Elemental Dragon Slayer helped me out with the car scene. If you guys haven't checked out his fic, you totally should!

"By who?!"

"By people who want to use you as leverage against your son. I'll see if I can lose them in the town. Hold on."

The Porsche's tires squealed as Arya raced around the roundabout, before their torture relented as the car sped down a long, straight road leading to the town center.

There, Arya figured, would be the best place to lose their pursuers.

A set of traffic lights loomed ahead, still green yet she knew they would turn red as soon as they reached them. Shifting into fifth gear, Arya pushed the 911 further. Yet it still wasn't enough as a quick glance in the rear view mirror showed the same black Chrysler at their tail.

They managed to reach the lights while they were yellow and Arya looked in the left-side mirror to see whether the black car would stop at the red light. It didn't.

Speeding through recklessly, the black car narrowly missed a bus pulling out of a side road in front of the lights causing a cacophony of horns and confusion. These people meant business.

A minute later and the sound of urban life filled their ears: people talking, cars roaming everywhere, buses stopping and starting, with the occasional distant train being heard off in the distance.

Arya was craning her head in all directions to look for any possible escape routes.

The Porsche attracted a lot of attention as it swerved through the stream of cars and other traffic, earning loud blaring of horns and angry drivers' insults.

Knowing they needed to get away from innocent bystanders, Arya took the next left down a narrow road and then a right. They'd entered a construction zone but, luckily, it seemed all the builders had gone home for the night.

She went under scaffolding, across sandy temporary roads and empty ground floors of a massive building to try and shake the pursuers. A glance in the wing mirror caused Arya to do a double-take. Now there were three cars chasing them. Where the hell did they come from?! She swung around a corner and was intrigued to find that they were in an incomplete parking garage. Speeding dangerously up to the next level, she drifted expertly around the corner and her heart about dropped in her chest as they almost went over a ledge.

The fall wouldn't kill them necessarily, but the injuries would be severe. She slammed the gas, pulling the one tire that had gone off and flying along the thin strip of completed construction. Glancing in the mirror, she was relieved to see one of the Chryslers fly off into empty space. A loud crash exploded through the night that had only been filled with Mary's panicked breathing and the sound of the car engine. Arya swore. They were coming to a dead end and Arya wasn't willing to bet on how many enemy agents were filling the remaining cars.

Mary was staring at her in terror but Arya had reached a decision. She had just enough room to spin the car. Reaching up to fifty miles per hour, she jammed the hand break and spun the wheel, feeling her body lean to the side as the momentum threw her and Mary. Used to this, she quickly resettled herself and shifted, stepping on the gas again and heading straight for the car that was just in front of her. She knew that she would be willing to hold longer than whatever panzy was behind the wheel of the front car. It didn't stop Mary from gripping her shoulder tightly and beginning to hyperventilate as she watched.

As Arya suspected, as soon as they came within a few yards, the car swerved and went off the ledge, landing loudly on the lower level. The Chrysler behind had been much smarter, having slowed to a stop and blocking the exit. She pulled up short just as three men clambered out of the car, weapons raised and firing. Arya shoved Mary down and threw the car into reverse, putting some distance between them and their bullets. Several broke the windshield and pelted into the seats and panels. She kept crouched low, barely able to see the space ahead of her. She knew they couldn't keep going backwards much longer. Instead, as she reached the wall, she put the car in park and pulled her gun from between the seats.

She'd reloaded it earlier and now, as she fired two shots threw the broken windshield, she thought rapidly on possible escapes. If the three agents would just walk in front of the car, she could ram them or at least get them to turn away. But they were playing it smart and safe, using the car as a shield. If she tried to smash into the car, a simple couple steps back are all it would take to put them at a comfortable distance. The barrage of bullets from semi-automatic weapons continued to pelt the car and there was no way for her to rise up and fire. Suddenly the distinctive clicking of an empty mag reached her ears. Actually, three emptied mags. Idiots.

Without a second thought, she was sitting upright and aiming, taking one down in a single shot.

The others were able to get into cover so Arya did the stupidest, or smartest, she couldn't decide, thing that was possible to do. She exited the Porsche quietly and started at a crouched sprint to the opposite car. As she reached it, she leapt onto the hood and fired a shot straight into the skull of an agent. As she landed, she rolled, turning herself and bringing her weapon up as she slid across the pavement with bullets trailing her.

She raised her weapon and fired two shots, successfully taking down her last enemy. As she slowed to a stop, relief poured through her and she leapt up, unceremoniously grabbing the dead bodies and shoving them off the ledge onto the ground below, out of the way of the Chrysler. She sprinted to the Porsche and ripped the door open, grabbing her bag and looking at Mary.

