She swore vehemently and tightened her hands into fists as a cool breeze blew across her face. This new opponent was armed with a bat and the glint from his fist made her believe he also had brass knuckles. Eragon took a deep breath and rolled his shoulders, obviously in pain and exhausted. Just then, another opponent was thrown into the ring. Eragon retreated back rapidly, looking at both in surprise. This new combatant was huge, a giant among men. Arya could see Eragon recalculating and trying to decide what to do with this new situation.

Both opponents started towards him, the man with the bat spinning it in his hand. Good, a cocky opponent. Always too ambitious to finish a fight. He will be easy to dispatch. Eragon got another lucky break when the unarmed man charged him. These men obviously weren't using strategy to defeat him. Quickly, Eragon sidestepped the initial attack, delivering a stunning blow and simultaneously dropping him to the ground with a dislocated jaw. Before he could ensure the knockout, the other opponent ran at him. He ducked under the first swing and rolled to the side, stumbling to a standing position and getting his footing. The attacker was relentless, coming again with a two handed blow that Eragon barely had time to dodge.

This time, when Eragon rolled, he was off-balance, causing him to trip back to the dirt as he tried to stand. And the man was upon him, bat rising for a blow that could possibly kill Eragon. She gripped the edge of the table and watched, breath caught in her throat. As the bat dropped, Eragon snaked an arm around the unarmed opponent who was in the process of pushing himself off the ground and pulled him on top of himself. The strike connected with the large opponent's side and she could almost feel the pain as his mouth opened in a scream and he writhed in agony.

Orik beside her let out a breath. They watched as Eragon pushed the injured mercenary off of him and swung his foot, knocking the other to the ground. The bat left the man's grip as he hit the dirt and Eragon stood, snatching it from the ground. He stood over his opponent before kicking him unconscious. Eragon ignored the other one and turned to face his next attacker, bat still in hand. The opponent stepped into the ring and walked towards Eragon when suddenly he stopped, looking at Durza. Eragon turned too.

-E-R-A-G-O-N-

"Stop!" Eragon looked at Durza, hoping that he was finished. Instead, Durza raised his eyes at him. "No weapons that you didn't start with, Samuel."

He couldn't believe it.

"Are you shitting me?!"

Durza laughed cruelly.

"Of course not, dear boy. Drop the bat."

Screaming in fury, Eragon swung around and chucked the bat at his opponent that was still several feet from him. Despite that, it connected with a sound crack and he watched as the mercenary cried out in pain and grabbed at his arm. From the angle, Eragon could tell it was broken. Not giving the man a chance to do anything else, he rand forward and slammed his fist into his face. The merc stumbled and Eragon threw one more punch before he went down in a heap. He turned to find Durza frowning at him.

"Lose the knuckles."

Eragon's fist tightened.

"What?"

Durza stepped forward angrily.

"Lose the knuckles, Samuel! I told you to drop the bat and you used it as a ranged weapon. You lose your brass knuckles and this knock out means nothing!"

Eragon swore, chucking them to the ground and trying to contain the raging fury that is building in his chest. His vision goes almost red as he tries to calm himself down. He was having to play this demon's game and for what? Just to see his worth? No, Durza had seen his worth after he'd taken down six of his guys. He'd seen his worth after the man with the knife. Now, he was just being played with for the asshole's amusement. Here he was, feet from the man who ruined his life, and he was a puppet. All he had to do was turn around . . . .He steeled himself. No. He'd promised Arya and he refused to let her down.

Sucking in a slow breath, he channeled his anger into a greater focus. He felt stronger with his rage flowing through his body and he waited impatiently for his next opponent. Three unarmed men stepped into the ring and faced off. Rolling his eyes, Eragon readied himself, knowing that he was going to give out at some point and hoping it wouldn't be too bad of a beating when it happened.

Another eight rounds later and it did. Five opponents had entered the wide arena, two holding weapons. A baton and a knife. The others had brass knuckles or nothing at all. He was able to take two down before a blow at his back caused him to stumble forward. Immediately another strike put him to his knees. He rolled, trying to escape the onslaught of blows that were bound to come. He barreled one man over and tried to stand but a fist slammed into his back and sent him to the ground again. That was it. Feet plowed into his side and the baton cracked across his skull and he lost consciousness to the racking pain that shot daggers through his body.

