The reason this chapter took so long to get up, well, more than it has been taking, is because I got 4000 words in when I decided I wanted to change everything. I was just not feeling the way I was writing Arya. It didn't fit completely. So I started over with it all. I think this works better. Enjoy and I'll probs give Eragon's progression a chapter and a half just because he's going to be going through a full transformation and he needs more time.

-A-R-Y-A-

"Everybody get down!"

She yelled at the top of her lungs, her voice commanding and stern. Screams were heard as people cowered to the tile floor. Her gun was trained expertly and she knew her team was just behind her, covering her blind spots and watching for their target. She had to be here somewhere. They'd been chasing after a somebody named Madelyn Sobrine, a woman who led a side group of anarchists that disrupted political meetings and anything that caused progress to be made for the future. She had been left to her own means for quite some time, not catching the Varden's eye until they witnessed a money transfer between a known agent of Galbatorix and this lady's second in command.

Immediately they'd gone into action, tracking records and pondering possible reasons Galbatorix would need somebody with her specific talents. After a month or so of closely shadowing her, they discovered that she was organizing a branch group in the Middle East that would send it into an upheaval of riots and violence. Now, her orders were simple. Find her and get her out alive. This plan needed to be stopped before it was put in motion. Too much risk was involved in letting it continue because it would give Galbatorix easier access to the land's resources. He'd be able to gain trust in anyone who thought he could help them.

She turned into a dark room, eyes adjusting to the dimness and searching quickly. A sudden scuffle in the corner made her spin, finding her target lunging for the door. Without even a second thought, Arya pulled the trigger, letting a tranquilizer dart pierce her shoulder. The woman fell to the ground and immediately agents were on her, securing her wrists with handcuffs. Wordlessly, they all jogged down three flights of steps and out into the open air, hearing the whine of police sirens in the distance. Arya frowned, sliding her leg over her new red BMW S1000RR and kicking the stand back.

This had been much too public. But, with the danger the woman possessed, taking her at her office was the only option. It would lead the police directly to the anarchist's base and there was enough incriminating evidence to put anyone with knowledge who worked there away for a long while. Still, the escape was risky as they were just barely out of sight when she noted the blue and red of the sirens flashing off the red brick of buildings. At that same moment, Saphira was most likely erasing any visual evidence of their arrival. A relieved sigh left her lips and she veered off course, wanting to take a ride before heading to base.

She'd been riding for over twenty minutes when a biker revved it's engine behind her, obviously an attempt to flirt. She growled, almost wishing Eragon was there to glare back at the punk. Eragon. . . . . Now she'd gone and done it, bringing him back into her mind like a bullet, making her wince. Damn him. Anger and pain and a flush of emotions she couldn't even comprehend crashed into her, taking her breath away. This happened almost every day when she'd been able to forget about him for a while. But, then her body and brain wouldn't be prepared for it and it would take her completely off-guard as he came rushing back into her head.

This torment had begun the moment she'd walked away from him on the plane and had increased when she'd gotten back to base and realized he was not coming too. At first she'd thought it was a blessing, although her rebellious heart had scoffed derisively at her. But she'd come to realize that she missed him. And not in that, 'good friend' way. It was gut wrenching and sometimes she felt the desire to just go to her room and never leave from the pain. Jamming the throttle hard, Arya decided to run the red light, earning blaring horns as she cut in front of several vehicles. Anger poured through her veins and she swerved, filtering through traffic to get out in the open.

She almost hated him at this moment. Not because he left, no, because he made her feel. She'd mastered the art of numbness so long ago and the moment he'd come along with his smug smiles and asshole remarks, she'd found that it penetrated her walls with ease. And now, while it was enjoyable while it had lasted, those feelings that had sprung up out of nowhere for him had suddenly turned on her, making it hard to even make it through the fucking day. She was coming to a light but no cars were waiting on either side of the street. Leaning further down towards the handles she blew through and continued.

His face flashed suddenly into her mind as she remembered back to when he was talking with her at a red light, his mischievous grin sending shocks of warmth through her, and almost lost control of the bike, barely righting herself in time. Her heart was racing and she slowed to a stop on the side of the road. Holy shit. . . A dry chuckle left her lips as she thought back to her conversation with him on the plane. How she'd said he'd distract her from her duties and put each other in danger, along with other people. Butshe'd had more close calls without him now than she ever had with him. This almost wreck was now to be added to the list.

In fact, she'd almost gotten herself killed a couple of times when she forgot he wasn't with her covering her back. She'd broken cover and gone out in the open only to realize too late that she was with people who didn't know her moves or thoughts like he did. It had caused her a total of three shots in her torso, all of which were stopped by the bullet-proof vest she'd worn under her clothing. It had been put down in report back to Ajihad as a typical Arya move, but in reality, and even Saphira seemed to know it, she had just reverted back to her time him with him.

