Soooooo, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY= BEST MOVIE I'VE SEEN IN YEARS
Also, I had this chapter done a day or two ago and liked it. Then I read it again and thought it was just atrocious and almost started over. I didn't though so hopefully that was the right call. I feel I'm just being hard on myself but sometimes I can't tell if my writing is good or bad. Hope you enjoy lol.
-R-O-R-A-N-
"Roran I have something."
He whirled from his pacing, arriving at the agent's computer within seconds. On the screen a blue motorcycle flashed by, the rider obviously female. Noting her hair he growled in annoyance.
"James I showed you what she looked like. She doesn't have brown hair. Keep searching."
The younger agent sighed, leaning back into his chair and letting the cameras play. They'd been at this for hours. He'd personally watched over six hours of footage and while there were many motorcycles, none of the riders matched the green-eyed girl.
So far twelve different colored mangled pieces of bike frames had been collected from the garage. They'd been cross-referencing those colored bikes and female drivers, searching desperately for any link to Eragon or Arya. More bikes went through that area of Arkansas then he could've planned for, and now the hope that had been slowly burning in his chest was beginning to dim once more. He walked to the evidence table, studying the body work of the bikes. They all looked to be from crotch-rockets, narrowing the field by about half. He'd been holed up in the headquarters by the blast since he'd found the damned pieces, sifting endlessly through video, and his eyes were beginning to tire.
Picking up a red piece he brought it nearer to him, studying the curve. At the blackened edges, he noticed a tinge of white. At first he thought his mind might be playing with him, but as he looked closer. It was definitely a stripe. Or so he hoped. Ignoring the others he returned to his loaned out desk and flipped to the footage. He quickly texted Katrina who was across the hall at a different computer to search specifically for a red and white bike.
By the time she responded three hours had gone by.
Katrina: Roran get in here.
He didn't bother answering, flying from his chair and half-sprinting towards her location. There was a grim smile on her face as he approached.
"Don't get your hopes up too much, but I found a bike that matches that description. And a girl is riding. Her hair is black and she seems to match the size of the woman we saw with him."
He sat down beside her, watching eagerly as she replayed an image. The bike that flew by was definitely red, and, while not striped, it had a white tank cover. It was a BMW S1000RR. Katrina slowed the image, revealing the long black hair of the rider as she leaned forward against the wind. This was it. He'd finally found his scrap of clue. Without thinking, he spun Katrina in her chair and kissed her, his hands buried in her soft waves. She responded in kind only to tense a moment later and retreat.
"Roran not here."
Her tone was reprimanding but he could see the rose color to her cheeks and the smile in her eyes. He ignored anybody who might've seen and gave her a little room.
"Ok have you followed her past this point?"
Katrina shook her head.
"No I just found this. I figured you could help me trail her through the cameras. Maybe a few of the others could jump in as well."
He nodded, looking back into the other room.
"Carn, Edric; come here."
He knew he had no authority over anyone here but at the moment he didn't give a rats ass about that. He had his lead. They came in grudgingly, eyeing him with the look all outsiders are given. Distrust and aggravation. Carn seemed more friendly of the two. He pointed at the image shown.
"This is her. We're sending the footage to you. Try and follow her as far as you can."
Edric seemed indignant as he answered.
"We don't take our orders from you."
While Carn didn't speak outright Roran could tell he was ashamed of his superior's attitude. But Roran was not having anything disrupt the reality that was coming true. He stood his imposing six foot three, towering over the other sergeant.
"I am in no mood to deal with this now. If I have to speak to your captain I will, but it will waste precious time and I will be thoroughly pissed off. Please just look."
Edric seemed to shrink back, but he held his ground.
"This is not your jurisdiction. I—"
Roran interrupted, shouldering the man aside roughly enough to send him into the nearby desk. He stormed up one level to the commanding officer's desk and crossed his arms.
"Martland I was given permission by you personally to search for anything on the blast, yet I am hounded at every turn by your lapdog Edric. I request permission, just for the next few days, to be the agent in charge of the search."
Martland narrowed his eyes, seemingly pondering his request.
"You want authority out of your own state?"
Roran didn't back down.
"Nothing is getting done! I have found a solid lead and nobody will follow through with the search. Asking nicely does nothing to help it."
Martland sighed tiredly before pushing away from his desk and heading for the door.
"Fine. Come with me."
He did so quickly, matching pace and arriving on the lower floor half-a-minute later. Martland called for all quiet.
"From now until he leaves, most likely soon, Roran is heading up this squad. You answer to him and me only. Understood?" There were protests around the room but the commander easily glared them to silence. "Quit your moaning and complaining. If I had any one of you here that matched half his record, maybe I would be less willing to let him take charge. But as none of you has dealt with international issues before, I am letting him take the reins. Give him hell and I'll double it back. Now. Am. I. Understood?"
Muted nods went around the room and Roran was moving instantly.
