... Leithaen. I tried to say with as much assurance as I could. Wait, why the hell am I talking mental... Oh. I'm a dragon. Right. I almost projected the thought to the old man as I tried to wrap my head around what the hell was going on.

"What are you doing here?"

Minding my own business.

Brom raised his eyebrow as he continued to eye me down.

"How did you know where we where?"

I was essentially screwed at this point - I knew for a fact that I wouldn't be able to lie my way out of this situation. In school, I never really lied, preferring honesty. However inconvenient it was, it stopped me from getting into too big of a mess. But at this point in time, I knew for a fact that honesty was only going to get me killed, or worse.

"Hey, stop harassing him."

Hearing another person speak, I looked as fast as I could to see a young teenager, probably about sixteen. Eragon! Thank god, I thought I was practically dead... Wait, if that's Brom, and that's Eragon, then where's...

A quiet growl to my left told me everything I needed to know. Why is Saphira growling? I never did anything to anger her, so what's her problem? Remembering that I was a dragon, I realised that I couldn't approach people like I used to. Not like I could approach anyone, anyways... A quick wave of nostalgia came over me as I remembered the day I moved into a new school a few years ago, my slightly sick sense of humour kicking in.

Who are you, and why do you seek to pursue us? I saw her muscles tense, almost as if she was ready to kill. Ok, this just got a lot more dangerous. I thought, noticing her sharp teeth and claws. That's gonna hurt.

Leithaen. I do not seek to pursue you.

Then why are you here?

Merely coincidence.

Then leave.

"Saphira, wait up. He might be useful - another dragon could make all the difference in our coming fights."

How do you know that he doesn't want us dead?

"If he wanted us dead, we'd already be covered in our own blood."

I'm not that stro- I really need to remember that I'm a dragon now... This is going to take a lot of getting used to. I struggled to keep my thoughts under control as I tried to concentrate on the task at hand.

True. The growling ceased as Saphira edged forwards, curious. I thought I was the only free dragon in Alagaesia - where did you come from?

An egg. I tried to be as humorous as I could, since I figured that if I could get Saphira to warm up to me, then maybe she might be able to convince Brom to let me tag along. After all, it wasn't like I had anywhere else to go.

I heard a snort come from the dragon as she revealed her sharp teeth in a toothy grin.

"Saphira, don't get too close. We still have no idea what he's doing here." Brom cautioned, staring disapprovingly at her.

"Speaking of which, are you in league with the Varden by any chance?"

"Varden?" Eragon quickly butted in, his usual curious self.

"Another story for another time."

"Why do you always keep things from me?" The young teenager proceeded to walk away, huffing in protest.

I am not of the Varden, but I wish to be - I despise Galbatorix as much as you.

"Wait, Brom. Does this mean that he can tag along? Another dragon would be appreciated in a situation like this." Quickly turning around, Eragon suggested what was on my mind for a while. Good, at least Eragon likes me.

"No."

Yes. He, for all I know, is the last free dragon in all of Alagaesia, excluding me. I'm not just going to let him fall into the clutches of Galbatorix. I smiled in appreciation X of Saphira, who also seemed to want me around.

"What if he's already in his clutches?"

What else would he want from us, then? He already knows where we are, and he could've killed us all ages ago.

"Fine. He can come. But keep a very, very close eye on him." Glancing suspiciously at me, Brom strode off.

"Breakfast. Oh, and I'm Eragon. My dragon is called Saphira, and the old grouch there is Brom. Nice to meet you." Eragon quickly announced the morning meal and exchanged names as he went to sit with Brom, who was slightly unhappy with the current arrangements. I nodded my head before a thought popped into my mind.

Oh, crap. Does this mean I have to hunt? A now slightly familiar voice rang in my head, confirming the inevitable.

Hey, Leithaen. You going to hunt? You can come with me if you're hungry.

Sure, I guess… I replied, after some slight strain. I could get used to this. Moving over to Saphira, I looked on as she took off, circling overhead.

Well? You going to come up? Or do I have to carry you?

Eh, I think I can fly. I tried to respond as casually as possible, but with the growing sense of impending doom and the distraction of converting to pure mental conversation, it was hard to keep negativity from seeping into my voice.

Gulping, I decided to try. Being carried was not an option – refusing to fly out of my lack of experience was not an option, either.

Tensing and building up my muscle, I experimentally flapped my wings. To my surprise, it was actually easier than I thought. Building up for the take-off a bit more, I finally pushed myself off the ground with as much force as I could muster after last night, and strained my wings as hard as I could.

No way. This is too good to be- Shiii...

I jumped, but couldn't keep the ground away from me. Unfortunately. Spitting dirt out of my mouth, Saphira landed beside me.

You don't know how to fly? What kind of a dragon are you?

I left her question to hang, smiling inwardly as the joke sank in. I mean, I was human only last night. Give me a break, seriously.

Trying again, I strained harder to keep myself hovering above the ground. Surprisingly, I stayed in the air, and I almost had to keep myself from going too high. Moving over to where Saphira was, I motioned for her to start moving.

