Ok so people have been messaging me and asking if I'm going to update my other stories. Here's the thing that I discovered. If I try and switch between stories and write a chapter for one and then do one for another, it'll take much longer for my updates. The problem comes from trying to switch mindsets for each different one and so I just can't rapidly throw them out like I am right now. If you want that though, I'll start changing it up. Or you can all choose a story you want me to focus on next and I can try and start with that. Up to you.
-S-A-P-H-I-R-A-
She had been waiting there for over thirty minutes and there was no sound of commotion or fighting from anywhere. Taking it as a good sign, she leaned against the car and kept herself vigilant for their return. Voices in the distance alerted her to the coming threat. She crouched low, keeping out of sight and waiting, listening, and hoping they would pass.
"This is stupid! Murtagh is just trying to make up for losing them."
Another voice, a woman's voice, responded.
"He thinks they're out here so shut up and keep looking."
"Why would they bring the family and leave them? It's foolish."
When the lady responded she had an 'are you kidding me' tone to her voice.
"They obviously didn't plan on us being here. Murtagh is the only reason we discovered the discrepancy at this particular airstrip."
Saphira held her breath as they passed on the opposite side of the road. It wouldn't be long before they doubled back and traversed her side and then she'd be in a difficult situation. She looked inside the car with the windows down which allowed air to travel freely between to the Henders. It also meant they'd heard the patrol go by. Mary and Richard were looking at her with worry on their faces. She pressed her finger to her lips and slowly opened the door and climbed in the car.
"We are going to have company soon. I think we should relocate."
Mary's eyes narrowed.
"We aren't leaving our son here."
Saphira was pained that they'd think she could do that.
"Of course. But to get him out I'll need to shoot the lock. It'll be loud and draw a lot of attention. You guys should get a head start and wait for us."
Richard glared.
"So you are suggesting we leave him."
She clenched her fists and jaw, wanting to smack him.
"Can you put aside your vendetta against me for a single moment and think! If all of us our running at the same time, our footsteps will be louder and we can be easily tracked. Now it's either this or risk getting caught. I just want you to understand that when they catch us, you two and I are both dead. Or, if they know about me, I'll be taken as well. Either way, you lose your son. So I'm telling you, get out of the car and go East."
She handed them a compass and waited to see their reaction. Finally, with a brusque nod, they slowly slid out of the back and started the direction she asked them to go. She climbed out, clicking the safety off her weapon and going around the back. She let five more minutes pass before knocking softly on the hood.
"Firnen I'm going to shoot the lock. Put your back against the seats."
She raised her weapon and fired, the sound of metal on metal echoed across the empty air. She winced and tugged at the trunk lid. Nothing.
"Shit!" From inside she could hear Firnen moving. "Firnen stay back."
He responded with a loud fist against the roof of the car.
"Saphira get out of here."
She shook her head vehemently even though he couldn't see her.
"No stupid. Get back."
She shot again, now not caring how much noise she made. She had to save him. Trying the hood again she growled angrily. It wasn't budging. Tugging it she buried her feet in the mud.
"Firnen push the roof as I pull."
It took a whole minute before a popping noise preceded the trunk flying open. The sound of running feet stirred her panic for him, shoving the last compass in his hand and thrusting him forward.
"Go!"
He stumbled and looked back, regret in his eyes.
"Not without you."
She just shook her head.
"Get to your parents and help them. East."
He hesitated a moment longer before finally running after them. The woman was talking in a walkie talkie as she approached, calling out their coordinates and asking for back up. As they came into her line of sight she pulled the trigger, killing the guy with a shot to the chest. The woman dropped her talkie and dropped, getting out of view.
Saphira slowly circled, making sure her footsteps were silent. She crouched, picking up a fist-sized rock. Taking note of where the agent had ducked, Saphira tossed it just beside her. Startled, the woman leapt to the side and Saphira shot, the bullet searing through the enemy's arm. A shout of pain rang out and Saphira ran forward, coming upon the woman and pushing the barrel against her head. She didn't think as she unloaded a round into her brain. She bent down, taking her weapon and then grabbing the others before she headed in the direction the Henders escaped to. It took her almost six minutes before she heard Firnen and she called after him.