"Now that that's settled. Please do as I asked five minutes ago." He walked towards Edric as Martland went back to this floor. "You could've just helped out, you know. Then your ridiculous pride and pathetic dignity would still be in place."
He left the man to stew in his own anger, returning to Katrina and noting that she was trailing the bike down several cameras. Her brows were drawn together in confusion and she kept replaying each clip.
"Check this out." He sat beside her and she restarted the images. "These are all near the same area but she disappears from the cameras at different points. Here, as she turns off of Frontage Road, she dips into an alley and doesn't emerge until three hours later on the other side. In this one, she turns at Ponty and then ducks into a different alley. Each time, from what I've seen, is different. But she's always in there for quite a while and always exits from a different direction."
He pursed his lips, trying to think of some solution.
"Do you know what's in there?"
She shook her head.
"The alley holds a lot of different buildings, all of which seem useless to her. Several of them we don't even know anything about. They were privately bought and never placed on the blueprints."
Have you checked the main streets around it?"
She shook her head.
"Not yet. I was getting there. There seems to be a high amount of motorcycles in this area though."
He watched the cameras for several moments, seeing what she said to be true. He called for attention.
"She's sending another clip. This area is specifically important. Check around it and see if you recognize any of the other bikes from the blast site."
Nobody bothered to argue despite a disgusted look from Edric, so he turned back to the screen. Fifteen minutes later Carn called for his attention.
"Roran I have something." He moved quickly to the agent's desk. "Check this. It's not a bike from the wreck, but it's just as interesting. These three bikes I've seen at least a dozen times."
Edric commented from a desk over.
"They all look the same, Carn. Stop trying to impress your new slave-driver."
The man grumbled in annoyance at Edric.
"I own two motorcycles and have spent countless hours working with them and others. I know my bikes. These one's come almost every night around the same time. I'm sure there's more, too. If I had to make a guess I'd say there was a biker bar of some sort around there. They're fond of their privacy so it makes sense there's no cameras around."
Edric swore.
"Whose side are you on, Carn?"
The agent responded hotly.
"I am not on anyone's side, sir. I am just doing my job. And I might add that you had found nothing at all until Roran got here. He's the reason we've gotten any leads. Keep that in mind when you're bitching about the pecking line."
Edric stood, his face red and raging.
"You better watch yourself."
Roran stepped between them with ease, enjoying that Carn had gotten a rise out of the idiotic officer.
"Sit down, Edric. He's done more than you in ten minutes than you have the past two days." He looked to Carn. "You say you have two motorcycles?" The agent nodded. "Is there any way you'd trust me to drive one in? I have a bike back home. Never laid it out."
There was hesitation in the man's eyes.
"I suppose. . . ."
Roran held out a hand.
"Of course it'd be in your sights at all times, seeing as you'd be riding in next to me."
Carn seemed to relax at that, a grin spreading across his face.
"Awesome. Alright, yeah. I drove my Triumph Bonneville here and my Harley-Davidson Wide Glide is back at my house."
Excitement shot through him. That was considered one of the most comfortable cruisers on the market. If he got to ride that. . .
Carn gathered his stuff and gave him an address, telling him he'd see him there. Roran, before following him out, went back to Katrina and told her the plan. She smirked as he held out his hand to her, waggling his fingers in expectation.
An hour later they were flying down winding trails, both bikes moving together with the practiced air of two people who knew how to ride. Katrina held on to his waist, her arms loose and not at all nervous. She'd ridden his Suzuki C50 B.O.S.S. too many times to be afraid of a little speed. Carn, him, and Katrina were decked out in jeans, leather, and shorty helmets. He was glad at this point that he'd forgone shaving the past two days as his scruff would make him look more rugged and less like a cop. Katrina fell into her role easily, the posture and goody-goody look of an agent easily slipping away to be replaced by somebody wild and carefree.
Carn was the only wild card and even he turned out to play a very good non-officer. He had the swagger and talk to fit in with the crowd. So, as they turned into the alleyway that Arya's bike had disappeared into on many occasions, he felt an air of confidence around them. After searching for a bit, they found what they were looking for. A medium sized building took up a rather open lot, the entire area around filled with bikes of all types. He grinned despite himself, loving the atmosphere. Bikers could either be your most loyal friends or fear enemies. It was just smart not to get them angry.
They parked in an open space and dismounted, leaving their helmets on their mirrors. They strutted comfortably to the entrance, smiling and chatting about the 'trip' they'd taken from Oklahoma. It was an easy lie, all of them having traveled at some point with their bikes. They pushed through the doors, finding the lighting dim and the scent that of alcohol and hard work. A few glances went their way but luckily none stuck. At least they'd passed the first test. Roran went to the bar, sitting down and ordering three beers. They arrived in timely fashion and he turned to find that Carn had snatched them a table.