He awoke in a bare room with a single bed set against the wall, noticing that he'd somehow gotten a shirt in his passed out state. His eyes barely opened and he couldn't feel anything. Suddenly the cloud of sleep disappeared and his limbs and muscles screamed in pain as he tried to move. Groaning loudly, he turned his throbbing head to look at his surroundings. The air in the room was stale and cold and dust seemed to swirl about in the sunlight that came through the two windows on opposite sides of the room. He laid there for a few more minutes before the door opened and Durza walked in, a grin on his face.

Eragon couldn't really tell what was going to happen. He seemed to be in a holding room of some kind and if that was the case, he'd been found out. It would've been easier for Durza to recognize him while he was passed out. Luckily, that hadn't been the case. As he walked in, Durza held a mirror over Eragon.

"Look how pretty you look." Eragon glanced in the mirror and if they'd been able, his eyes would've widened. He was literally unrecognizable. Durza dropped the mirror to his side and tilted his head. "Forty-six knockouts. That's definitely a record." Eragon opened his mouth to speak but discovered that his throat felt like sandpaper. He coughed, sending tendrils of pain shooting through him. Durza called for somebody to get water before looking back at him and smirking. "You'll go far here, Samuel."

With that he walked out of the room. Well at least he still thinks I'm Samuel. A man brought him a water bottle and poured it carefully down his throat. It soothed it slightly but it continued to burn. He tried to sit up again but the man shook his head.

"Sleep, sir. Durza wants you to have your strength."

Sir? He didn't have time to ponder that as he drifted off again. Hours later he jolted, shooting up and immediately regretting it. Ignoring the weakness and pain in his arms and legs, he moved to stand, immediately stumbling and having to catch himself on the far wall. He slowly made his way to the door, expecting it to be locked. Instead, it opened easily and he saw that he was in the building that held Durza's office. He had just taken a step out of the room when the man from earlier who'd brought him the water, opened the door next to him.

"Samuel, sir. Durza wishes to see you."

He led Eragon down the hall to the room he'd entered earlier and nodded before turning and walking away. Taking a breath, Eragon knocked.

"Come in."

The voice rang through his bones and caused a bitter sensation to rise in him. Twisting the knob he pushed the door open and stepped inside. Durza was sitting lazily behind his desk, his feet propped on his desk and his hands behind his head.

"Samuel! You look like shit. Feeling worse?"

Eragon nodded and waited till Durza motioned for him to sit. He did so and let his sore muscles relax. He looked at the evil man before him.

"So now what?"

Durza just watched him.

"Well obviously you acquired brain damage."

Eragon sighed.

"So what now, sir."

A grin spread across his face.

"I'm glad you asked, Samuel. See, like most of my mercenaries, you have no clue what is truly going on here. You don't know about the bigger picture."

Eragon tilted his head.

"And what would that be?"

Durza turned his computer screen and showed him an image that he would never forget. Before him was a still of a shriveled body. Burnt to a crisp but still. . . . alive. The man was reaching for the screen as if asking for help and parts of his body were falling off. Blood was seeping through his skin and he looked like there was no way he could possibly be alive. The only thing that contrasted that was the bright blue eyes that held a torment so excruciating that it was unavoidably alive. Eragon fought the desire to retch and kept his face blank.

"What is this?"

Durza chuckled.

"Good. Very good. Your disgusting lack of empathy is very revealing of your character. I think you and I will get along just fine." He pulled the computer back towards him. "You see, by the time we're done, that will be the outcome of most of the world's population." At that he couldn't hide his shock. Durza frowned. "Shocking?"

Eragon saved himself.

"Yes. But only because I'd assume it'd be all of the world."

Durza laughed wholeheartedly and pulled out a drawer on the left side of his desk. He grabbed something and held his hand out.

"Take this."

Eragon opened his palm and Durza dropped a key into it. He narrowed his eyes and questioned him.

"What's this for?"

Durza stood and walked out of the room.

"Follow me."

Pushing himself up painfully, Eragon followed the man out of the room and into the burning light of day. He winced as sunlight pierced his eyes and he shielded them with his palm. Durza led him across the packed dirt through a maze of other mercs. From the looks they gave him they were obviously wary. Ignoring this, he strained to keep up with Durza before they finally stopped at a lone building that looked like it would house an entire bunk room from the barracks. Durza motioned for the door.

"This is your new quarters. Enjoy."

Sliding the key into the lock he turned it and stepped inside an air conditioned, furnished, and new room. To his left was a wooden desk and rolly chair. Beside it was a plastic trash bin and to his right was a window and a coat rack. He couldn't see what lay beyond because there was a half wall separating him from the other side. He put on a face, grinning like he was excited.

"This is mine?"

"Yes. Now, for your victory, you've obviously earned a prize. It is waiting for you on your bed."