Her thoughts traveled to the blonde and she winced, having earned quite a talking to when Saphira had found out the reason for Eragon's sudden departure. Arya knew it was more out of sadness for losing somebody else she cared for, but still, she'd been avoiding the girl ever since. It was too hard to keep a passive face around somebody who knew so much about her and what she might be going through. That, and she felt a stab of guilt anytime she saw her. Yet again Arya cursed Eragon for making her feel any of these emotions. Since when did she care about other people and what they thought? Since when did it matter? Shaking her head out, she went right on a now familiar street, entering a busy town almost thirty miles away from the Varden base.

She caught sight of a little bar and rolled into an empty space beside several other bikes. They ranged from cruisers to cafe-racers to crotch-rockets and she took them in, appreciative of their unique styles. Tugging her helmet off she rested it on the handlebars, knowing that with this many motorcycles and several bikers in the outside eating area, nobody was planning on taking anything. She lifted herself off her bike under the appreciative eyes of the others watching and walked inside. The aroma of alcohol and sweat overwhelmed her senses. It was a good smell though, one not tainted by blood or the always fresh air of the Varden. One might think that nice, but this past month, every second she'd spent there was a discomfort. This place had become her go-to, her little crevice in the world when she needed to relax and wash away some of the thoughts swirling in her head. The first few stop-ins she'd been hazed mercilessly. One, for being a girl, and two, for being so young and apparently way to snoody to own a bike and ride it like it should be ridden. She'd chuckled along with their jokes, not snapping or really defending herself at all. It felt good for once to not have people in constant fear and awe of her.

The agents at Varden were always wary of her skill and shied away from her cold demeanor. These guys went straight for the kill each time, rolling their eyes at her for whatever reason they could. It was like Eragon when he'd first met her. Sighing at having thought of him again, Arya sat in her regular stool- yeah, she was here enough to be considered a regular- and ordered a steaming pile of greasy, delicious fries. An older man who'd once been the hardest on her sat across from her. A grin played across her lips as she remembered back to how she'd won him and most of the others over. It had been in her second week back and she had been minding her own business when a douchebag sauntered in and sat beside her.

He'd quickly become smashed beyond proper thought and had grinned blearily at her, his eyes dirty. Words were exchanged, all involving him asking her out and her shutting it down, when he'd crossed the line and grabbed her ass. She'd heard several chairs in the bar behind her scrape back and had been amused at the time that as much crap as they gave her, the guys there would've beaten the creep to a pulp for his actions. But, before anyone could act, she'd gripped his wrist and twisted it almost to the point of breaking the bone. He'd shrieked and she'd smirked at his pained face, telling him off before slamming her knee into his nuts and shoving him to the floor.

Clapping had roared through the room, along with laughter and offers to buy her a celebratory drink. She'd declined, saying she had nobody to come get her if she overdid it. But after that, not a single person made another peep about her being a rich little kid. And, if any noob to the bar decided to do so, she had twenty geared up bikers with rugged faces and annoyed frowns backing her up and frightening them off. It was a good atmosphere to be sure. Her friend smiled sadly at her, his gray mustache rising slightly.

"You look upset little bird."

For some reason, he had this strange nickname that he always called her. She'd asked him to can it several times but had only earned a snort in response. She dipped one of her fries in ranch, a necessary addition, and popped it into her mouth, chewing slowly so she could think of a response. All she could come up with was a shrug and four words.

"Can't argue with that."

"It makes me sad that you're always in here alone. You got anyone?"

Arya's chest tightened and she looked down, not bothering to hide her reaction. This guy was easy to talk to and she wanted to share even if it meant bringing up emotions she'd rather keep hidden. She'd given up trying to decipher her feelings by herself. It only left her confused and aggravated beyond the point of safety. She'd about ripped this agent's head off when he came up to ask her a simple question after having pondered the mystery that was Eragon Shay.

"It's complicated."

He frowned, crossing his leather clad arms.

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

She chuckled.

"What I said. It's complicated."

Gabriel laughed.

"That is no answer. It's an excuse. Out with it."

She rested her chin on clasped hands and raised an eyebrow.

"Why so curious?"

Gabe gave her a look.

"Don't try and turn this around."

She gave in finally, not finding any harm in telling him. Maybe some answers would reveal themselves to her.

"Basically I am incapable of emotion and he's not. And our jobs are rather difficult to work around."

He grinned.

"You crack me up, little bird. I don't think that's true though."

She smirked, imagining that this is probably what it would be like if she had a grandfather.

"Is that so?"

He nodded, waving his hand at her.

"I know your game, girlie."

She looked down at her half-eaten plate, hiding a grin.

"I don't think that's a possibility. I'm too confusing a puzzle to be solved."

A shake of the head was his reply.

"I can read you like the back of my hand. You act all bad ass and tough, like nothing affects you and you don't give a rats ass about a thing. But them, if you don't, why on this earth would you be caught here every other day looking downright depressed?"

She was slightly startled by his question.

"I don't look depressed."

"Do too. All up in the corner eatin' your fries and slathering them in ranch dressing. Way too much by the way. It's unhealthy."

She grinned.

"Tastes so much better this way, Gabe. Try one."

He grimaced.