Around there were groups of bikers that seemed to know each other well. They'd been sitting there for an hour or so before one of the groups caught his attention. They were speaking in hushed tones and glancing around the room every few seconds. A story was obviously being told. Of what. . . it was impossible to say. Luckily, Katrina spotted an opportunity to snoop, standing and making her way to the jukebox. After a moment she laughed excitedly and waved at him.
"Baby com'ere! They have the classics!"
He grinned at her, making his way over and standing very close, his body pressing into her back. She rested against him and flipped through the songs as both of them pried their ears to the conversation of the table beside them.
". . . came in all dirty and such. She just looked at Gabe and he was outta here in a flash. Haven't seen im' since then."
Roran listened as a load of asinine rumors circled. That he was cheating on his wife, that she was his long-lost daughter. That she was trying to buy part of his land. All of it was said more for some laughs than anything else. One of the gathered bikers slapped the table.
"But you gotta admit, that girl was a fine thing to see. And she knew it too. Not in that, 'I'm so sexy love me type-a-way,' but she knew she was catching ery'one's eye. Damn careful about how she presented herself. I actually liked her."
Another chuckled and spoke.
"After she broke that pisser's balls in two I was in love. She just took him to the floor with no hesitation. Left me laughing my arse off."
A round of agreements went up and the man who'd been telling the story spoke.
"Ya she was interesting. Gabe called her bird? Little bird? Not sure. Still, I think she mighta' been in some kind of trouble and he was helping her out. Working with his studs has helped out many-a-convict. He's all about rehabilitation. Another fella' said he'd seen a guy get out of a truck as they left. In real bad shape too. Not sure if that's completely trustworthy considering the man who told me was shattin' himself he was so drunk."
Another round of laughs followed and Katrina picked a song. Some number he'd never even heard. They walked back to their table and settled in. It would look much too strange if they left the area after putting the effort in to the choosing a tune. Still, he was itching to leave. He had to find out who this Gabe character was. The injured guy mentioned had to be Eragon. It just had to. Katrina seemed to sense his irritation at their predicament and was the first to stand after the room quieted, paying their tab and ushering him into the warm evening. The sun was setting but he wasn't even near ready to call it a night.
He dialed into headquarters, telling everyone available to search the surrounding area for a land-owner with the name Gabe. He'd just gotten back to Carn's when James called.
"Roran I found three possible locations. One is Gabe Larson. He owns a farm about two miles from you. Another is Gabe Forrester. He has a couple acres in his backyard. Lastly is Gabriel Tress. He has a stud ranch—"
"That's him. What's the address?"
"504 Perrish Lane. Do you want me to send a squad?"
Roran was already sprinting towards his truck.
"Yes. But keep the lights off and hold back. I'll meet you there and we'll come up with a plan of attack. I'd rather not be blindsided by anything."
"Sure thing."
He hung up and waited for Katrina to hop in beside him Carn followed without asking.
"What's going on?"
He grinned at the man.
"We found him. Lives South a ways from the bar. You coming?"
Carn grinned.
"Damn right. You've had me chasing ghosts for days. I want some payoff."
-E-R-A-G-O-N-
They were completely packed. Gabriel had insisted on giving them packs to carry at least two changes of clothing and some basic gear. When they'd told the couple, understanding had been apparent on both of their faces. Mixed in was a bit of sadness and also a tinge of relief. After all, harboring dangerous fugitives, according to the television, was not the best of ideas. Theresa had hugged them both and he'd tried to keep from laughing at Arya's uncomfortableness. They'd helped out the rest of the day, not wanting the others to know they were leaving until they were already gone.
He came back to the house around six smelling like horse feces and hay. He took half an hour to scrub himself down, knowing the next week or two he wasn't going to be getting in any scheduled cleaning. He debated shaving and decided against it in light of the fact that it would be harder to recognize him if he grew a bit of scruff. He had put on a pair of faded blue jeans and a white t-shirt just as Arya walked into the room. She glanced at his wet hair and nodded.
"I'm going to shower as well and then we can prepare to leave. I don't want to actually do so until everyone's asleep though."
He noted her serious eyes and no-nonsense tone with worry. She wasn't supposed to be like this with him. She'd told him she wouldn't become like this. He hated it, actually. She disappeared into the bathroom and he almost pouted to himself. Instead, he picked out clothing he assumed she'd like and stuffed her pack with the outfits. Another outfit he settled on the bed before heading down the steps and into the kitchen. Gabe was watching coverage of the explosion again, a pensive expression on his face.
"Rethinking our standing?"
The man gave a small smirk.
"No. If only because I have seen you two interact with the others and each other. From that I can see you are truly good people."
Eragon ignored the part of him that wanted to say any good agent could fake it.
"Good to know. I wouldn't want the police hounding our heels as we tried to make it out." Gabe chuckled and he continued. "But if they somehow figure out we were here, you feign ignorance. Just say we asked if we could stick around a couple of days and add that we made off with a bunch of your stuff."
