Disclaimer: I don't own anything

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

Reborn, chapter XVII

Saphira the Goddess

It was near midnight and both Eragon and Saphira were asleep. Outside, all was quiet in Ellesmera. This is exactly how Aurora wanted it. She knew that if everyone knew of what she was about to do, Saphira would never get any alone time with Eragon.

Carefully, she slid through the opening that was big enough for both dragon to fit through and landed softly next to the sleeping dragons. Slowly, he reached out a hand and placed it on Eragon's snout. The black dragon swatted at the touch with his claw and remained asleep.

"I see we want to be stubborn." Aurora said to herself.

Being less gentle this time, the goddess grabbed Eragon's paw and dropped it onto Saphira's snout. When Eragon made to swat Eragon, he woke Saphira who was snuggled into his underbelly.

Eragon…why must you always wake me up?

But I didn't-

"It's about time you woke up." Aurora said, taking a seat on Eragon's thigh.

Aurora? Saphira asked, looking up her resting spot.

"I have come to bring great news. Saphira, you are to become a goddess."

For the first few seconds, Saphira remained silent. Eragon got to his feet quickly with surprise however. This is…unexpected…but amazing! Still, Saphira remained silent.

"Let me explain. Every two million years, a new god or goddess is elected to our realm. Saphira was selected to be the goddess of the sky."

Eragon turned his head to look at Saphira who had her head down. Why aren't you excited about this?

I'll have to leave you…

"Who said anything about you leaving?" Aurora said suddenly. "You just need to come with me for a few minutes. Your life won't be affected for the most part if you don't tell anyone."

Will my eggs be okay?

"Of course. Now, we must go. The gods aren't very patient. Eragon, we will be back momentarily."

Very well.

With that, Aurora and Saphira vanished and Eragon was left alone. The two were gone for what seemed like hours and thoughts began to fill his mind. What if she doesn't like me anymore? I mean, she'll be able to find a much better mate than me now that she's a goddess. She won't want to be in my presence.

Several hours later:

Eragon! Wake up! Saphira's voice was filled with excitement as she jumped onto his back. Annoyed that he still slept, she grabbed on of his horns and pulled him along the ground.

Saphira! Stop it, I'm awake! Eragon said rather angrily as he struggled out of her grip.

How do I look?

Just as beautiful as ever, my m…ma…

What is it?

It's just that now you can have whoever you want for a mate. Why would you want me?

Eragon, I had the choice of two other dragons and I chose you over both of them. Why would you think I would want any difference? Then the thought hit her. Eragon! Promise me that me being a goddess won't change our relationship!

Upon receiving no response, Saphira roared and pounced onto the black dragon, pinning him to the ground. PROMISE ME!

Fine! I promise it won't affect our relationship.

Good, now get up.

Eragon didn't move. Why, it is so early. Can't it wait until morning?

No! We need to make a nest. I will lay my eggs in a few weeks and I want somewhere private to raise them.

How about the spine? You could lay them in a cave.

Saphira considered this idea carefully. It appealed to her. Very well. We have a long flight, lets go.

Galbatorix POV:

The king was furious. How could he have let this happen? I am going to make that dragon wish he had never hatched.

Using magic, Galbatorix broke the doors open to his infamous torture chamber. Inside, Shruikan was chained to a strange machine with his limbs pinned down next to him. Beside the black dragon was an older man with an insane expression on his face.

"What level of torture have you used?" Galbatorix shot.

"I used the fourth level, master."

The tyrant frowned at this before walking over to the lever that could be adjusted to set the level of pain. Grinning, he pushed it to the maximum level. Seeing this, the older man shifted uncomfortably. "Master! No one has ever used that level! I don't know what the effects will be!"

"I guess we'll find out, won't we Shruikan."

As the king started the machine, the dragon's golden eyes widened and he roared in agony. No dragon had ever made this sound before and even hundreds of miles away, both Eragon and Saphira could feel his pain.

Several hours later, the wood that held parts of the machine together broke apart and it collapsed, causing Shruikan to roll off onto the ground. His body had several bones exposed from where the blades had cut through his scales into the flesh below. Blood covered the floor and his body was shaking badly.

Galbatorix sneered and walked over to the tortured dragon. "Now, will you help me retrieve the egg you stole from me?"

Without looking up, Shruikan chuckled. You'll never get it back. It already hatched.

This response caused Galbatorix's hands to shake and magic shot through them. Enraged, the king reached down and grasped one of Shruikan's neck spikes. With one tug, he broke it off. The golden eyed dragon roared in pain as Galbatorix chucked the spike across the room.

"See that his wounds aren't healed. I want to be able to see the scars."

Author's Note: Sorry for the wait. I've been very busy and I have a 16 page essay to write by the 27th.

IMPORTANT: I promise you that Saphira being a goddess will not mean the things will be easier for them. Saphira won't be able to control her powers and they will be based on her emotions. They will be used to enhance her relationship with Eragon.

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