"It's me. Hold up!"
The steps slowed and she finally came face to face with him. He threw his arms around her and she froze, his comforting presence surprising her. She really didn't think she'd ever experience it again. She returned his embrace, her head against his chest as she gasped in frigid air. They could only remain there for a moment she knew, and finally she pulled back, holding out a gun and giving him an apologetic look.
"I don't want you to have to use it, but if something happens to me, you must."
He gripped her hand.
"Nothing is going to happen to you. Come on."
They went after his parents, trying to find them before more of Galbatorix's men caught up. They found them crouching by a massive tree and when they came into sight both rose up and threw their arms around their son. His hand was pulled from her grasp and immediately she missed the contact. They separated after several seconds and both took in Saphira with a slightly different look in their eye. Maybe she was going to to earn their trust back after-
Firnen suddenly shoved her to the ground just as a bullet tore through the air. She hit the dirt just as he was seemingly pushed backwards by an invisible force. Everything was slow motion as she watched blood spray from his body. Her fingers dug into the leaves and she sprang from the ground, a scream ripping from her lips. Both Mary and Richard looked at their son, horrified as he collapsed onto the dirt.
-A-R-Y-A-
She went cold, her limbs freezing up and stopping her dead in her tracks. Eragon stumbled to a stop as well, his face ghostly white as he went over all the terrible things that possibly could've happened. Shaking out of it, he pushed forward, heading for the sound. Arya gathered her bearings and followed, forcing her rational thought back. She caught up to Eragon and gripped his wrist, pulling him to a stop. He whirled, looking at her in shock and anger.
"Ar-"
She slapped her hand over his mouth and he tried to fight her off, his fear for Saphira's fate having taken over him. She slammed him back into a tree and held him there until he stopped fighting. She leaned close, whispering urgently in his ear.
"Eragon stop it! Think! We can't just run in there. Take it smart and we can all get out alive."
He nodded against her palm and she released him. They went on, hearing voices after a few minutes.
"You idiot! You shot the one we were supposed to grab!"
Another voice responded as alarm filled Arya at the news.
"He'll live. Let's just finish them and bring him to Murtagh. He's taken care of those two agents by now."
They came into sight and Arya took in the six agents, their guns pointed at the four on the ground. Richard, Saphira, and Mary were all leaning over Firnen. Arya motioned that she had the left three and Eragon had the right. She came out shooting, taking them down with three shots while Eragon unloaded his entire clip into his targets, rage in his features. He chucked the gun down and took a deep breath before pulling Saphira into a hug. Arya ran to Firnen and checked the wound, finding that Galbatorix's man had been right. He'd live. She nodded in silent answer to the parent's question and looked over to Eragon.
"Get him and let's go. I'll grab the gear and meet you there."
She took off, leaving the gathered to their own whims and heading for the cars. She picked up Saphira's bag and stood back, aiming and firing two shots, successfully puncturing the gas tanks of both vehicles. Fire ignited as she jogged and when she arrived at the airstrip, the explosion rocked the ground around her. She was about to run to the plane that Eragon was carrying Firnen into when a shout was heard. Turning, she found Murtagh crawling towards her, blood oozing out of his leg and arm.
"Help me."
She frowned, immediately raising her weapon. He cowered back in fear, holding up his hands and wincing.
"Don't shoot! What is going on? What do you want?"
Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion and she lowered the gun slightly.
"What?"
Suddenly a man was walking from the hangar, his hands held in the air in surrender.
"I'm Thorn, this is Murtagh. I'm a DRAGON for Galbatorix."
Arya immediately aimed her gun at his head.
"What the hell is going on?"
On the cement in front of her, Murtagh dropped his head to the concrete as he passed out. Thorn looked sadly at him.
"My skill was discovered when I was twenty-two. Murtagh was my best friend at the time and when Galbatorix found me, he took us both. I refused to cooperate with him and so they used my friend against me, saying they'd kill him if I didn't help." Arya's head was spinning, trying to put two and two together. Thorn continued. "I finally did what he asked, hacking into M-I6 and erasing files he told me to. It was my test of sorts and I passed. After that," The man shook his head, obviously haunted by something. "well, they brainwashed Murtagh, months of torture and starvation and finally he was a different man than I knew. They tried the same with me but I was able to withstand it. I've been trying to escape for over five years now. You have to take us with you!"