"You stealing my fine jewelry?"
There was jest in his voice and Eragon laughed.
"Of course. I must deck the lady in beautiful things."
They shared another laugh and Gabriel slapped his back.
"I wasn't sure of you at first I must admit. But you are a good man, Eragon."
He snorted.
"You say that as if not everyone could see you disliked me at the beginning. But thank you. I take that compliment to heart. Hopefully that notion sticks when you are looking for your jewelry and realize I've taken it all."
Theresa came into the room them, chuckling at his joke.
"If you could find anything worth money in this house I'd let you take it for free."
Eragon grinned at her.
"Don't worry I will make sure we bring you with us."
Gabe coughed, giving him a false glare.
"Watch yourself boy."
He settled back into the cushions, aiming to enjoy the last few hours he had at the ranch house. Several minutes later Arya entered the living room and sat beside him. She was closer than he'd expected she'd sit and her arm brushed his. Her face was still set passively but at least she was making an effort. He knew he was pushing it but he slid his arm around her back subtly. Instead of tensing as he suspected she would, she leaned against his side. He fought a grin and turned back to converse with the couple who had housed them for the past week. Theresa was telling a story about Gabe when the sound of a siren interrupted their chat. Arya and him froze, listening intently. Thoughts of betrayal filled his mind but the couple looked just as worried as them.
Just then Robert sprinted into the room.
"I drove past them a minute ago! They were waiting in the brush and I think they saw me looking at em'."
Arya was already heading for the steps to grab their packs by the time he finished speaking. She returned seconds later and Gabriel motioned for them to follow.
"Follow me. We'll get you to the barn and you guys can leave at the other end of the property. Just leave the horses tied to the fence."
He ran fast for an older guy and they were in the barn in less than a minute. With quick precision he began to saddle Titan and Arya took her que, doing the same to Cinder. Eragon went back to the doors and watched as three police cars pulled up to the house. It was dark enough now that he believed him and Arya could ride off the other direction without being seen. She called for him once they finished and he sprinted to Cinder, his back on his back, and saddled up. The biker smiled at them.
"Good luck, stay safe, and ride."
That was all they had time for. No more thanks, no more goodbyes. Arya pressed Titan into a gallop and they were off. It took ten minutes of hard riding, with both constantly looking for pursuers, to reach the fence by the road. Arya dismounted while Titan was still moving and ran with him to the fence. She tied him off quickly, turning to grab Cinder's reins to do the same. He jumped down beside her, breathing hard and glancing back towards the farm.
"That was too close. Let's get out of here."
They jumped the fence only to stop short when a flashlight poured across the path.
"Stop." Eragon recognized the voice all too well. Roran. He and Arya paused their motions and waited. "Did you really think I would be that stupid? You've outsmarted me before, not again. Eragon get over here." He didn't move. "Eragon!" There was a tone of fear in his cousin's voice and he wished he could help him. Instead, he began walking directly towards him. He wouldn't shoot him. "Eragon don't make me do this!"
"You wont."
"Eragon. . ."
There was such desperation in his cousins voice that part of him just wanted to go back with him. Arya noted it too but she made a different choice. While Roran's attention was on him, she'd inched closer. As soon as she was in range she lunged for him, taking out Roran's legs and sending him to the dirt. The gun clattered to the ground and she picked it up easily, aiming it just to the side of Roran which he appreciated. The flashlight was rolling back and forth, giving the area an eerie setting. Arya's eyes met his and she seemed to come to a decision.
"Two months from this day, Greenbourough's Ranch in Ireland. Be there alone."
At that she drove the butt of the gun across Roran's face, knocking him out cold. She rummage in his pockets for something, pulling out a set of keys a moment later.
"His truck is probably around here somewhere. We can take it in the opposite direction and dump it at the closest hotel. There we'll grab another. Sound good?"
He was looking at his cousin and then back to her, confusion in his eyes.
"Why did you tell him that? Are you going to have him killed?"
Shock flitted across her features and then anger.
"Really? You think so little of me?"
He opened his mouth to respond but she was already moving down the road at a jog. He followed silently, feeling like an idiot and wanting to apologize. Now was not the time for it though. They found Roran's truck a few hundred feet away, tucked into the brush. Arya leapt into the drivers seat and started it as he climbed next to her. Without a word she took off down the road. They'd only gotten ten miles away when a black Sedan spun around behind them. A cold seed of fear settled into his stomach. Something told him this wasn't the cops. That guess was proven correct when gunfire tore through the back window. Arya gave a sharp hiss and he looked to see blood dripping down her cheek. Horror raced through him and he reached for her only for her to press Roran's gun into his palm.
"It was glass, Eragon. Take them out."
Relief flooded him and he climbed carefully into the back seat, using it as cover while the enemy behind continued to send bullets their way. He fired a test shot and it proved what he suspected.
"Bulletproof glass! We can't win this while driving."
