First of all, anyone who caught my supernatural reference last chapter, major props. Like, major. And I'd just like to say that Arya isn't jealous although I guess I didn't do a good job of showing that. She's just a bitch as of right now.
I have a friend that just posted an awesome story on here. It's called "Switching Lanes" and the author is Elemental Dragon Slayer. Seriously, this story will be awesome. Check it out!
They walked out of the hotel into the open and stopped. It was incredible. And big. The water glistened brightly in the sunlight as people strolled along the water in their swimsuits or lazed around on pool chairs laid out in a pattern around the pool. The weather wasn't necessarily hot, but it was warmer than normal and so people were taking advantage of the day. Eragon shoved his hands into his pockets.
"Too bad it's so damned cold or we could go swimming later."
"These people are swimming."
"Well these people are crazy. This is not swimming weather."
Arya walked around the curved edge of the water.
"I'm assuming the water is heated. Besides, it's almost 75 degrees out right now. The weather here is rather unpredictable sometimes."
They continued to stroll along the outside of the pool while acting as if they were inspecting with practiced eyes. Arya stopped halfway and crouched down, dipping her fingers into the water.
"Yeah it's heated." Standing, she pulled out a bluetooth and attached it to her hear. "Headquarters." It dialed and she walked out of range of anyone's hearing, Eragon following. "Saphira do you have anything for us?"
"Yeah I'm sending an address to your phone. Suspicious activity was noted in this area two days ago and was reported to the police but for some reason the file was buried. I dug into the archives and there could possibly be a few dirty cops in the police force here. What's more likely though is that Galbator- you know, that's just an obnoxious name to say. I think I'm gonna go with Galby. So, I'm guessing Galby's hacker got into the system."
Arya slid her phone from her back pocket, unlocking it and looking at the address.
"What was the report?"
"Several men were seen entering into an abandoned building with crates. The witness said they looked like the 'criminal type.' I'm not sure what that means exactly but it deserves a checking out. To make sure you look legit I'm sending two more addresses for you to check out."
Arya started walking back towards the front doors.
"Ok thanks Saphira. I'll keep you updated." With that she hung up and looked to Eragon. "Change of plans. Let's go."
He looked around,
"You think we seemed, like, inspectory enough?"
She raised and eyebrow.
"Inspectory?"
He smirked as they pushed through the doors.
"So where are we headed?"
"Further into the city."
"Are we talking slums?"
She nodded and they headed for their rooms but the manager caught sight of them. He scurried over with a worried look.
"Did you not enjoy the pool? Is there anything I could do for you?"
Eragon smiled reassuringly.
"Actually, it was more than expected. We'll return tonight after seeing how you are located relative to the area's attractions. You are in good standing as of right now so there truly is no need for worry."
The man smiled in relief and nodded before returning to his office. Arya rolled her eyes and they left the lobby, stopping by their rooms so as to retrieve their weapons. They each put a shoulder holster on under their jackets and slid the weapons in. Returning downstairs they had the valet get their car. While they waited Arya watched the cars flashing by in the distance. So many people don't even know what's happening right beneath their noses. . . . She sighed. If they failed and Galbatorix was able to destroy millions, this freedom would be ripped from all of them. Despair and panic would ensue as Galbatorix used fear to control the world. Looking at it in perspective like that was actually terrifying. Their car arrived and she shook herself out of her thoughts. This was definitely not the time. Not when the man next to her was such a wild card. He could ruin or save them and she had yet to decide which he would choose.
She walked around the side and took the keys. Eragon stuck his tongue out and got in the passenger seat. As soon as the door closed Arya pulled away and tossed her phone to him.
"Plug that address into the GPS."
"Say please." He said it cheekily and she wanted to slap him. Instead she just waited patiently and finally he started to input the data. "You're still no fun."
"And you're immature."
She followed the GPS until they arrived about two blocks from their destination. The buildings were mostly brick, broken down by wear and age. She parked the car and pulled took out the keys. He frowned.
"Ok not trying to contradict your thought process but are you seeing where we are? Look at what we're wearing. Look at the car. We aren't going to get very far before the car is stripped or stolen. And we stick out like a sore thumb."'
She reached into the back seat and pulled out a briefcase.
"I parked in front of an ATM. They have cameras and nobody's dumb enough to do that right in front of one. Our cover is property inspectors. We're checking three of the abandoned buildings around this area."
He looked outside at the ATM and grinned.
"Smart."
"I know." She led the way as they received untrusting stares and glances. They reached one of the addresses. A building more decrepit that the others around them. Arya stopped the door. "Stand to my right and block the view. I'll have this open in a minute."