"No thanks. I already have high cholesterol. Anyway, you should talk to this boy, little bird. Especially if he's got you in this mood your in."

With that, he let her be, walking over to his buddies and calling next play at the pool table. She sighed. No way in hell was she reaching out to Eragon now. He'd left like a coward. She shook her head. No, she'd been the coward, still was, and she was going to leave it like that. Her conniving bitch of a mother could have him. Standing abruptly, she tossed the rest of her fries and the paper plate in the trash, waving goodbye before storming outside. How dare her mother?! She'd had no right to approach her partner alone. She'd not even mentioned the fact that she would be asking him. And then he'd said yes. . . .

She slid back onto her bike and rode, slowly now, to the Varden base. Taking the twisted paths and hidden roads until she came to the shrub covered doorway. It creaked open with her fingerprint and she rolled the bike inside, revving the engine and grinning as it roared almost painfully loud in the dark corridor. She rolled to a stop before a massive door, getting off her bike to enter four rounds of different codes. As soon as it opened, she found a small work crew inside, decking out a newly acquired van with anything needed for some mission that was being planned. To her surprise, she found Firnen watching with intense interest.

His gaze flitted to her and he waved somewhat tentatively at her. It had been like this every time he saw her. She figured he was worried that she was still pissed he was going to kill her before. Feeling the need to set the record straight, she waved him over. He hesitated, looking longingly at the work going on before walking slowly towards her. She allowed a slight smile.

"Don't worry, this happens all the time here. You'll get to see a lot." He grinned excitedly before letting it dull back. A sideways look told her she'd been correct in her assumption that he thought she was angry. She started walking, trusting that he'd follow. "Relax, kid. I would've done the same in your position. It's been a month and I've already faced ten times worse. How are you fitting in here?"

The boy seemed relieved.

"It's incredibly epic. They even let me into the computer room to help hack into the systems and make up a reason for my entire family's sudden death."

She chuckled at his morbidness.

"And what did you choose?"

He shoved his hands in his pockets.

"I went with the simple and believable. We were driving home from our favorite restaurant by the lake when this idiot driver ran us off the road. It was tragic really, as our car was flung into the water and we all drowned before we could escape."

She raised her eyebrows.

"Wow. Pretty sad."

He nodded, continuing on in glee.

"Yeah, I even got to watch as they pretty much built a fake crime scene. It was pretty freaky when they put the bodies in the car though. I almost couldn't look."

She reassured him.

"Don't worry, they were dead long before we got to them." She decided to broach a subject that she knew was questionable and probably would piss Saphira off. "How are you and-"

He interrupted.

"Saphira?" She nodded and a sad and angry look crossed his features. "She wont talk to me. It's so frustrating! Nobody will tell me where she is. I finally convinced this once lady because she felt bad for me, but by the time I got to the cafeteria, Saphira was leaving. I couldn't reach her in time. It's like she knows everything that happens in here."

Arya sighed, knowing that what she was about to share was going to get her a stern talking to from the young blonde. But the boy was so desperate.

"That's because she does. She's smart, Firnen. She carries her phone around, always monitoring your position in location to her own. I think her goal is to be at least two-hundred yards from you at all times."

His mouth gaped, his eyes annoyed and surprised.

"What? Are you serious?!"

She nodded.

"Deathly so." He seemed even more upset now and she frowned. "It isn't out of lack of wanting to see you, Firnen."

He looked dully at her, the hurt and confusion resonating with her. It reminded her of somebody else. Of a look she received just before she walked away from Eragon. A desire to help the kid in repentance for her actions with Eragon filled her and she sighed as he spoke.

"What else could it be? She obviously doesn't still have feelings for me."

"You should talk to her about it." Before he could argue again that he couldn't get near her she continued. "I'm assuming you were given a phone?" He nodded and she held out her hand. "Give it to me. It's how she's tracking you." He did almost immediately, amusing her with his reaction to the prospect of finally getting to talk to her. She pocketed the cell and looked at the clock on the wall. "She'll be heading for the gym about now so I think you should get on your way."

A huge grin splayed out on his face before it faltered slightly.

"Wait, where's the gym?"

She called over an agent that was about to go into a storage room. The woman seemed to stiffen at her presence and held herself respectfully. Arya sighed inwardly. She would ask the woman nicely to do what she wanted, but even if the agent had other things to do, she knew she wouldn't turn her down. Instead, Arya nodded towards the kid.

"Take him to Gym 3."

The woman didn't hesitate to nod, waving Firnen to follow her.

-S-A-P-H-I-R-A-

She studied the screen as she jogged, having just sprinted two laps before that. He was heading towards an off limits part of the building and she frowned. He'd been cleared for the garage earlier, but what reason would he have to go to the agent housing? She grumbled under her breath, shoving her phone back into the waistband of her shorts. Enough Saphira, stop fussing and get your ass moving. He's not an option for you anymore.