She nodded grimly and twisted the wheel sharply, bringing them into the field beside them, heading for the grove of trees a mile away. The truck gained the advantage on the rough ground, giving them some space. As soon as they pulled into the shadow of the trees he and Arya threw themselves out of the car and he followed her lead as she sprinted to a massive tree. Nimbly she climbed up to the top and he followed rather clumsily, scratching his hands along the trunk. He tried to hand her the gun but she shook her head.
"You're a better shot."
Despite the situation he wanted to laugh, even allowed a small chuckle.
"Did you just say that?"
She glared but said nothing, turning her gaze to peer out into the darkness. The sounds of crunching gravel gave notice to the arrival of the sedan. He held his breath as shouts rang out, orders from one to at least three others. Arya tapped his right shoulder, signaling that one was already heading to the side. He fired a single shot, taking the enemy through the head and listening to the dull thud as he hit the ground. More shouts rang out as the others tried to find the source of the bullet fired. Another came into sight and he brought him down as well. The sound echoed through the forested area and he had a feeling 911 was being dialed at several farmsteads near them.
The cracking of branches alerted them to two approaching enemies and he fired in quick succession. A bullet whizzed past his head in response and he swore, looking for the shooter. Arya spotted him first and without consultation leapt from the branch they were on to one nearer to the shooter. He watched her swing down and kick him across the face, a loud groan escaping his lips as he stumbled. Arya was on him within seconds, twisting the gun from his gasp and turning it on him. She fired a single shot and rolled to the side as feet trudged through the underbrush.
Arya took one while he the other, sending both down in a pool of their own blood. They waited silently for several minutes, their breaths shallow to keep from making too much noise. He relaxed after a bit, dropping from the tree and running over to where she was beginning to stand. He instinctively checked her over, turning her cheek to make sure the cut wasn't too badly. She pushed his hands away and made for the Sedan. With the knowledge that only comes from experience, she checked the car for GPS trackers and ripped two out.
He followed her quietly, watching her expression for any sign of what she was feeling. Before, he wouldn't have been able to even guess at her emotions when she was this stoic. Nothing was able to be seen. Now, even as hard as she tried, he could read her like a book. There was a simmering anger residing in the green depths. He wanted to pause her and apologize but now was not the time. They had about five minutes to get out of there before the area was surrounded by police. Reversing out of the brush, she put the car into drive and hurtled them towards the road.
They'd gone about two miles before the sound of police cars reached their ears. Thinking quickly, Arya swung the car around to make it look like they were coming from the opposite direction. It made it impossible for the approaching vehicles to see the bullet mark on the windshield of their car. It also made them seem less suspicious. As the cruisers rounded the bend behind them, Arya pulled to the side of the road and let them pass by unhindered. She waited for a bit, a few more coming some time later, and then turned again and headed down the road. The next hour they drove a round-a-bout way back to her stashed gear.
He didn't try to start a conversation knowing that she would most likely shut it down. Better wait for a time where she couldn't just ignore him. He was trying to guess where they were going when she pulled into a trailer park. She knew exactly where she was headed and they swerved through row after row of trailers and came to a stop in front of one with dilapidated doors and broken windows. He frowned.
"This doesn't seem too secure. Especially not for leaving weapons and cash in."
She shrugged, pushing the car door open and stepping onto the crumbling pavement. Instead of going into the vehicle like he first expected, she went behind it and trekked a few hundred feet into the woods. She studied the ground and surrounding trees as if they were markings easy to see. She paused at a massive Oak with sprawling branches going in all directions and then reached in to a hollow section and removed a small spade. Dropping to her knees she started to dig. It took twenty minutes of him offering to help and her rejecting it before she hit something metal. He peered into the hole as she reached down and yanked up a medium sized black box. It was locked with two padlocks and a built-in lock, making him realize she'd definitely planned ahead in case anyone got ahold of it.
It wouldn't stop a very serious attempt, but any simply curious children would drop it after struggling for a few minutes. She led them back to the trailer and shoved the door open, revealing a dusty, rather empty area. She flipped on a battery-powered light and he saw that a plastic sheet covered the bed. This is what she set the box on. Arya reached under the counter by the sink and removed her hand. He saw it was empty but she didn't seem swayed. She walked to the bathroom and exited with a dull ring of keys in her hand. She spent little time opening the box and it revealed several passports and bundles of cash. There was also two guns and several clips to fill them. She tucked everything into her bag and nodded her head towards the door.
"Let's go."
He stopped her as she tried to pass.
"Arya hold on. You know it'd be smarter to stay here a night and let the heat die down."
She leaned into his touch before he saw her physically retreat. She turned around stiffly and lifted the chest off of the bed. Without warning she dislodged the dusty plastic and flicked it away. Particles flew everywhere and he shut his eyes tightly, coughing and trying to get to fresh air as quickly as possible. Ok, he knew she was pissed, but she was overreacting. He caught his breath and walked to her, grabbing her arms and pinning them to the wall. Arya's dark eyes met his and he growled.
