Title taken from an episode of Avatar the last airbender. But in the stead of Zuko…Alone, it's Saphira…Alone. So what if Zuko's evil and Saphira's not. They are still two great characters.

Forest. That was all the two big, beautiful blue eyes could see. Endless forest unfolding across the horizon. The sun had long since left the sky and the blue dragon was still flying. She knew she'd need to find a resting place for the night soon. But there were no magnificent caves hiding beneath curled peaks or soft, straw-filled man-made dragon roosts nearby. Not even a boulder hiding midst the forests. But her eyes still desperately searched for shelter as her wings ached for rest.

She could feel Eragon's desperation to contact her. She wouldn't…couldn't, let him in. it was like some other presence kept her from doing it.

Ahead, storm clouds began to worry her. She remembered that day so long ago when she got trapped in a dreadfully windy storm. It had come so fast. How could she have known… Never before had she felt such great worry, fear, or pain. She could not control herself. The wind had rattled her up so badly. She had almost accidentally kill Eragon, impaling his head on an outstretched spike clinging to her neck. The thought of such a thing happening…She'd never forgive herself…if she lived through the pain of such a sudden separation. And there was no doubt in her mind she'd experience something similar again. She gave a gentle shudder at the thought..

Never, never again. I am a monster. I can't even protect the ones I love from myself… She thought to herself. She thought it with every ounce of conviction in her giant, blue-scalded body. But doubts crept in to her head. What if he needed her? What if, at this very moment, Murtagh had him? She shook those thoughts off. He's better off without me. He'll make it. I know it. He is strong… she thought it, but she didn't really believe it.

Th clouds ahead grew ever closer and she could see a veil of rain shrouding the thick forests. But she flew on, growing ever nearer to the storm-clouds as they moved toward her.

As she flew, she felt guilty. She blamed herself for Katrina's actions. Hadn't she, after all, let her fall? And on her first flight as well? It was almost enough to convince her to go back. But something kept her going.

She also remembered how bad a shape she'd left Roran in. She felt so stupid. Could Eragon forgive her for leaving like this? She felt a small desire to return; but her wings still beat towards…well, she didn't know what…

And thoughts of memories brought up her role in the deception. Eragon had conversed his concerns about the Twins to her before. But she hadn't listened. How could the Varden not detect treachery, she had said. But now she knew how naïve she'd been. Maybe, if she had told Ajihad her concerns instead of remaining blind as a bat, Ajihad would still be alive and Murtagh and Thorn would be on their side still. At least she could have made it there faster to save Murtagh…

Guilt sunk in everywhere she turned. About everything. About Katrina. About Roran. About Thorn and Murtagh. Even old wounds, like Brom or Garrow's death. It was all darkness, shrouding her mind from the light and cutting off her enormous heart from its power source. She despaired, weeping up a gentle mist as rain started to fall.

Do not despair, little one. All will be better in due time. Rang a sweet, clear voice through her head. She started at the voice. She still had her barriors up, yet it had broken through.

Who is there? And what right have you to call me a little one? Wait…Eragon? How did you break through my shield? She asked him defensively. She was a little relieved it was him. It really scared her to think it could be someone else…

I am not he. But you already knew that, didn't you? It was true, Saphira realized. It just scarred her, thinking of who else it may be. Who else might slip, unnoticed, so easily-into the thoughts of a dragon. Who else could do something like that? What else were they capable of? Could someone whom had to be sneaky and slip into her thoughts be trusted to do good? As if reading her thoughts, the voice picked up again. You may trust me.

But who are you? Saphira asked impatiently, a touch of fear spilling out in her normally steady voice.

A friend… the voice answered.

For a moment, all she could her were her wings, beating, and the soft plopping of rain as it hit the canopy of trees to roll off to the forest bellow.

I cannot trust anyone I cannot see…Saphira answered.

Then you may see me. Saphira blinked in surprise, not thinking it'd be so easy. She hoped her luck would hold.

In time, you may. Well, some much for easy. Saphira sighed, shooting a short stream of fire out of her left nostril in frustration. It instantly dried her thin muzzle; though the rest of her was still soaked.

Now is time, isn't it? Saphira replied, shaking off water as it continued to pour rain. It didn't help much; as the rain came right back with a vengeance. Soon she was as slippery, wet, and slick as she had been before she had bothered to try and shake the water.

She could fell thoughts coming through the link. It was strange, as she couldn't understand any of them. The reasoning was completely lost in words to complex fro even Saphira to decipher. The being was amazingly complex and smart. Its thoughts seemed to consider her, wondering if she should see it. It finally made up its mind, though very hesitant to give an answer.

Come to me, daughter of the wind. You are wise. Now is indeed time. And I don't have the time I had thought I did. The voice sang out sweetly.

Where may I find you? She asked, confused.

Daughter of the Winds and Fires, Bellow you lies the see of the forest that is not golden. Above you lay an endless plain of blackness. You may find you shine like the sun. But so does something else. Fly to the ocean's gift to the sky From there, you must follow the path of light to the birthplace of precious metal. Hiding underneath its metallic sheen is the water of fire. Follow its flow till it holds no glow. From there, you shall know where you are ment to go. The link broke abruptly. It seemed this being would not give any secrets away for nothing.

Saphira blinked in confusion. This being was reminded Saphira how Brom would always dance around and around with words and never reveal their meaning. And how Eragon would beg for answers, but Brom would force him to learn for himself. Well, in this case, she was Eragon and the being was Brom. Now she knew why Eragon sometimes complained about riddles. Saphira had never heard of any of those places. And how was she supposed to find them.

I don't understand this. Can you help me in anyway? She pleaded as she noticed the rain was letting up. Clouds still obscured the moon part of the way while little stars pushed to blink past the mists to be seen.

As if in answer, Saphira heard a noise. It was another set of the all too familiar beat of wings. She gave a toothy smile as she did. She believed it to be the being, so she turned to face it.

But instead of an unknown figure flying towards her, she saw a familiar glint of deep red, smelling and feeling a ominous evil which she had known for long …