Twenty minutes later, she was still trying to keep her mind off of the kid who'd stolen her heart with his witty retorts and constant charm. It was impossible though, as memories flashed through her mind and caused her to lose focus for minutes at a time. Swearing, she quickened her pace on the track, feeling her lungs scream for her to relent. But it felt so good. It stole her attention from Firnen to herself and allowed her to be in the moment. But as she turned a corner she about tripped over herself. There he was, standing like an idiot in the middle of the track, his arms crossed, while he ignored the joggers that threw him annoyed glances.

Saphira came to a full stop, her heart hammering, not allowing herself to get closer. She was trying to throw up as many walls as possible, trying to hide her emotions as best she could. Firnen just waited. This was the first time she'd seen him since the plane. Since she'd decided that she didn't deserve him. She'd almost gotten him killed after all. She took a deep breath, finally giving in, not wanting one of the other agents to become peeved enough to forcefully remove the boy from the track.

She walked to the side, motioning for him to follow, all the while trying to find a way to convince him to leave her be once and for all. She was no good for him. And then he was in front of her, searching her for something. And despite his every effort, she could see everything in his eyes. The anger, the hurt, the confusion, and encompassing it all, love. It was shocking and her heart squeezed painfully. He took a deep breath.

"So were you just not going to talk to me? To explain?"

She refused to let her emotions get the best of her as she gazed at him.

"I assumed everything would be explained by Ajihad or Nasuada or somebody. My input wasn't really necessary."

He narrowed his eyes at her response and shook his head.

"You're no good at acting like you don't care."

She felt the tears burn her eyes but refused to let them fall.

"I don't know what you mean."

He moved closer and she almost couldn't fight the desire she felt to throw herself in his arms. All this time she'd spent avoiding him and now, somehow, he'd found her. The realization of what must've happened hit her and she felt her anger at Arya that was already there because of Eragon heighten. How dare she. That's why his signal was heading for the agents rooms. On her floor. Her attention snapped back to his green eyes as he gripped her hand.

"I came here expecting to let it all out. Expecting to rage at you and throw all of my frustration in your face. But now all I can do is ask why. Why, if you felt as I do, would you stay away from me?"

Saphira could feel herself losing it.

"What makes you believe I feel what you feel?"

He smirked suddenly, causing her heart to increase its already sporadic tempo.

"Stop pretending, Saphira."

She raised her eyebrows at his use of her actual name, but realized it was time to lay it on the line. It was going to be too much to pretend that she didn't feel as he did. She loved this guy. She at least needed him to know for certain that he hadn't been played. Even if it meant she lost him.

"You want me to stop pretending, yeah? Well then, here it is. I kept my distance because I promised myself I would. I removed myself because I could not bear the thought of losing you, and if I never faced the music, I could hold onto the notion that you were still mine. Childish yes, but the alternative was so much worse. I didn't want this time to come. This confrontation that would end it all. I'm truly sorry that I had to lie to you and the more I got to know you, the more it killed me to do so. I also want you to know that I love you." She took a breath and bit her lip before repeating it, almost in wonder at the words. "I love you and I wish this would work but-"

Firnen let out a relieved breath and pulled her into a rough and perfect hug. His arms wrapped tightly around her and she hadn't realized how much she missed this until warmth rushed through her and her eyes closed. He pulled back and smiled.

"I love you too. I was so terrified that I had been seeing things. Or maybe that you were just really good at lying but. . . ." He grinned again. "Shit you're gorgeous."

Saphira bit the inside of her cheek.

"The hair? Arya mentioned maybe you really liked black-haired girls."

Her voice was teasing and he chuckled, his face an inch from her.

"Nah, see, that's why my attraction to you was so crazy to everyone. I've always liked blondes." He took both of her hands, intertwining their fingers. "Must be the reason I made an exception."

Saphira scoffed.

"Well that's terrible. Are you saying if I wasn't an actual blonde, you wouldn't like me?"

He tilted his head, his eyes playful.

"I'm kidding. I think your hair could be green and I'd still find you just as incredible."

Saphira answered tongue in cheek.

"Well, that's my last secret. I actually have green hair and I-"

He cut her off with a kiss, surprising her and causing her to gasp, which made him smile against her mouth. She placed her hand on either cheek and lost herself in him, easily forgetting the pain and turmoil of the past month. It was only after a minute or so that she pulled away, somehow very aware of eyes on them.

"I think that we are making a scene."

He nodded, cheeks flushed adorably and eyes excited.

"I think you're right."

-A-R-Y-A-

She allowed herself a small smile as she looked at the video feed, watching the happy teens walk towards the exit hand in hand. It had been so simple for them. Well, not really simple considering what they'd been through. But all it had taken to fix it was a simple meeting and a couple words shared. Her chest tightened and she clenched her hands, frustrated that she was so out of control. That was enough. She was done with letting her imagination and emotions run wild. Instead of just trying to rest like she had planned, she left her room again and headed for the interrogation room, not surprised to find Angela watching from the other side of the glass. She was surprised however, to see Elva.