"Are you a child?" She loosed her hand and danced under his arm, pulling his own up behind his back. Not one to lose, he spun and swung her back to where she had been. This time he pressed his body into her and kept her wrists tightly in his grasp. "Arya! Enough! We are both on edge right now and the situation is less than pleasant, but letting it turn us against each other would be foolish. I am sorry for what I said earlier. I am, truly. But this pettiness isn't the answer."
She spoke through clenched teeth and he could feel the power he was hardly keeping at bay. She was royally pissed.
"This is not pettiness, Eragon. No more than I am some equestrian with dreams of winning the Kentucky Derby. If you cannot trust me to make the right calls then maybe we should keep this relationship strictly professional."
Even though he knew she spoke in anger, the scathing words burned him like fire. He pressed her further into the wall, her face mere centimeters from him.
"Don't."
He could see the guilt in her eyes at her words but she didn't relent her vexation.
"Then why do you always doubt me? Why must you think the worst?"
He leaned his forehead on hers.
"Because in all honesty, if he weren't my cousin, that is what I would think of first. Somebody who is so focused on finding us could only cause trouble. Getting rid of them is the first thing needed. If not by death then by incarceration. I asked because of my own thoughts, not because I thought you capable of such a thing." She studied his face for any hint of a lie but he was speaking the truth. Not waiting for her to respond he pulled her into a tight hug. "I wish we didn't have to deal with situations such as this. It's hard enough to make it without having life and death scenarios tossed in our face everyday."
She sighed and relaxed into him, the tension of the night slowly fading away. He breathed in her scent, feeling his body unwind. Arya pushed herself back, meeting his eyes in the dim lighting.
"I'm sorry for what I said. I wouldn't want to go back to what we were before any more than I'd enjoy cutting off my own arm. You are a part of me, Eragon."
He felt an entirely different kind of burn as he stared at her.
"I am sorry as well. I hate that we are struggling so much with misspoken words and misunderstandings."
She smiled ruefully.
"As much as I'd like to say I'm above such things, I must admit I am not. Couples argue Eragon."
He nodded, his thumb brushing under the cut on her cheek. It was shallow and already scabbed.
"I know. But usually it's about who is the better driver, not if one would think the other a heartless killer."
A smirk lit her eyes.
"And of course I am the better driver."
He scoffed.
"You dearly wish my love."
His pet name, meant more to patronize, earned a grin but she shook her head.
"Eragon you drive like a T-Rex."
He frowned.
"How does that even make sense?"
"Because of their little arms. It's like if a baby were to try to do monkey bars."
He tightened his arms around her slightly, letting her know just how strong he was.
"The insults are just rolling off your tongue again. I don't know if I enjoy this."
Her soft chuckle made it all better.
"Of course you do."
He was now very aware of how tightly they were pressed together. Her soft curves met perfectly with his hard ones and he was trying to ignore the desperate urge to kiss her.
"I will never agree to that. I am better at everything. Especially shooting. You said so yourself."
Her eyes rolled.
"You'll believe anything wont you? I just know I'm a better hand-to-hand fighter. I wouldn't have trusted you with that knockout kick. You can handle a gun. Your own body though?" She shook her head sadly. "I think not."
He gave her a dangerous look, his mischievous smile warning her to his actions. He moved her back to the wall, his lips finding the curve of her neck and tasting her flesh. A surprised breath passed her lips and he moved along to her collarbone, bringing his teeth into the mix and nibbling at her skin.
"You're completely right. I can hardly control my own body. That means I am not responsible for what it does."
He moved back to her neck and brought one hand to her hip, pressing lightly into the muscles there. Arya gasped, one hand burying in his hair and the other gripping his shirt. She breathed out her next words.
"That is hardly the case. You are still very responsible for your actions. In fact, doubly so because you still have a smart mind to know your limits."
He chuckled against her skin and felt her shiver.
"You twist words, temptress. My mind is helpless against you."
He pressed several openmouthed kisses to her jaw and she tightened her own grip on him. Her words were coming out barely above a whisper.
"And I believe you are trying to remove any responsibility you have in this."
She pulled him back to her mouth and he delved in, tasting her and loving every second of it. It was several moments before he could speak.
"Where do you see yourself in all of this?"
She returned his earlier torture doubly, kissing along his neck up to his ear and breathing against it.
"Me? Well I am simply and innocent bystander."
At the last word she nipped his ear, causing a groan to escape his lips. He chuckled.
"Innocent? Really? I could never think of you as innocent."
She gripped the hem of his shirt, pulling it up and over his head. His wounded arm pinched slightly but he hardly noticed. Her sensuous mouth trailed down his throat to his chest while her deft fingers traced the lines of his abdomen. He spun them to the bed, letting his weight down on her gently and stopping her deadly path along his body. He met her mouth once more, greedily begging for entrance which she gave easily. Everything was charged with a sexual tension so thick he felt it clogging the air around him, infusing itself in his mind and making him forget his promises. He pushed at her shirt, his fingers dancing along her smooth stomach and around to her spine.