He positioned himself and grumbled.
"Why couldn't Saphira drop a key off or something?"
She leaned over and quickly slid her lock picks into the lock.
"It would be too suspicious if somebody dropped something off just before we came."
"I mean at the hotel."
"It would be a waste of recourses when we can easily do it ourselves." She pushed the door open and they stepped into an old building that had supposedly been deserted for years. It smelled musty and as if the wood was rotting in the walls. "We'll take a walk through real quick and hit the next before we get to the actual target."
He nodded and they started to make their way down the hall that was only lit by the sun streaming through ripped up blinds. The carpeting was worn through to the point that in some places you could even see the concrete underneath. It turned out to be some old office space that had been flooded. Water stains marked the walls and the paint was chipped and discolored from a light tan. They made it through the first three floors without incident but as they walked up the stairs to the third they heard the pounding of feet. She unbuttoned her jacket but other than that left her weapon hidden. Eragon pushed the door open slowly and came to face a terrified little boy. He looked at them for a moment and then sprinted back the way he'd come.
"¡Mami! Personas extrañas están aquí!" (Mommy! Strange people are here!)
"¡Ven aquí, Phillip! Ve con tu hermana!" (Get in here, Phillip! Go in with your sister!)
Arya heard a shotgun cock and she looked over to find Eragon reaching for his weapon. She gripped his hand to stop him.
"No. You'll only scare her."
He looked dubiously at her as she dropped his hand but did nothing to disobey. A woman entered the hallway, gun barrel aimed at Eragon's chest. Her eyes were slightly teared up as she spoke.
"Por favor, sólo nos dejan. Saldremos de aquí en poco tiempo. No llame a la policía. ¡Por favor!" (Please, just leave us. We'll be out of here in no time. Don't call the police. Please!)
Arya held up her hands and Eragon followed suit. Looking at the woman she could tell she wasn't a killer. Sadness filled her at the lady's predicament. Forced to take your family into a place like this. . . . I couldn't imagine it. Shaking her head she spoke calmly and soothingly.
"No estamos aquí para deshacerse de ti. Por favor, sólo hablar con nosotros." (We aren't here to get rid of you. Please, just speak with us.)
The lady's hands shook with the weapon and Arya motioned for her to lower it. When she finally did Arya took a slight step forward. The lady stepped back swiftly.
"¡Atrás!" (Stay back!)
Arya stopped moving and held out her hands.
"Vale, vale, lo siento. ¿Puede usted decirme por qué estás aquí?" (Okay, okay, sorry. Can you tell me why you're here?)
The woman's eyes darkened.
"Debido a esos hijos de puta rompió en nuestros hogares y nos hizo salir! Sé que no era dueño de las habitaciones, pero no estábamos haciendo daño nadie. Nos espantó a cabo durante la noche, cuando nadie estaba mirando." (Because those bastards broke into our homes and made us leave! I know we didn't own those rooms but we weren't hurting no one. Shooed us out during the night when nobody was looking.)
Arya sighed and Eragon took over there.
"¿Hay más gente que vive aquí?" (Are there more people living here?)
The lady jerked back like she'd forgotten Eragon was there. Instead of answering she retreated even further. She's afraid of him. . . . Turning to Eragon she nodded towards the door.
"Go to the stairwell and wait for me there." His eyes became stubborn but she just shook her head. "You're scaring her. Just go."
He clenched his jaw.
"Fine. Be careful."
Arya nodded and he turned and walked back. She looked back at the woman and smiled.
"Podemos hablar ahora?" (Can we speak now?)
The woman looked uncertain but she nodded and walked into an office that had been made into living quarters. Arya followed, buttoning up her jacket again, and stopped just inside the room. The lady had sat down on a makeshift chair which was a trash bag full of clothing. She motioned for Arya to sit on an old office chair. After doing so the woman waited. Arya smiled warmly.
"Mi nombre es Elisa." (My name is Elise.)
"Amelia."
"¿Hay otras personas que viven en este edificio?" (Are there other's living in this building?)
"Sí, varios. Había muchas familias que viven en nuestro último edificio pero fueron expulsados a la calle también. Nos están distribuidos en este nivel y los siete siguientes." (Yes, several. There were many families living in our last building but they were kicked to the streets as well. We are spread out on this level and the next seven.)
Arya continued to speak with her, gaining as much information as she could about the men that had taken over her previous home. As soon as she'd acquired all she believed she could, she stood.