The girl's eyes met her own and she noticed her visibly shrink back slightly. Arya sighed to herself, not even bothering to try and tell her it was all alright. Because it wasn't. The girl had ruined everything. Instead she looked to find Nasuada speaking with Madelyn, her face stony and eyes passive. The woman on the other hand was waving her hands aggressively as she spoke insults and babbled about nothing. Arya watched for a minute or so more before glancing at Angela.

"Why don't we just throw her in a cell for a few days and see how that works?"

Her sarcasm earned her a laugh from Angela.

"See, that would possibly work, but we're getting all we need right now."

Arya frowned, looking back into the room.

"What do you mean?"

Angela only motioned to Elva and the girl spoke somewhat carefully.

"She's not at all skilled in hiding her emotions. The reason she's babbling on as such is because she's scared. Talking is the way she copes and she is desperately trying to cope at the moment. And although you would think she'd be good at it because of her line of work, she's actually very bad with confrontation. She doesn't know how to socially react and so it comes out with anger and ramblings. I just need to watch a bit more and study her profile and then I'll have enough to figure her out. She wont be hard to crack."

Arya raised a brow, thoroughly impressed although she didn't say it. Instead, she nodded and said her goodbyes, leaving and walking towards the control room. She needed to do something and it looked like Madelyn's interrogation was being handled. Walking in she was surprised to find the room bustling with energy as Ajihad stood over the shoulder of one of the techies. She joined him, frowning at the large screen that displayed a map of the world.

"What's going on?"

Ajihad glanced over at her, his eyes serious.

"We've just received word from an agent who we thought dead."

Arya's eyes widened.

"Brom?"

The stern man nodded.

"Yes."

Arya looked back to the screen as it zoomed out to reveal an overview map of Australia. She'd learned on her arrival back at Varden that while she and Eragon had been gone, Brom had been sent out to try and destroy the thousands of pounds of explosives Galbatorix had acquired and transferred to Australia. It had been over a month since he was supposed to check in, and most everyone had assumed he had been captured or killed. Especially since Glabatorix had used C-4 from that cache to terrorize civilians into a panic a week before in Moscow. Arya had no idea of his game, but the man seemed to have no bounds when it came to the damage he was willing to cause. Pulling her mind back to the task at hand, she watched as morse code flitted across the screen. She read it out loud.

"Locked down. Cannot get out without support. Explosives ready for removal. Lat 37 26 30 79 S Long 148 47 15 18 E."

Ajihad leaned down as the agent in front of him was furiously typing in the numbers he'd been given. Latitude 37°26'30.79"S, Longitude 148°47'15.18"E. It calculated and shifted, bringing them into view of location covered by trees and greenery. Ajihad's eyes narrowed.

"We put him in near Victoria. How on earth did he think going all the way out there without telling us was a good idea?"

She remembered from her lessons at DuWeld that the forested region was the Goolengook Valley.

"Maybe it wasn't by choice. He could've gotten found out and then ran. Or they captured him, dragged him out there, and then he escaped."

Ajihad nodded.

"Either way, retrieval party must be dispatched immediately."

She immediately spoke up.

"I'll go."

A shake of his head was his response and she waited impatiently for his reasoning.

"Arya you just went through a rather traumatic event and an extended undercover operation. Sending you out now could be a bad move."

She bit the inside of her cheek to keep from yelling at him.

"I'm completely prepared and ready, Ajihad. Put me out."

Another negative.

"No, you stay. End of discussion. I don't care if you think your inhuman and can get over events like you went through at the drop of a hat."

When she countered him she didn't even bother to keep her voice down.

"It's been a month! I'm going stir crazy just training and staying cooped up here! Dammit Ajihad."

"Arya."

It was a girl's voice who spoke and she turned to find Saphira watching her with a rather surprised expression. Clenching her jaw tightly, she stiffly turned and brushed past the blonde, ignoring all the glances she was getting from around the room. Her mind was buzzing rapidly, trying to figure out why on earth she'd just exploded like that. Why had she lost control so easily? Any way she looked at it, all paths led to Eragon. She almost slammed her fist into the wall beside her. Damn him! He'd made her weak. He'd made her soft.

It was time to return to the Arya that everyone loved to fear. The one who seemed almost sociopathic because of her lack of emotion and empathy. The one who could put a bullet in somebody's head without thinking about it. She would lock the feelings and pain away and she would forget them. Enough was enough. Saphira called after her but she kept walking, pretending she didn't hear. A couple seconds later running footsteps approached and then a hand gripped her arm.

"Arya hold up." She didn't look around, only waited until Saphira stepped in front and faced her. "I wanted to talk with you."

Allowing a coldness into her voice, she responded.

"About?"

The blonde frowned and stuck her hands in her pockets.

"First of all, I wanted to thank you for what you did."

"And what was that?"

Saphira narrowed her eyes.

"Telling Firnen where I was. It got us back together."

Arya remained in her empty tone.

"I'm happy for you. If you'll excuse me."

Saphira stepped in her way again.