Beneath him Arya arched her back in reaction, bringing parts of them closer together than was safe. His need was primal now and he hardly thought of right and wrong as his hands moved to push the fabric over her head. She seemed willing to comply until what they were doing actually hit her. She immediately gripped his wrists, pulling them away from her body and motioning for him to get off. There was no anger or annoyance to her gaze, only a stark realization of what was about to happen. He slowly removed himself, his body hating him with every inch of distance he put between them.
She hardly seemed to be faring better as her fingers twitched needfully and her face kept it's hungry lilt. She was struggling to keep herself from him as well and it made it easier for him to calm himself. She wanted something strong enough to fight her obvious desires and he was going to do everything in his power to help her. It took fifteen minutes of cooling off for either to be able to speak. Another five before she actually did.
"I want to wait."
He nodded, reaching for her only to think better of it. He was still quite on edge.
"As do I."
She glanced over at him and he saw a hint of nervousness in her eyes. It sprung another emotion inside him. A protectiveness so fierce that it overwhelmed the need in that moment. He reached out and took her hand. She seemed to take the strength he offered, continuing quietly.
"What are your reasons?"
He tilted his head, rubbing small circles across the back of her hand.
"One is rather obvious. This job is not meant for children. And I think that chancing it is too risky. We do not deserve the gift of a child right now. Our lives will not allow it." He paused, uncertain about voicing his other reason. Still, it would not do to lie. "And. . . I feel it is what I need to do for you. It is how I respect you, if you will. I have done many things in my past that I am regretful of. I was a player and an asshole. I slept with a lot of women—" She tensed slightly and he stopped, squeezing her hand. "I hate having that in my past with you now as my future. It eats at me relentlessly. I feel that waiting is my way of proving to you that I am worthy of your love. That I am worthy of forgiveness for my actions." She turned to him, her hand cupping his jaw softly. He noticed that it was trembling slightly and kissed her palm. "I am sorry. As sorry as I could possibly be. If I'd known the treasure I'd end up with I would have waited a lifetime. If only to see you once."
She smiled and retracted her hand, settling it self-consciously into her lap as she looked away.
"Your past is in your past, Eragon. Do I like knowing that you have been with many others? No. Can I deal with it? Yes. Would I change it if I could? Surprisingly no. It has made you who you are. The mistakes we make in our lives create us and form us. I'm just glad you are with me now. Although, knowing your history makes it more difficult for me to share my reasons, if only out of competition."
He frowned, lifting her head so her eyes met his.
"What do you mean?"
A blush spread across her cheeks and he watched it in fascination. It was probably the first time he'd ever seen her blush from embarrassment. Usually she was in perfect control.
"I . . . have never. . . well. . ."
His eyes widened and he felt even worse.
"You're a virgin?"
His surprise was evident in his voice and she suddenly smirked.
"You expected less?"
He opened his mouth only to close it immediately afterwards. He had no words. He honestly didn't know how to answer. He finally responded as safely as possible.
"No I just . . .well, it's rare in today's day. And you're drop dead beautiful. I would've guessed there had been many who offered."
She twisted her fingers together.
"It is rare and there were offers, but I had many reasons for refusing. At first it was out of spite. I was an angry teenager after being brought in to DuWeld. I distanced myself from everyone. I wanted no connection. And then it was out of self preservation. I didn't want to owe anybody anything. I didn't want anyone to know me that well. Now. . . though I love you and want to . . . well, sleep with you, I find that I would rather wait. Partly for our duty as that is very important. I would not risk a child in our lives. But, I also believe that having sex is something reserved for those ready to bring life into the world. In my experience, when sex is simply seen as a way to satisfy self interest, it loses importance in both participants eyes.
Sex is a gift of self, reserved for a single person. I am not ready for the natural consequences of it and so I do not wish to squander its significance. I'm not sure if that makes sense to you but—"
He nodded, kissing her forehead and smiling brightly.
"It does. And I love you even more for it."
She laughed.
"Shush. Do not patronize me."
He shook his head.
"I am not I swear."
She watched him for several seconds before nodding.
"Good then." They continued to stare at each other for a time until she finally tore her gaze from his. "I am volunteering you for first watch."
He groaned in feigned aggravation.
"I always get the short end of the stick it seems."
She shrugged.
"Fine. I'll go first. Get some sleep."
It wasn't until he saw smugness in her smile that he realized she'd played him.
"Oh that is hardly nice."
"And when have I ever been accused of being nice? If you can come up with a single instance I will let you choose the watch times. You may even make me watch all night."
He searched uselessly for an example and frowned at her.
"Rude. You take first watch but don't expect me to let you out of my sight."