"Let's get out of here."

They made their way to the enemy car and sped out of the garage.

She pulled into the driveway, Saphira just behind her. Mary leapt out and ran to the trunk of the Corvette knowing exactly where Firnen was. It opened to find him still unconscious and perfectly healthy. Eragon was still thirty minutes away and from the sound of it, he was grumbling like an old man about his wound. She smirked at the thought, picking up Firnen and walking them into the small house with pale yellow walls and white trim. It was furnished with older appliances and had a rather homey feel. It was meant to put those inside at ease. Perfect for their current situation. Saphira pushed through the door for her and she looked to Mary.

"You can choose whichever rooms you'd like. There's four. Where do you want him?"

The woman, eyes untrusting and still relatively angry, looked about. She saw a door and opened it to find a twin bed and a single bedside table with a lamp.

"Here." Arya rested the boy on the bed and headed for the hallway. Mary stopped her with a hand on her wrist. "You haven't told me who you are or what's going on. In the car all you did was brush it off with the explanation that you guys were saving us. That was enough in the moment, not now."

Arya nodded curtly.

"Everything will be explained when Eragon is here and safe."

Mary frowned.

"Was it all a lie? Is Izz-Saphira your sister?" Arya shook her head, not bothering to speak. Mary continued. "You and Eragon? Are you married?"

Arya tensed.

"No."

Mary prodded, her eyes narrowing.

"Are you even together?"

She felt her jaw clench and knew that her reaction was obvious to the woman.

"No."

Even with all she'd been lied to, all she didn't know, Mary still took on an understanding and motherly look.

"Do you want to be?"

Arya shook her head, a chuckle escaping her lips.

"I don't know what I want, Mary. And I'm not really the sharing type. The girl you became friends with isn't me." She saw Mary's frown and needed to get out of the room. "I'm gong to check in with Saphira. Get settled in."

But as she walked away, she decided on something else and made her way to the porch, sitting down on the swing and resting her head against the hard back. She remained there until Richard parked in the driveway, getting out and opening the door for Eragon. Standing, she made her way over and crossed her arms as he climbed wearily out of the car. His face was pale but there was a smile there as he caught sight of her, his arms immediately encompassing her body in a tight hug. Her breath was stolen from her lungs as he squeezed her gently. His lips whispered into her hair, sending chills through her.

"I'm glad you're alright, Arya."

She allowed herself to return his embrace, breathing deeply and wishing it could last. But she knew it wouldn't work. It couldn't. An excited cry went up and Arya pulled back to find Mary running to hug her husband, kissing him happily and looking at him for a brief second. She led him inside and Arya returned her attention to Eragon who she found was already staring at her, a dazed gaze in his eyes. He brushed his hand down her already bruising cheek worriedly and she pulled away, distancing herself and heading towards the front door. His fingers slid into hers as she reached the porch and tugged her back.

"Arya. . . ." The pleading in his voice made her cringe and she stopped moving. He turned her, trying to get her to look at him. "Arya you've made it clear how you feel, but. . . I think we still need to talk about everything. I don't want to miss out on this. I think you're just afraid, and I'm not willing to let go that easily."

She avoided his eyes.

"Not now, Eragon."

She tried to step away again but his grip tightened as he crouched slightly to meet her eyes. The light brown of his own ripping into her.

"Why not now? Arya the more we ignore this, the larger chance that we miss this opportunity."

She shrugged, ignoring her pounding heart.

"So what if we do. If it passes so easily it's not real anyway."

He frowned at her, catching a double-meaning behind her words.

"What do you mean?"

She sighed.

"Eragon you want this because you can't have it. You like the chase. You want to win the game. But once it's over your feelings will disappear as well."

Understanding and shock flitted wildly through his eyes as he watched her.

"Is that really what you think of me? I don't want this to be a game or whatever you think. I care about you more than you could possibly know."

She looked away.

"You are a player. You play to feel the exhilaration of winning, Eragon. And I am not a prize."

He seemed utterly confused.

"You know it isn't like that."

"Yes it is! Stop trying to act like it's not. If you just thought about it you would see it too. It was obvious in the way you handled my rejection before. Toying with me and trying to get under my skin. It was just the next play in your book."

He swore, shaking his head forcefully.

"No that's just the only way I knew how to deal with it! I've never felt like this and it scared me. I didn't know what to do!"

Arya pulled from his grip, knowing she had to relent some of her feelings to make this "no" stick.

"No matter how I feel about you, I will not, I refuse, to get myself hurt because of it. I need you to move on from whatever you think your feelings are for me."

He stared at her for several seconds before a determined glint reached his eyes.

"I understand why you are doing this. And I'm going to prove to you that you are so wrong. I swear, this will not go away."