"Stop it, Arya. I also wanted to apologize for being so distant these past weeks. I was angry and hurt by keeping away from Firnen and then more so because of Eragon's departure-" Arya winced at his name before forcing the regret and anger away. The girl had seen though, and she looked at her apologetically. "That's the third thing I wanted to speak with you about. I've been a terrible friend to you and you deserve better. I know you must be hurting as well because of what happened. I wanted to let you know that I am here if you need to talk."

Part of Arya, the lightness that Eragon had brought out, fought desperately for control, desiring to be nurtured and expand. But she'd already made her decision and she watched almost happily as the darkness returned, swallowing any remorse or sadness she felt and replacing it with a cool and careless disposition. She looked at Saphira, feeling ashamed somewhere in the back of her soul for what she was about to do.

"I need nothing from you and feel nothing for him. No words need to be exchanged and I don't want or desire any useless condolences. He was nothing to me."

She ignored the shock that flitted across Saphira's face and again, kept going even though she called her back. With every step, Arya felt the finality of her decision sink in and take over. She felt the hollowness consume her and the solitude was comforting. Warmth was removed to be replaced by a numbness that she was glad to have returned. She would feel nothing now.

Three Months and Three Weeks Later:

A voice broke through the speaker in her room.

"Agent Drottingu, we need you in the control room immediately. DuWeld needs information on a past mission of yours."

She frowned, not really able to figure out why she would be needed for anything having to do with DuWeld. She'd only ever gone on four legitimate missions there before she transferred herself to the Varden and none of them were distinct in what occurred. She made her way up and strutted into the room, easily passing through the crowded room as everyone hurried to get out of the way. She had probably been more distant and closed off these past months than she'd been even before, and everyone was aware of it. In front of her, Saphira, Firnen, Nasuada, Brom, and Orik were sitting around the large table in the center of the room, facing the screen.

All of them had rather pensive expressions on their faces and Saphira gave her a worried look. She didn't respond, only sat across from her and leaned into her seat. Ajihad walked in a couple moments later. He motioned to Saphira and she did something on her screen. The large one before them flickered and showed her mother. Arya felt anger burn through her but she pushed it aside easily, having rediscovered the ability over her time getting over everything. She noted that Islanzadi's face was not as passive as it usually was. Every few seconds she would glance at her and purse her lips. This piqued Arya's attention, making her lean forward in her seat with anticipation. But, the next words that left her mother's lips sent chills through her.

"At oh four hundred yesterday, we lost contact with Agent Eragon Shay while he was under cover in an enemy organization. His target had been this girl," The screen showed an image of a beautiful woman, eyes ice blue and hair dark and long. Her eyes were cruel though, and you could see it in every line. "Trianna Lorga, daughter of Pierce Lorga who is a major piece in Galbatorix's chess game. We put him in as a body guard for the girl, hoping he could gain her confidence and get closer to the man. He's a drug trafficker whose product moves all over the UK and some even across the country. It's high quality and high priced, for those who really have the money to pay for it. Eragon had been undercover for over two weeks when we received this message from him. 'Always, relationships yield agony. How easy love provides me escape.' We were confused at this for his other communications with us hadn't been encrypted or whatever this was. But then, we found this footage . . ." Arya watched with bated breath as a video played out on the large screen. It was the girl, Trianna, her clothing normal and seemingly middle class except for the golden bracelet in the form of a snake that wrapped around her arm. Arya was confused at the point of this video until Eragon was suddenly beside her, his arms sliding around the woman's waist and his face happy. Trianna turned in his arms, her own wrapping around his neck with a sly grin as she looked at him. Arya's heart was already hammering painfully but it stopped dead as he leaned down to the woman and kissed her passionately, lingering in that moment. It seemed to go on forever and without being able to stop herself, she snapped at Saphira.

"I think that's enough."

The video disappeared but the betrayal she felt did not. Neither did that weight that pressed itself down on her chest. She couldn't even try to put these emotions away as they drowned her. Her mother was watching her with a worried frown and she could feel everyone's eyes also stealing glances. It was like she couldn't breathe as it was all too much. Why was this happening? She'd gotten over him. She felt nothing! It took everything in her but she erased all emotion from her face and raised her eyebrows, barely getting out the words without making her pain obvious.

"So what am I needed for?"

Islanzadi took a breath.

"You know him better than anyone. How he works, what his next moves would be. He is too big a risk to leave out in the open. Obviously he thinks he's found love with this girl, but her father is evil and if he reveals anything we're screwed. I need you to come to DuWeld and find him."

She wanted to curse him and blatantly refuse but what could she say? Even if she didn't want to speak or even see him again, she knew her mother was right. He was too much a liability to them. She stood, her shoulders back and head held proud.

"I'll be there by nine tonight."

Hey, see if you guys can catch the clue that . . . well I can't tell you anything else but there's something in this chapter that isn't as it seems. That's a terrible hint but yeah. . . if I said anything else it would give it away. Hope you enjoyed the chapter.

I was completely blown away to the response to the last chapter. I had no clue it would be so widely enjoyed! Thank you all sooo very much for your reviews!

Guest: Haha at least it's not all hate! Thank you and sorry this update took so long, as I said, Arya was giving me issues.