"Gracias, Amelia. Y no te preocupes. Mi amigo y yo estábamos sólo recorriendo el edificio. Estamos tratando de encontrar un lugar adecuado para hacer una sesión de fotos. Voy a elegir un edificio diferente. Es éste uno es inseguro." (Thank you, Amelia. And don't worry. My friend and I were only touring the building. We're trying to find a suitable place to do a photo shoot. I'll choose a different building. Claim this one is unsafe.)
Amelia beamed and stood, hugging her tightly. As uncomfortable as she was she returned it. Pulling away, the woman smiled brightly.
"¡Gracias! Gracias, Elise. No me olvidaré de su bondad." (Thank you! Thank you, Elise. I won't forget this kindness.)
"Adiós, Amelia."
The woman waved and Arya returned to the hallway and to Eragon. He pushed away from the wall he'd been leaning against.
"You can't just send me away like that, Arya! I know you don't like me but I'm on this mission with you for a reason."
She walked past him, going down the stairs.
"Did you not see her reaction to you? She wouldn't have spoken if you hadn't left."
He scoffed.
"Yeah? How would you know?"
"Eragon did you notice there was no man? She had scarring up her arms. She was abused. Some women who've been abused have a very strong aversion to men." He was silent for a moment and then apologized. She changed the subject. "Ok, next building is also abandoned but I'm guessing squatters are living there as well so we can just go in the very front and stand there for a bit."
"Fine. What did she tell you?"
"Two nights ago men with guns burst into the building they were living and waited till night to force them to leave. I'm guessing to avoid having any witnesses. These people can't go to the police because they were there illegally. She says one man stuck out though. She called him 'diablo rojo.'"
"Red devil. . . " He froze. "Durza."
The look in his eye's worried her and she stepped in front of him, gripping his arms tightly.
"Stop it, Eragon. Keep your head clear or I'm sending you back."
He glared at her but finally his eyes cleared and he nodded.
"I know, I'm sorry."
Turning she opened the door and locked it before closing it again. They continued to walk and it took five minutes to reach the next building. As she picked the lock she looked at him.
"I had to tell Amelia we were looking for a place to have a photo shoot by the way. Didn't want her worried we'd be taking her home."
"Good thinking."
"Yeah. If we run into anyone in here it's the same."
"What about our target?"
"No we revert to the original. There's better places in less shady areas to have photo shoots. Professionals will be too suspicious."
She pushed open the door and they stepped inside. There was no noise from above but that didn't mean much. Arya leaned against the wall beside the door, preparing to wait for about twenty to thirty minutes. Eragon paced around for five of those minutes until she snapped.
"Will you just sit still?"
He raised his eyebrows at her tone.
"You know, you could lighten up a bit." She rolled her eyes but said nothing. He continued to watch her before walking over and standing before her. "Seriously, why are you such a hard ass?"
She didn't look at his eyes. For some reason when she did that it was harder to lie.
"Because it's what the job requires."
"No. This job requires discipline."
"Something you don't have."
He shook his head and smiled slightly.
"You don't get it, do you? I am capable of being serious one moments and a spaz the next. It all depends on the situation that I'm in. You, on the other hand, are serious at all times, even when humor would be a more acceptable state."
Oh I get it. It's just way easier my way.
"Eragon you are not capable of changing your emotions on a whim. You use humor and sarcasm to cover up pain or fear or whatever negative emotion you're feeling."
He sighed and walked back and started pacing again.
"And you use walls and rocket launchers to keep all your emotions at bay and people from getting close."
Instead of responding she just leaned her head against the wall and closed her eyes. They waited in silence for another fifteen minutes before she figured it'd been long enough. Pushing off the wall she opened the door and they made to their way to their final destination. This time Arya paused and listened at the door for several moments.
"There's at least three in there. Probably four." She pushed her picks in the lock. As loudly as she could she unlocked the door and pushed it open. As she did she whispered to him, "We are just property inspectors. Act like it."
They'd barely moved inside when two men stepped around the corner. One, who was around six foot with shaggy black hair and a face marred by scars was holding a ARX-160. The other had an M4A1 and he looked like he was from the area.
"Who the hell are you?"
She stepped back as if in fear but Eragon took it a step further by yelping and pulling her in front of him. Seriously. The men lowered their guns slightly and laughed.
"Little pussy. Using his girlfriend as a shield."
The other chuckled and looked Arya up and down.
"If I were you, I'd drop that loser."
She looked back and gave Eragon a death glare.
"Planning on it."
The first man got serious again.
"So who are you."
Arya held out her briefcase and looked nervously at the gun, making it seem as if she was still scared.
"Property Inspectors. We're seeing if these building can be improved and turned into profitable businesses."
The second man opened the briefcase and rummaged through the paperwork for several minutes. While he did that she peered into the room they'd exited from. She could see two others in front of crates as they moved guns from one to the next. Gotcha.