With that he leaned forward and kissed her forehead softly and pushed through the ajar door. When she followed she froze, noticing that Richard and Mary were just inside, obviously having heard their conversation. Eragon was standing awkwardly and he glanced at her before excusing himself to patch up his arm better. Arya changed modes, clearing her face and ignoring her conflicted emotions as she walked with them into the kitchen where Saphira was sitting on her computer.

The girl automatically looked up and smiled, only to be met by glares from both Richard and Mary. Face fallen, she glanced at Arya.

"I can't get in contact with him so I doubt they've found the mole. We'll-"

A sharp tone from her laptop made her glance back. Without word she went into action and Arya watched as she routed the connection through forty locations all over the world within seconds before answering the call.

"Ajihad."

"Not quite." Arya flinched as she heard her mother's voice ring out through the silent room. Saphira glanced at her and turned the computer slightly. Before her was her mother, a stern look on her face, no emotions showing. "Hello Arya."

"Mother."

Mary's eyes narrowed and she seemed to lean forward in her seat, focusing on the conversation. Richard, who hadn't really heard about her tumultuous relationship with her mom only seemed slightly intrigued. Arya was rigid as she waited for Islanzadi to continue.

"It's good to see you alive. The information that you hadn't died in Chile was only given to me a week ago."

A pang of worry went through her but Arya was able to push it away.

"I'm sure you were truly broken up about it."

Something flashed through her mother's eyes.

"Arya!"

It was a shocked and scolding tone that surprised her. But she revealed nothing as she took a seat beside Saphira.

"So can we come home or have you all failed to find the mole?"

Islanzadi allowed Arya to change the subject.

"We know who they are but we can't move on them until tomorrow."

Eragon had just walked into the room, his arm covered in a white bandage. He nodded at her and then stepped into view of the camera.

"Them? There's more than one?"

Islanzadi nodded.

"Two to be exact. They're twins."

Saphira growled.

"I told Ajihad that they were no good! Why can't you move on them now!? I want all my gadgets back. Weeks without that them are bringing down my IQ."

Arya was surprised when a small smile graced her mother's face as she regarded Saphira.

"Because their disappearance has to look like an accident. We sent them both out on a mission and we'll grab them then. I'm sure you want your own hair back as well."

Mary and Richard seemed confused and Saphira ran her hand through her black locks.

"More than you know." She glanced at Arya. "Not that I didn't enjoy being your sister," She looked at Islanzadi. "and your daughter, but I think I look better blonde."

Suddenly Mary spoke, anger in her voice.

"Was anything you told us, told Firnen, true? Or did you just decide making somebody fall in love with you was an acceptable necessity of the job?"

Arya immediately spoke in the girl's defense.

"We may have all had to lie, but Saphira was nothing if not herself. She is still young and she does not hold herself back as Eragon and I. What she says she means. And as much as it pained us to see, she did begin to have feelings for Firnen just as he her. Don't insult her with such accusations." Mary seemed taken aback by her sudden outburst, as was her mother. Neither was used to such a show of emotion. Before either could say anything, Arya returned the conversation back to the situation at hand. "So when should we return?"

"Stay there for tonight, rest, and leave there tomorrow around eight at night. Everything will be in place by then."

Saphira spoke, pretending she wasn't still upset by Mary's words.

"Where do we go?"

Islanzadi seemed to become distracted, listening to somebody behind her. She spoke a couple seconds later.

"The information will be disclosed just before you leave. I must go now, I am needed."

The screen went back to the desktop and Saphira shut the laptop.

"Looks like we'll be here for a bit. Firnen should be waking up sometime tonight. Probably three more hours give or take." She stood and began to exit the room when she turned back to Mary and Richard. "I want you to know that I do care for him and I didn't plan on anything turning into what it did. I was surprised to say the least. But I do understand your anger and your resentment. And I respect it. I will keep keep my distance from now on. I am sorry."

She disappeared around the corner but not before Arya saw her face break and a terrible sadness fill it. She glanced at Eragon who'd also caught it and gave him a pointed look. Understanding, he followed Saphira from the room. Arya turned back to the couple and steepled her fingers in front of her.

"I would like to explain everything to you now because when Firnen wakes up, it will be less difficult for him to accept the situation if you are on our side." Richard snorted but said nothing so she continued. "We were thrust into this mission with no forewarning or briefing because there is a mole in our agency. Eragon, mortally wounded, and I shot in the leg, were transported unconscious by Saphira who set this whole thing in motion. See, we've had our eye on your son for a while. Ever since he proved that he'd mastered six languages by the time he reached age seven. But then again, there was a chance that he could just have an incredible affinity for languages and that maybe that intelligence didn't reach further."