LonelyHollow117: Yeah I think that's the best way. I might give her another half chapter after this or switch to Eragon. Idk yet. Because you're right, Eragon's transformation is going to need at least a chapter if not a couple to do properly. Thank you!

The Hero of the Dark: Five months haha. But dude I want GTA 5 badly. I've never been able to play any of the games before so I'm gonna try and get this one. Lol right?

Jkap: Yeah I knew it would be rather sad but I'm glad you still enjoyed it! I think the only book I read that they told me to was the Great Gatsby haha. The other ones I just Spark Noted. The medium alternative is what I'm going to for as of now :) They wont be apart for too much longer! Well I figure if they take time out to read and go a step further to review, I should take the time to respond. People's reviews are always so awesome too! I get excited when I get new reviewers as well. You should of seen my face when I counted the total of above forty-five reviews for this. I like died. And thank you! I look forward to getting to know you as well (that's not creepy, I promise. . . . . maybe a little :D)

TheeRoyalJester: Yeah :/ But it will get better! I hadn't even realized that! You're totally right haha! Roran and Islanzadi just making people's lives miserable. It'll be a little bit of time apart (the five months) but only two or three chapters. Well. . . . . I actually haven't shared the chapter with anyone except EDS because I needed an opinion. The chapter will remain hidden until it's time lol. It would ruin it all if I sent it to you as well! But. . and like I said to A Dark Noon, this is a but, if you PM me I might be willing to share some details. But it's getting to the point where I think too many people know. . . . :D Ha yeah people don't all think too highly of Islanzadi, she's a rather cruel and cold character in some ways, especially in the books. Yeah that's basically from thousands of PM's talking so much that we are at the point now that we can have conversations without having conversations (idk if that makes sense). Haha maybe it's a super deep voice. I'll have to ask him/her. . . how do I not know if they're a guy or a girl? I HAVE FAILED! I am a rather monstrous person ;) Oh dude yeah, I have no love life in any way, shape, or form. I tazed my friends with my tazer and one of my friends got his shirt burned into his skin lol. Ha, what? You're belly button? I mean, alright :D I know I had to go to the website because it wouldn't all download in my email.

XoMMok: Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it and yes, it's Oromis. Yeah I'll be giving it some time for him to grow :)

VaderTahu101: XD Thank you! That's a huge compliment so seriously, thank you! And I know Eragon was a little OOC because while I liked him from the book, I didn't want him to be like that in this. It made him too needy-looking. But yeah, the whole guilt thing is totally right and I knew I had to get that in there, it just took some time :) Firnen is actually going to be trained at the Varden but that would've been pretty cool. I don't think anyone (including me) could handle that amount of time with Eragon and Arya apart. You kind of hit upon a point though that I have been thinking about for a possible sequel to this. That wouldn't fit into this timeline though haha. What kind of stories does she write?

ht289: Wish granted! Well, it will be haha. Except Arya wont be disappointed as much as impressed and surprised :D

Chittart: Basically, Arya holds all the cards at the moment :P Really? I'm glad in a way that I could convey such an emotion through the chapter. Exactly! 5 months till they meet up and he's all epic. It will be one or two more but it will hopefully be worth it!

lightningwind: It will be rather soon! It will be two chapters I think more. Maybe one but probs two. It will be good soon though!

Ocadioan: Thank you! I wont be rushing it because you're right, it'll be more satisfying. Everything is better when you have to wait for it (usually).

Anonymous: :D Thanks! That's an awesome confidence booster because I was rather nervous about putting it up. I know I'm being kind of a dick to Eragon at the moment. And exactly! That will be more obvious to the rest and be brought out later when they discuss what happened later on. It was really nobody's exact fault. Yeah I agree with that, CP kind of dropped the ball. I will definitely be putting that in because I think it is important for everyone to see so that's what the next couple chapters will be about. And yeah, flashbacks would severely hamper all the details and emotions. Thank you :D I'm glad it was a smooth read. You're right about Galbatorix. Truthfully, I haven't really been thinking about him much. I'll get on that and try to throw more wins for him in just to spice things up. Maybe in the next couple of chapters I'll add it. Oh goodness I am prepping myself right now for an attack. You can't get me! I'll try not to disappoint!

Imaskier: Thank you! Eragon's chapters will be next and his training will be pretty intense. They will meet in 5 months!

Flyflyaway: Yeah I'll give it a few chapters! Haha that was kind of a goal of mine although I was nervous everyone would hate me for it. Thank you! And I will do my best!

Nandon: I'm sorry! And thank you for doing so :D There will be a few chapters apart for now and then they will meet again. Thanks again :)

Elemental Dragon Slayer: You're a tool lol. SUCESS! Totes ma' goats. You should.

TheLoneVoyager: I'M GLAD! Thank you so much. I am rather cruel, yes hehe. Thank you again haha, I tired pretty hard to base her off the books and involve her. Yeah they have :/ And yeah she's sacrificing a lot for duty :P True that! And yeah they'll get a few chapters. And ;) Roran . . . he's going to be fun to write. Brom is coming back, promise, and Oromis will be in it a lot.