Eragon did as he was expected.

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."

Durza grinned cruelly.

"You're learning."

With that he closed the door and left Eragon alone. The moment he knew Durza was out of range, he grabbed the bin and hurled up everything that had been in his stomach. After which he continued to dry heave painfully, his body clinching. He slumped against the side of the desk as his hatred and disgust all boiled within him. He was helpless to do anything as that bastard continued to destroy his sanity. And the photo on that screen. . . . He shivered and wiped the bile from his face. Whatever Durza had left for him, he was going to destroy and scatter into millions of pieces. He didn't want any kind of gift from that man.

Walking around the wall he stopped dead in his tracks. There was a body, obviously woman, sprawled across the sheets. Her hands were tied with roped and latched to the headboard. On her head was a cloth pillowcase and she was laying still. Her body was covered in tight leather clothing and boots were laced up her legs. His mouth dropped open as he started. Shaking himself from his trance, he moved swiftly and pulled until he'd untied the women's hands and released her.

"Are you ok?" He helped her pulled the case from her head and he almost pissed his pants. Literally. "Arya!?"

-A-R-Y-A-

She watched as they pounded him, not stopping. Both her, Orik, and Saphira watched helpless as the crap was kicked out of him. He'd already stopped moving and she didn't know why they continued. Finally, all heads shot up and looked to where Durza was. They nodded and backed away, returning to the outer area. Durza called several others who came and lifted Eragon from the ground, carrying him off into the distance. The blood in her veins ran icy cold as she watched, not knowing if he was dead or alive.

Her heart pounded against her chest and she heard Saphira's voice crack as she spoke over the earpiece.

"Is he. . . "

Arya rested her head in her hands, pressing her palms into her eyes to stop the rush of a headache.

"I don't know Saphira."

They sat there and watched as the arena was taken down and people slowly began to return to their barracks. Durza went off to the direction Eragon had gone. As soon as he was out of sight in a large building, she stood and paced off. Walking circles around the car, she tried to calm herself. No matter his state, she could do nothing. This was part of the job. He knew what he was risking when he went in. Despite what she was telling herself, she couldn't help the sadness that consumed her. She had just stopped and leaned on the cold metal of the car when Orik called her over.

"Arya look at this." She hurried over and he pointed at the screen. "There's a vehicle headed towards the base. Should we intercept it?"

Pondering for a moment she nodded.

"Yes. It might give us a clue to what Eragon's fate was."

He nodded and gave the orders for the SUV to be stopped.

Several minutes later Orik called her over again.

"It's a hooker."

Her brows furrowed.

"What?"

He nodded.

"Yeah. Says she is being sent to congratulate a merc who gained into the ranks of Durza and his men."

"He's alive."

Orik grinned.

"Looks like it. What do we do now? They're expecting this girl."

Arya climbed in the car.

"I'll take her place."

Orik whirled around.

"No! What?"

Starting the car she leaned out the window.

"We need to get to Eragon and this is the only way to do it. Let them know I'm on my way."

Putting on the ridiculous leather of the whore in the car felt like she was peeling off her dignity. Knowing Arya, the other Varden agents knew not to even look at her. The man who'd been driving the car was not so well informed. He whistled and looked her up and down.

"Damn girl I think you chose the wrong profession."

Her head snapped and she glared daggers at him. A pale look covered him as she stepped towards him. Her finger curled into his collar and she twisted it until he couldn't breathe.

"What was that?"

He struggled against her, shaking his head. A choked "sorry" left his lips and she shoved him to the side. She climbed in the back seat of the car and one of her agents took the driver's position. They'd arranged to have the man arrested and the woman to be questioned to see whether her job was a choice or if it was forced. Arya on the other hand, would be traveling in under the guise of a prostitute. How classy. As they came closer to the base, she began to think on what her options would be if for some reason the man she was being taken to was not Eragon.

They'd blindfolded her and tied her to the bed. How jacked up was that? And she knew for a fact that the groping hands that had done it were not just clumsy. Her entire being ached for revenge and her anger only grew as she waited for who she was meant. But when he spoke, all her fury vanished to be replaced with concern and chagrin that she had believed she had it bad. Eragon was having to look the man who'd killed Brom right in the eyes and call him sir. To that, her situation was nothing.

As soon as the door shut she heard him vomit and dry heave continuously causing her heart to squeeze. Then something else hit her as he started to walk in. What if he would take advantage of a situation like this? Her fears were proved unnecessary because the first thing he did was release her. As soon as they'd removed the hood and he'd stumbled back, she looked at his wounds in shock. But she was better at hiding it than he was.