Arya stepped back, shaking her head.
"Why should I trust you?"
Thorn ran his hand desperately through his hair.
"Because I knew you were here from the moment you arrived! I was watching a screen that monitors heartbeats and I picked up your party. Instead of outing you I erased you from the screen, later telling him that you were all probably wearing a shield of some sort to hide you. When you threw those stun grenades he stumbled back, toppling over a crate and slamming his head into he corner of a table. I think he's lost his memory which means that he can start over! Please. Sedate us or kill us. But don't leave us here alive. I can't do any more of that horrid man's deeds."
Arya clenched her jaw, hating how soft she'd become. Before, she would've just killed them both. Now though. . . .she couldn't.
"Saphira!"
The girl exited the plane and took in the situation.
"Take them out."
She shook her head.
"Bring me the bag with the sedative. We're bringing them in."
Saphira seemed to disagree with her decision but nodded, disappearing inside only to return moments later with two shots. Arya motioned for Thorn to lay out on the ground, his hands spread to his side. He did as he was asked and she approached slowly. When she was in range of Murtagh, she dosed him with enough of the drug to keep him out for forty-eight hours. She reached Thorn and quickly did the same, jabbing the needle into his shoulder and pressing the syringe down. Eragon appeared at her side seconds later, his eyes questioning. She only shook her head.
"I'll explain later. Let's get them on the plane and lock them up. It's time to go home."
Thirty minutes later they were ready to take off, having checked that the jet wasn't tampered with. It was surprising to her how nicely furnished it was considering that rapidity of it's charter. She'd figured her mother would send a little shit plane that'd barely get them out. Saphira was at the controls and Eragon was standing beside Firnen, rechecking his bandage that he'd taped around him. Mary was gripping her son's hand tightly and watching with hopeful eyes while Richard was pacing back and forth, his shoulders tense. She squeezed Saphira's arm.
"Let's get out of here."
The girl nodded and flipped several switches.
"My sentiments exactly."
Arya made her way to the Henders.
"We're about to take off. It should be just a few hours before we land again and transfer planes. I can swear we wont have any more trouble from here on out."
They nodded and leaned back in their seats as Eragon smiled softly at her. She caught sight of his back and worry filled her again. It needed to be cleaned out and bandaged. She slid her fingers into his.
"Come on. Let's patch ourselves up."
He followed her silently to the restroom that was big enough to fit both of them comfortably. She turned him around, taking in the deep gouges that had torn the flesh of his back. It was no doubt from shrapnel and she hoped that none had found its way deep into his skin. She pulled the antiseptic from the first aid kit and poured it on a rag.
"Can you take your shirt off." He complied without a word, his tan skin baring itself to her. She placed her hand on his shoulder in comfort and he seemed to lean into her touch. His skin was warm against her palm. "This'll hurt like hell, Eragon. Try to keep still."
She pressed the towel against the largest wound and he hissed in pain, his body going tense. She spent several minutes cleaning the dirt and leaves from his skin, pausing every couple seconds to give him some relief. When she was finished she taped gauze and a healing suave to his back. He relaxed immensely when she lowered her hands and he turned towards her. She took in his chest and abdomen, feeling heat flood her body at his proximity. His hand came up to graze her cheek and she winced as he hit a cut she didn't realize she'd gotten. Turning, she faced the mirror and grimaced. She looked awful. Dirt was smeared across her skin and random cuts numbered her face. Eragon smiled again, his eyes drinking her in even in this state. His thumb ran softly across her bottom lip and she sighed, knowing that she was about to kiss him. It was inevitable.
He tilted his head and moved closer, the heat from his body radiating in the small room. She leaned tiredly against the sink, giving in to the moment as he leaned down. As soon as his mouth fell against hers she felt whole. It was like all the lives she taken that day and the stress they'd all just went through was erased by his lips. The kiss was slow and purposeful, meant to heal rather than burn. She pulled back after a moment and buried her head in the crook of his neck, breathing him in and just staying in that moment.