Mary interrupted.

"Wait, you've been watching us since he was seven?! Why? What could you possibly want from us?"

Arya sighed.

"We wanted to know if he was a DRAGON."

Richard made a face.

"What does that even mean? Are you mental?"

She clenched her hands tightly.

"If you would allow me to finish, you might figure it out." Her sharp tone silenced them and she went on. "DRAGON stands for Digital Reapers Attaining Goods of Other Nations. Yes I know it's ridiculous but it's what it is. Now, these people are basically the most brilliant minds in the world. The term was coined sometime during the Cold War for hackers. It fit rather well. Now it's just what we call people like Saphira. She is one of the most intelligent people alive right now and we saved her from a man named Galbatorix. The men who tried to grab you both were his agents and that is why we had to move. We still have no definitive proof that your son is what they think, but we couldn't allow you to be taken into his hands."

Richard crossed his arms.

"Because you want Firnen for your own use?"

Arya didn't even blink as she shot back her response.

"No. Because Firnen would have been brainwashed to the point of inhumanity and both of you would be killed. If Galbatorix was feeling really sadistic, he'd probably let Firnen kill you himself. I don't give a shit what you think of me or what we do, but you should get something straight. We are the good guys. We saved your life even though you shot one of our own. Does that seem like the act of someone evil?"

Mary rested her hand on her husband's wrist.

"No, we are sorry for being so short with you but this situation is a lot to take in."

Arya nodded.

"I know it is and we are going to try and make the transfer as smooth as possible. We will not force Firnen to do anything he doesn't wish, but it wont be safe for him to leave if he is like Saphira. They will never stop hunting for him." She looked Mary dead in the eye. "Is your son a DRAGON?"

Alright, for anybody who watches Doctor Who, what do you all think of the new Doctor? I'll share my opinion next chapter but I really would like to know yours.

Prince Xylux: Thanks! Yeah I thought it was time to mix it up a bit :)

Flyflyaway: Heights terrify me so that would have made me pee myself lol. All those things sound sooooo fun! I'm pretty damn jealous right now haha. Sorry this one is a bit short as well :/ but I thought that was a good place to end.

Tinker I've heard they're epic but I haven't gotten around to reading them just yet :P I'll try soon. Oh yeah I watched an ep or so of that and the acting was soo awful. I couldn't get into it at all. The guy was hot though haha. I love Sixx A.M.! Yeah I keep introducing my friends to them and they're all like, how have I missed them! This one was sort of short as well, so my apologies. Like Inheritance long?

Taeyeon: Thank you! I'm hoping you'll enjoy the direction it's heading and I will try to return to the fast updates again now that I'm back.

Gazamidori: Lol what does it mean? I don't play minecraft although my bros are obsessed. As well as my sister haha. Was Inheritance Cycle a tragedy? And I would like to toy with your minds but no, I doubt I'll ever end a story sadly. Paolini did enough damage to us ExA fans.

Morzan's Elvish Daughter: He set him on the couch :P Are the Circle books good then? I hear people don't like them as much as the others.

Renaissancebooklover108: You did lol. I wrote it in one of the reviews. Best Doctor ever! Did you see who was playing twelve?

Guest: I know they crack me up. I watched a bunch more of their videos after seeing that one.

A Dark Noon: Oooh I love when the power goes out. Even though I'm afraid of the dark, it's still cool to feel so secluded. Yeah at least from what I've seen. Yeah I wanted to keep that from the books just in a lighter way. Lol maybe if she had one that would be the way it went down :D

CorLeonis92: Thanks! And you'll see ;) Next chapter will be fun I hope.

funnelwebs: I don't think you'll react as strongly it as you did OMAM. The characters aren't very likable people lol. Nah it's just an outcome of a gathered group. I'm glad! And thanks :) Lol cliffhangers are overused? I mean, I think they're pretty necessary.

My Generation: Lol :D I'm sorry I had to house-sit for people! I actually haven't figured out yet how I'm going to do the brother thing. I should get thinking on that lmao. I'll consider myself warned haha. Hehe homeskillet.

pie6013: :D and because I can't do them anymore :/

Roxasixx: Thank you!

mr rophone: I'm glad you're enjoying it! Thanks!

The Hero of the Dark: Asher isn't Thorn no. And those three will come in pretty soon I think I still have to figure out when. Nothing is really set in stone except Islanzadi but the others will be back. I really like their song "Lift Me Up." I jam out all the time. The bass in it is crazy!

burning book: Hehe

IIIMagic: Thanks!

Feather: Here ya go! Haha sorry it took so long, I wasn't at home.

Walter Peterson: Lol here :D