Shall we?

With a quick burst from my wings, I was off. Trying to rely on what I thought was dragon instinct; I flew off into the distance, Saphira quickly following in my wake.

I can fly! This is amazing! This totally beats whatever I did in my other life! Screw video games – this is the real thing!

Other life? Instant apprehension and curiosity from Saphira reminded me to promptly stop acknowledging that I actually had a previous life. Quickly brushing the question off, I continued to savor the excitement of the moment.

Almost too enveloped in my own joy to notice, I glimpsed a flock of deer nearby, minding their own business.

We got something! In what seemed to be a dive, I tried to lift up my wings to land. You gotta be kidding m- Slamming into the ground at almost full force, I momentarily blacked out, before getting back up, embarrassed.

So, you haven't done this before. You scared the deer – we have to look for more…

A snort behind me only added to the shame as Saphira effortlessly landed beside me. Getting up, I tried to be optimistic, despite the numerous amounts of bruises left from yesterday, as well as now.

We can still catch them…

Bounding off, I flew in search of the deer – which were fleeing in different directions. Oh well. Life can't always be convenient. Going for the nearest one, I once again swooped down. This time, I went slower, to ensure that I didn't fail and humiliate myself like last time. My new claws ready to kill, I silently landed, my claws effortlessly slicing the poor beast into oblivion.

Poor thing. Is this what dragons do every day? I know humans do this indirectly, but still… To make matters worse, I have to eat this raw. Ugh. Also, there's blood everywhere. This is amazing.

Saphira landing beside me with a grin, she looked at me with slightly more respect than before – to my pleasure.

For a first-timer, you're good.

Thanks.

Another snort came from Saphira as she looked at the carcass hungrily.

You want some? Slicing the carcass neatly in two, I nudged one half in Saphira's direction, offering it.

Thank you.

You know, I could get used to this mental speaking thing someday. But probably not this – I don't care that dragon instinct me would enjoy this. Well, you gotta do what you gotta do. Taking a deep breath, I ripped a slice of the carcass off and took a bite – bones and all. I hate to say this, but it was actually nice. Sort of. The meat was like the kind you get in sushi – so I guess it wasn't too bad. The bones, contrary to my original belief, were actually quite soft when put against my new dragon teeth, to my surprise. Overall, not what I had expected – for a second, I actually though I could get used to this – the gore, the killing, the life of a dragon.

That was nice enough – it's not like I'll get too much better, with what adventures lay ahead. Finishing off the rest of the corpse, save the feet (which were too hard for me to eat, currently), I looked at Saphira, who's bloodstained scales made her look like a vicious killer. Not like she isn't one, anyways. Suits her.

You know, I'm not the only one covered in blood. Get used to it.

You don't seem to be too bothered by my presence, despite you knowing nothing about me - unlike Brom and Eragon, who don't really trust me. Can't blame them, obviously, but…

I thought I was the only free dragon in all of Alagaesia – until you showed up out of nowhere. That thought alone comforts me – defeating Galbatorix will be all the easier because of you. I, personally, do not believe you are a slave of Galbatorix – you would be larger, stronger and more intelligent than nature would have it, since he would be bound to cast enchantments like that on you. You would also have learned to fly.

Saphira smiling at the comforting thought, we flew to a nearby river, where we washed off most of the blood – looking at myself in the reflection of the river, I was, as she said, just as bad as her, I realized. Halfway through the small break, Saphira started looking at me weirdly.

Do you mind?

Blinking, Saphira looked away.

It was silence until I heard a mental call from Eragon.

Hey, are you two done yet? We're going soon.

Seeing Saphira briefly pause, presumably to respond to Eragon's mental call, I got out of the river and shook off all the water, leaving most of my scales to dry in the sun. Following suit, Saphira got out and began to look at me strangely again. I let her, since she seemed to enjoy it, strangely. Could it be... No, it's too early to tell. Deciding to test my new theory, I tested her emotions.

Catch me if you can!

Playfully pushing her again in the air, her flight course slightly deteriorated before she went back to her original position. Nudging me back with a push of her tail, she quickly dived and spread out her wings at the last moment – halting her sudden descent that would otherwise have her crashing into the nearest tree. A classic stunt.

Not bothering to replicate her spectacular feat of agility, I slowly curved downwards until I was beside her, as usual.

Someone too scared to fall?

Stop it. Slightly blushing out of embarrassment, I tried to avoid the subject, much to her pleasure.

Camp ahead. I'll slow down – just for you, youngling.

I'm pretty sure I'm older than you.

How old are you?

Older than you, probably. Trying to keep the answers as open-ended as possible, I tried to gracefully land as slowly as I could. I tried to halt the ground that was quickly coming up to meet me by a quick spreading of my wings – to my surprise, my 'skill' caused me to slow down at the last moment, allowing me to land. While it wasn't as graceful as Saphira, who promptly landed beside me without a sound, it was certainly passable.

Quite an entrance. What'd you catch? Eragon, happy as usual to see Saphira, began questioning the two of us mentally.