She feared the cold that would retake her as soon as she stepped away and it seemed he did too as he wrapped his arms tightly around her back. She gasped in pain as his forearm pressed tightly into her side, having forgotten that the first lookout had most likely broken a rib or two in her effort to escape the choke hold. Eragon leaned away and looked at her, his eyes worried.
"Arya what is it?"
She lifted the hem of her shirt, seeing the black, purple, green, and yellow of the bruise. She sighed, letting her head rest against the mirror.
"I just want to go home and rest for a bit. No missions. No getting shot at. No broken ribs."
He placed his warm palm gently over the injury and she closed her eyes, reveling in his touch. Eragon took her hand, the other still at her side.
"You really did get thrown into this. I bet you never even had a break."
His voice was quiet and comforting, making her want to wrap her arms around him and just remain there for the remainder of this trip.
"You bet right."
He rubbed circles across the top of her hand with his thumb but she had yet to open her eyes. She knew that if she did, her resolve would crumble. The look she could almost imagine he was giving her would overbear her rational thought and she'd fall into this without one hundred percent security in of his motives. But still, she wanted it to go on. She didn't want to go out into the plane and just sit, reading their case file and prepping for the next mission that would end with more of these wounds. She was so sick of it all.
Snapping out of her self-pity, she slipped her hand from his and opened her eyes. She didn't have to say anything as he gave her a smile, a sad yet understanding glint in his eye that almost broke her. He knew that this didn't change anything. It didn't prove his character. This was the result of a terrible day and it was something they had both needed. He kissed her once more, lingering a few seconds before backing away and exiting the bathroom. She hated herself sometimes.
-E-R-A-G-O-N-
Her fingers trailed delicately along his spine as she cleaned the cuts, causing his mind to fog and his body to shudder slightly. He was glad she'd just assume it was because he was in pain. He relaxed in relief when he felt the last of the bandage get taped down and faced her. Dirt covered her porcelain skin and it made her look dangerous. More so than she usually did. Still, he couldn't help but tempt the tigress, bringing his knuckles up to brush against her cheek. He caught her gaze in the mirror, noting the fact that she grimaced at her appearance.
It made him smile. How could one be so blind to their own beauty? Even now, her hair tangled in a messy bun and her clothes ripped and dirty, she looked like a queen. And her lips. . . . He ran his thumb along her bottom one, entranced by her sensuality and grace. When she looked at him he could see her exhaustion. Not just from the day, but a bone-deep weariness that he wanted to rid her of. In any way he could. Even if that meant his emotions would get severely screwed up.
So he kissed her, felt her melt into him, and wished he didn't have to leave it and not push their relationship. But he knew now wasn't the right time. Part of him also knew though, that if he pressed on, he could get her to allow it. And he almost did but the vulnerability she was showing him was not something he could bring himself to take advantage of. It would prove the opposite of what he wanted her to see. He would wait for her to decide that she could trust him. Completely. For now, he would cherish these moments and let them pass by.
As he walked out he took a deep breath, missing the trust she'd just placed in him for that small period of time. He walked up to join Saphira. She smiled at him as he sat but then she seemed to notice his expression.
"Soon, Eragon. Just give her time."
He nodded, amused that she'd picked up on it so easily.
"I know, I know."
He heard Arya exit the bathroom and glanced back to see that she was pressing her palm to her forehead as if she had a headache. As if feeling his eyes on her she looked over, giving him a small smirk and sitting tiredly in the seat that was furthest from everyone else. Shaking himself from his gazing, he let his eyes wander to Firnen. A question formed itself and he turned back to Saphira.
"How are you doing with all of this?"
She shrugged.
"I thought Firnen and I were going to be fine because I showed him that I did truly care for him. But. . . it's my fault he got shot. He was saving me and he almost got killed for it. I keep hurting him and I just don't want to do it anymore."
He gripped her shoulder.
"You two will work it out."
She shook her head.
"No. I'm just going to keep my distance and let him move on."
Eragon sighed.
"You don't want to do that."
She shook her head, obviously distressed.
"No I don't. But it's what's needed."
He ran his fingers through his hair, annoyed that relationships were so flipping difficult.