"Arya?!" She threw a hand over his mouth and glared. He seemed to collect himself then because he pulled her hand away and sat next to her on the bed. "How did you get in here?"

She motioned at the ridiculous getup she was wearing.

"They were sending you a hooker so I took her place in order to get in contact with you."

He nodded and a small smile left his lips.

"Too bad. I was looking forward to her."

She smacked his arm although she couldn't help but chuckle. He winced before leaning back against the wall.

"So what's the plan?"

"More Varden agents are on there way but we don't have the resources to send enough to match this small army."

He shook his head.

"If we have surprise on our side we'll easily take them. Most of these guys are half rate mercs who only know how to sling a gun."

"Good. Once we have everything situated, no matter what is happening in this camp, Orik will give the order to attack."

He closed his eyes.

"Good. I want that bastard."

"We need him alive."

He clenched his jaw tightly, showing the muscle there.

"Fine."

She looked at him closely.

"Eragon look at me a moment." He opened his eyes and she saw pure agony darkening the irises. "Are you going to make it?"

He nodded.

"I have to don't I." It wasn't a question. She nodded, worrying that he might crack. He seemed to catch on to her fear. "Don't worry, Arya. I wont do anything to put this mission in danger and risk losing that sadistic monster. He cannot have his world."

She frowned, lost at his words.

"His world?"

Eragon looked at her again then, deep into her eyes where they locked on like a vice grip.

"He wants to destroy the world Arya; to kill millions upon millions of people. What I saw. . . I. . . he has to be stopped."

She squeezed his shoulder, not knowing exactly how to help him but wanting to help.

"He will be Eragon, I swear to you."

"I know."

She pulled her hand away and leaned back against the wall next to him. He changed the subject.

"How long before you head out?"

"Tonight. They only send girls for one day. Apparently Durza has a whole set up with this organization that allows him to have girls sent here for a day. The only rules are that the girls can refuse what they want and if any bear so much as a scratch when she returns, the deal ends. Apparently they haven't had a problem."

Eragon shook his head.

"To be so cruel. . . .Durza must be a psychopath. He literally feels nothing."

She agreed.

"He is. There is no other explanation for his lack of any show of empathy."

For the rest of the night they sat there and talked about different strategies for getting to Durza when the attack hit. Trouble came when there was a knock at the door.

"Everyone decent?"

She reacted immediately, pulling Eragon down on top of her and throwing the covers over so that whoever it was wouldn't see she was still fully clothed. Eragon seemed surprised at her action but caught on quickly and positioned himself so that the man wouldn't be able to see any part of Arya but her face. The door opened and Eragon became the part, his lips suddenly finding her neck and attacking the pulse point with tongue and teeth. She reacted unwillingly, her body calling to respond as her mouth opened and her head dropped back.

She had no clue what she was truly feeling but what was happening at that moment worked perfectly with the scene they were trying to portray. Eragon's hand slid into her hair and his mouth began to move down the v of the leather top. They heard a chuckle as something was set on the coffee table by the bed before footsteps retreated and the door shut. Eragon took a deep breath and collapsed with relief. She twisted, trying to ignore the fact that her entire being was tingling.

"Eragon get off."

He rolled to the side and sat up, looking to see what had been set down.

eragonfan117: They'll definitely be together eventually. What's your name?

N-Six: Just a bit lol

Depends: Because in a situation where you have no time to prepare, trying to change your name would be incredibly difficult.

Engr99: Lol I know several that have been raided. Also, if the cop is attacked, he can do whatever he wants and Eragon attacked him. A cop can pull his gun for less. For example: If you open your door after being pulled over the cop is required to unholster his gun. It's protocol.

Ninja15912: I actually just began reposting it so check it out if you want.

funnelwebs: I'll try to do that. I don't usually remember though haha. Yeah they can. Like explained above, cops can pull their weapon in a threatening situation. Yeah I'll give you that, I know nothing about thermal cameras. I was just making crap up. It's all good I always sound like a nerd haha,

Iryan Drottingu: Sort of soon. . . . lol

My Generation: I'll try and update quicker from now on.

winter wolf: I just make crap up as I write. I have a basic plot to follow but that's it. Basically, I'm always thinking about my stories and I think of new stuff during the most random times. I usually use my class time to think instead of paying attention to my professors. Um, I'm not very far in at all. I love RPGs and I can deal with FPS games but they bore me pretty quickly. I really like all the AC games. TOMB RAIDER IS AN INCREDIBLE GAME! I've never actually played the Uncharted games but they look cool. And it's all good haha.