A deer. I quickly responded, hoping that Saphira wouldn't mention the details.

Also, Eragon, apparently Leithaen hasn't flown before. And also hasn't eaten a deer before, nor seen the bloodbath that ensues.

Thanks for adding all of that detail. I replied sarcastically, seeing Saphira rolling her eyes.

Oh really now? Brom, overhearing the mental conversation, decided to butt in after hearing Saphira's rants.

Wouldn't you have had to do those things to survive on your own? We found you in the middle of nowhere, with not as much as a Rider to take care of you – yet you have no survival skills. How so?

Uncomfortably pushed into a corner, I tried to keep him away from the subject before the others caught on.

Oh really now? No survival skills, you say? Who caught the deer, again? Trying to contest Brom's idea, I figured that this would be the best, and the most ideal outcome for the conversation.

You, but who scared the flock off in the first place? Saphira continued to helpfully add to the conversation.

Let's just say I didn't have the best time of my life last night.

Mhm, sure… A comment later, and she had somehow put me in an even worse position than before.

I thought you were on my side. All I got in response was a curious, inquisitive look from her.

"Well, that was interesting. I'll be sure to question Leithaen later – I am curious. However, the day will not wait. Let us make haste!" Cutting off the small, but eventful conversation, Brom began to pack up camp.

Turning to face me, he spoke. "If you try to even touch either of my company, I will have you dead within the minute."

Wow, thanks for the warm reception.

Quickly putting out the fire, Brom, with some help from Eragon, quickly began to dismantle the camp. After a few minutes, all that was left were a few scorch marks from the fire on the surrounding grass.

"Today we ride into Yazuac."

A sudden flare of recognition came into my mind as I looked at the now-doomed man. I can't let them go in! As much as the old Rider distrusted me, it wasn't in my nature to let someone die.

I have my doubts.

"Why so?"

This will not end well – Yazuac is not a place to be trusted. Trying to justify my sudden 'doubts', I knew that he wouldn't trust me – after all, who would?

"And why should I believe you?"

Your head will be on this foolish quest.

"No it won't – my years of training will see to that." A brief reply ended the premonition. Seeing at least a worried expression from Eragon, I knew that my efforts were not at least in complete vain.

"Saphira, why are you acting so strange? You know he can't be trusted – not yet, anyways. Although he interests me."

For some reason, he makes me feel... slightly different. More complete. I do not know what it is.

"Don't you have me already?"

This is different. While I do treasure you as my Rider and absolute friend, Leithaen is different. He is one of my kind – the same kind that was thought to be extinct for centuries, with the exception of me and the eggs and dragon under the influence of Galbatorix.

"Still know that I will always be there for you when you need me, Saphira."

I know. I just need some time to think.

The day was mostly uneventful, apart from some complaining from Eragon about the lack of full water skins, and other minor uncomfortable hindrances.

"The Ninor River." Brom pointed out, looking around for anything that we could use as shelter or as something to keep us from sight, even in the barren plain.

I see a bend in the river that Saphira and I could hide in – it doesn't look too far, and looks to be suitable for our needs. Figuring that it would be better that I pointed out the ideal location, I looked at Saphira questioningly. I really wanted to just rush in at that point and kill the Urgals straight away, but I still didn't want to destroy the whole plotline. Yet.

Very well – not like I can desert you, anyways.

"Well, that's sorted. Eragon and I will have a look around and see how we can approach the city."

"Finally, some food and water!" Happily commenting, fresh blood spurted out of his already dry lips as Eragon spoke.

I still have a bad feeling about this…

"I will only trust you once you have earned it – not before." Brom quickly putting an end to my objections, we continued on until we were nearly at the city.

Well, have fun. Grimly tearing away from the two vulnerable humans, I slowly set off for the curve in the river. Be careful. Very, very careful. A raised eyebrow and a skeptical expression was the only reply from the two as I looked back for the last time.

Stay safe. Hearing Saphira's farewell, I waited for her to catch up, before waiting, tense at the knowledge of what was to come.

Leithaen. You seem very tense and wary – like something will go wrong. What is it?

Nothing – just I do not think that the city will be safe for those two.

If you are like this every time we leave them, then you'll never sleep easy.

I won't, just that this specific one looks suspicious.

Whatever you say, Leithaen. Quickly brushing her snout against my neck, she tried to keep me calm with the comfort of her warmth and presence.

Readying myself, I waited for the mental call from Eragon.

Saphira! Leithaen! Help!

Taking off as soon as I heard the call, I flew as quickly as I could. Hopefully I could stop this from going the way the books had it.

I'm coming!

A/N: So, part 2 of the series! As always, review and leave encouragement and/or improvements if you like the story so far! Please tell me how I did with all the characters, especially if they are OOC in any way. Also, I will be on holidays for the next week and a half - expect the next chapter to be delayed for a while. However, I do still intend to continue this series. Please continue to review - they, along with the 43 views I've gotten so far, are what motivate me to continue writing. Thank you for reading, and see you in the next chapter!