"These papers are legit, Sampson."
The first man nodded.
"Alright well you're gonna have to come back here later. Say in, like, a week or so." He grinned at Arya. "But you can come back any time you want. We'll have some fun."
Arya nodded as awkwardly as she could and Eragon continued to keep her in front of him. They turned and walked outside. The moment the door was closed they both unbuttoned their jackets and unclasped their guns. Turning, Eragon shoved the door open again and they sprinted in, guns drawn. Eragon's voice rang out loud and cold.
"On your knees! Now!" One of the men raised his gun but Eragon fired with perfect precision, right through his heart. "Guns down!"
The others hesitated before slowly lowering and dropping their guns. She moved further into the room.
"Kick them over here."
They did as they were told, all pushing their weapons away. Sampson looked at the other man they'd spoken with.
"Their papers are legit, Tanner? Yeah?"
He shrugged, face furious.
"They were."
"Dipshit!"
"Maybe you should do the work sometime then!"
Eragon got fed up quick.
"Shut up! Both of you. Where's Durza?"
Sampson looked surprised before completely masking his features.
"You're not the cops, are you?"
"Nope. Durza?"
Tanner laughed.
"No, he's not a cop either."
Sampson punched his friend.
"Stop being an idiot."
Eragon walked forward and pressed his gun to Tanner's head.
"Where is Durza!"
She watched Eragon's demeanor change. Shit. Taking advantage, Tanner slammed his forearm in front of him, trying to knock Eragon's gun from his hand. Quick as lightning Eragon smacked his arm away and cracked the gun across Tanner's jaw. The man fell onto his back and Eragon pressed the gun to his kneecap.
"Where's Durza!"
Blood dripped down Tanner's face as he stared at Eragon.
"I don't know I swear!"
Eragon had done exactly what she warned him not to. He'd let his emotions overwhelm his mind.
"Relax, Eragon." When he didn't take his eyes from Tanner she stepped forward and gripped his arm. "Eragon! Back off. Now."
He was still for several moments before taking a deep breath and stepping away. He still kept his gun trained on the man. Arya turned back to the group.
"If you don't know where Durza is then what's the plan? What are you doing here?"
Tanner opened his mouth but Sampson yelled at him.
"Dude, shut it!"
Eragon moved swiftly and knocked Sampson out with one strike. He looked to Tanner.
"Continue."
The man nodded.
"Yeah well we were going to guard the weapons until the time of a meeting or something."
Arya was suspicious that he spoke to them so hastily.
"Why do you betray your friends so easily?"
Tanner laughed.
"These ass holes aren't my friends. I'm a hired gun. They needed me because I know the area."
Arya swore and both Eragon and Tanner looked at her in question. She shook her head and glanced at Eragon.
"They lied to him. They were gonna kill him the moment the time came for whatever was happening to happen."
Tanner's eyes widened and Arya looked to the last man who'd been silent the entire time.
"And you are?" When he didn't answer she rolled her eyes and turned to Eragon. "He's the one we're going to need to get talking. Better get comfortable. We'll be here for a while."
Ok, this is super random but am I the only writer that wonders why certain people don't review or even read certain stories? Like how to people choose which story to read and which ones they don't want to bother with? I'm not complaining because seriously, you guys are the best reviewers ever. But sometimes I read other people's reviews and I wonder what keeps certain people from certain stories. I feel like I offended people I don't even know and it bugs the living daylights out of me. Lol so can anyone answer this?
Tamerlain85: Yes this is definitely ExA. It will just take a while.
Dracones: Lmao I do too :D
Tsukune08: Because he's supposed to be immature lol
Mark Silverwing: Lol Castle will always be in every one of my fics :) and I do that yes. I can eat cereal in any way and it's still good.
My Generation: The whole point though is that Arya isn't jealous. At least not yet. She really just doesn't care. He's pushing her buttons and she's responding in the way she knows how to. He's out of line and she's a bitch haha. Yeah I don't like when people do put characters together who are obviously not together at all in any way. Like, at all. It bothers me to no end. Like Eragon and Murtagh. No. Just. . . no. I'm not trying to offend anybody who does like stuff like that but they're brothers. . . . And I don't like non-canon pairings anyway. But I haven't read any so there aren't any I can suggest. Did you try narrowing it down to a pairing that actually is right?
Eluvita: Lol I feel like I messed up somewhere because Arya isn't jealous but most people think that :P She's just kind of a bitch and to her he's out of line. And I totally know what you mean! Holy crap I love when I get that into a story and it's like, linked to my own emotions. And thank you so much for saying that because that's awesome to hear :D