"Whatever you think is best, Saphira. But I don't think you're right."
With that he stood and walked back to join Arya. He found her smiling, reading something in the case files.
"What's got you so chipper?"
She glanced up but said nothing, only handed him the folder. It looked just like any other case file so he opened it, surprised to find a picture of some mountains. He flipped to the next page and the words there made him laugh. TAKE A BREAK YOU DUMB ASSES. I'VE BOOKED YOU THREE ROOMS AT A HOTEL IN BOULDER, COLORADO. THE INFORMATION IS INSIDE. HAVE FUN. P.S. ARYA, IF YOU TRY AND BAIL I'LL DRUG YOU AND GIVE YOU TO ERAGON AND HE'LL DRIVE YOU THERE. ERAGON, MAKE SURE YOU AREN'T PULLED OVER WITH ARYA UNCONSCIOUS IN YOUR TRUNK.
"I'm assuming this is Angela's doing?"
Arya nodded, leaning back contentedly in her chair.
"It is."
He flipped through to the next and final page, taking in the details.
"Ooh it's a nice hotel. Pool, right next to some perfect hiking hills. This is going to be awesome."
She chuckled.
"We only have a week."
He shrugged.
"A week is enough to relax a bit. We get to be ourselves and just chill! I'm going to show Saphira."
Ocadioan: Yeah but if they're there, they know their location to an extent. If they have this airport covered, then the other's around it would be watched as well. That will be explained more later. And how would they contact them? The only way they were able to contact the Varden in the first place is because the Varden was waiting for them to get in touch. Trying to hack into the communications would've taken longer than they had. But I could've done it some way I guess, I just wanted to give you all some action.
Ima: Thanks :)
A Dark Noon: Lol you know, he could totes go into space! Jk, maybe in a diff fic cause that's a cool idea. Oooh cool. What's the plot about? Hehe yes I do! One of my favorite shows :D
Elemental Dragon Slayer: EVERYONE IS DEAD! I am rather cruel, I'll admit that. Ok no. A Tyrannosaurus Rex has such little arms that there's a chance he'll only scrape you with his claws. That's why they need poison. And if all else fails he can eat you.
Nandon: Thank you!
Walter Peterson: Angela has already been introduced and you kind of got a little more of her in this chapter, but idk about Elva. I always forget about her. . . I should put her in. Thank you for reminding me :)
Guest: :D I'm so mean. But at least I updated rather quickly so you didn't have to wait too long. Thank you and I will try!
pie6013: Yeah I don't know why either. I found myself doing that a lot last chapter. Maybe I was just tired. And you're probs not at my college lol. There's really no way to tell, though. You could also be an 80 year old man for all I know. I think I'll just assume you're telling the truth though lol.
FanBoyNinja: :D Thank you and I'll do my best
burning book: Hehe no I was thinking about it but I don't think Firnen should lose either of hi parents at the moment.
funnelwebs: It's all good! Lol well it's friend's job to insult you! Yep we are haha. Social lives are lame! Oh and I gave you ExA in this chapter so there. Lol what do you mean what's left of his brain? Yep, basically. Well at least it's how I talk. Yeah man I revealed that a couple chapters ago haha. I have read the Percy Jackson books but I do not remember that reference. It's been too long. Actually I got it from a couple of my friends who do that to me. What's Yours Truly? I'm glad you approve of my action scenes :) Yeah that's the right term lol. Dude yeah! I always draw pictures and doodle when I've finished but can't do anything! Thanks and it's really all good. Life is cra.
TheeRoyalJester: See but cliffhangers are necessary! Yeah I was glad I finally got to showcase Arya's bad ass skills. Oh I totes wish I was like her too :D
Gazamidori: I gotcha. Lol well those classes make you sound like you're much smarter than me so props :P I have never actually watched House. Maybe I should get on that haha. Idk for sure. It's between several. I'm not really sure if I want to reveal that on the internet though, lol. There's a chance I might study abroad though so the sky's the limit. I have no idea whatsoever what I want to do. Are you in college?
Renaissancebooklover108: GROSS? SCIENCE IS MY WORST SUBJECT. Thanks :)
My Generation: Lol alright I'll take it. I like the quote.