Rainxoxo: I was thinking about flashbacks but naw, it will be more suspenseful with a few chapters in between!

Tsukune08: Lol, note taken. And yeah, Arya got this chapter and I think I'll give Eragon one or two.

Green Magic: Yeah you threatened me with that and I was worried for several days ;) Lol I kid. I'm sorry hehe, I know, but I figure it was necessary. And no flashbacks, but it'll be pretty soon. It's definitely 5 months! 5 years would be cra cra.

DenarianLordX: Sorry! It'll get better. Yeah he'll learn from Oromis next chapter.

Guest: :P I apologize hehe. And thank you!

highheel1144: It does :P Five months separated.

burning book: Lol yeya! I love him too!

The Tinker: I'm sorry your heart hurt! :P lol. I will and there will be some jealousy going on! Ha you sound kind of sadistic. Drag it out and make her suffer! If people didn't know what you were talking about they'd be like, O_O Thank you!

N-Six: I know and I'm sorry. Especially since this chapter took so long to get up.

Guest: That's a really good summary of the chapter! I like it :D

mr rophone: I'm glad you're taking it well! And thank you so much! Lol a cold-hearted bastard. I like that. Yeah there's a lot of ways I could go with this. I'll see. Yeah Eragon wont go for anyone else. Not really his thing. Thank you again!

Lol I started responding to these reviews almost an hour and a half ago. I've never had this many for a single chapter. THANK YOU.

Walter Peterson: :P I actually haven't but I really want to! And sorry it took so long to update!

Gazamidori: Will do! I'm glad you enjoyed it :D Don't worry, it's not a tragedy lol. It's alright and your jokes are awesome! Lol I'll try.

Morzan's Elvish Daughter: Will do!

IIIMagic: No you're not haha. Thank you so much! :D I am happy my writing can express their emotions correctly. It's always a worry of mine that I'm not doing it correctly. And I plan on bringing them closer, although we'll have to wait until he gets back. It's a bit harder in this though because of the storyline and age difference. But I'm still going to try. Thanks again :)

HelpI'mLostInCorn: Yes, yes I do ;) Well, I'm going to go into Eragon's emotions as the training develops him. I believe it will be interesting for the readers to see him progress through it. Thank you!

Thaimex17: Thanks! And I'm glad you're enjoying how the story is going. And you will be seeing Eragon's character change in the next chapter or two :) And XD

Guest: Merci beaucoup pour lirer er rèvision. (I have no idea if that's right. My friend translated what I wanted to say so if it says something weird, it's her fault).

Guest: Well, I kind of explained it but I guess not very well. Roran knew it wasn't Eragon's fault, but he had just lost his father and he lashed out. But, now that he's had time to cool his head, he realizes what an ass he was. Also, he can't really be mad at a dead guy.

A Dark Noon: :P When people say stuff like that, my mind always goes inappropriate places. I'm not talking about Islanzadi haha. Like, the whole chapter in general with all the shizz going down? But alright, fair enough. I wonder what my title would be as world ruler. . . . Lol: Until the next one. That's just a good signature, I like it.

Ahhh: I'll try and get them up quicker so you can finally get ExA. Right, nobody can get anything done correctly without Saphira and her ingenuity.

Guest: Sorry this chapter took so long to update! But yeah, that's definitely true.

Guest: Whew, I thought I was going to have to hire a counter-sniper. That would've put a dent in the motorcycle fund. :D

Guest: Elva isn't working for anyone, she was just using her natural talents to play people and get some money. Lol, I'll try and get some revenge in there for you. And do you mean and embarrassing tale about Eragon or . . .?

Hint: I think this chapter answered your question but I'll say anyway :) She didn't know and yeah she was blindsided. Eh, she has some ulterior motives but I don't think she'd go so far as to ruin anything.

Gossip Goat: I will at some point I'm assuming. Lol I cracked up when I read the signature. That was awesome.

funnelwebs: Ok not really, he's in England, I'm in America lol. Coffee doesn't really affect me so I doubt it would help. Same! I'm a sprinter as well. Long distance sucks ass. Did you ask what that had to do with helping your concussion? It's all good haha. Sorry! I know it was pretty harsh but as I said, also necessary. No because think about it, Arya's entire life she's been an agent. She doesn't make mistakes, she doesn't get distracted. Then one dude get's under her skin and she fails to protect a kid. Are you saying that in that moment, you wouldn't feel such shame and sadness? Like, thinking your the reason a person is dead and knowing you could've stopped it? She was obviously in an emotional state and even though she's thinking that, it's not like she would ever want to die. It's just a thing in the moment. And yeah, you're right about the rushed thing. That's why I decided on these chapters in between.

gurl-with-a-love-of-literature: Thank you! And I do. I really enjoy these characters and manipulating them into my own stories :)

AnImpatientFan: I'm sorry it took so long to get up! I was having some issues with Arya's emotional response and stuff. I love that you like my story and hopefully the next chapter will be easier to write and update. They'll get together soon! Promise!