Before she could move he laid on his side, his head resting on her lap. She ran her fingers through his hair.
"Goodnight, Eragon."
He responded in kind and closed his eyes to fall into peaceful dreams.
-S-H-R-U-I-K-A-N-
He stared at the screens before him, intelligent eyes never once wavering. They'd been searching for survivors of the Varden for days now and it was made even harder with the fact that they couldn't access the base site. Too many close-knit police squads and firefighters bumbled about in the wreckage. Any unknown visitor would stick out like a sore thumb. Because of this, he had to settle for secondhand information. He and his underlings had been scouring the databanks of all of the law enforcement in the area waiting for any information that would lead to the capture of an enemy agent.
At the moment they had nothing and he felt like he was walking on hot coals. One slip up and Galbatorix would have him castrated. So it was with this thought in mind that had caused him to snap at one of his "student's" failings. A kid of twenty had approached him with information he'd been sitting on for two days. A study the FBI had been doing of the motorcycle pieces found in the destroyed headquarters. He stared furiously at the boy before slapping him across the face with all of his strength stacked behind the blow. The student stumbled backwards and tripped, hitting the ground with a dull thud. He stepped over him carelessly and looked at the shocked faces of the others.
"Find me everything you can on this study. It is the most intelligent thing these idiot government people have done so far. Scythe, Anin, take Willow here and lock him in the stocks. He will get the punishment his ignorance and lackluster performance deserves."
He liked that nobody used true names under his command. It was too easy to become attached that way. Instead it was all code names. Which suited him perfectly seeing as he didn't even know his birth name. The others bustled about, doing as he ordered with quick efficiency. It wasn't long before he was brought all the information available. By then though, everything had already been put in motion by the FBI. Trying to make up for lost time, he sent a team of retrievers to the same farm the agents were going to. They had orders to wait out the initial meeting and then do as they saw fit. He just hoped it would be enough to please Galbatorix.
Unresolved Emotions: Yeah it was. Now they're gonna be running for a bit I think. Well, who would've understood what voila meant if I'd put that? It looks like a name. Wala, while a barbaric way to spell it, got the point across much easier than voila. I understand what you are saying though.
Retse: I will win this smile-off :D
Odin3830: :D Me too!
A Dark Noon: Lol if I'd ever seen that movie I might be offended but alas I have not. Is it good? WE HAVEN'T VISTED LOL WE SKYPE. GEEZE IT'S LIKE YOU DON'T EVEN UNDERSTAND TECHNOLOGY. . . . lol. Definitely scientifically proven. Well she's being mean to you and wont even date you so you might want to be mean back. Apparently she finds me (the asshole) to be sexier than you, the one who is kind. So, she's not a very nice friend ;) Lol I am almost at 50 aren't I? I feel like I should do something crazy but IDK what it'd be. No idea about the word count lol. MR? I don't remember what I said last to warrant being called Blasphemer lmao. Pssh Nark don't pretend to have a life just to ease your sadness over her not wanting to date you. (Take like, 3 months to respond. It'll be funny). Gerbils are evil. Go listen Gerbil by Stephen Lynch. . . It will scar you.
Ocadioan: I know, I know. I would never. I don't think I would be able to anyway. It would just depress me. I think Eragon and Arya deserve a happy ending. Yeah it was. It's hard to cut some of their stuff because they're the easiest to write for me and sometimes I just disconnect when writing from other POV's. GRRM? I feel like I should know this but I am brain-farting (and physically farting. . . not really) about what it is. That is something I will keep in mind though. You're completely right. I will try and make the extras less NPC-like.
bigmatt365: Thank you!
FanBoyNinja: Lol were you annoyed by it or were you just unsure? I'm glad you decided to like the rest though haha. Thanks! :)
Elemental Dragon Slayer: Can't believe you don't even respond to defend your mother. What kind of son are you! EDS you are Morzan (I had typed your actual name here before realizing nobody else knew it. Close call). No need to patronize me because I talked about your mummy.
TheLoneVoyager: Lol I try and pretend to be emotionless. It doesn't work very well. At least not for fictional characters in books. In reality I am a stone hearted asshole. I feed on the fears of small children. . . .so awk ok moving on :D Yeah agreed. Yeah it would only be moderately hard in Arkansas. Like, hundreds of bikes go through there but a lot of them are cruisers for travel. They did have more to go on than just color as well. Her gender and hair helped a lot. Yeah I figured I'd give him an interesting backstory.
TheeRoyalJester: Hehehe it says that because you still gave me a review even if it was pointing out my awesome character perks. Lol I can still write a FF about you and Nark even if you're a lesbian. It'll just be the version I created in my head ;) Jk I wont do that. I like to stick with the proper personalities. No OOC's. As for you going for me it's totally understandable. I'm like, super sexy and whatnot. I'm humble, an asshole, and so good at video games it'd blow you away. . . . . Lol being that egotistical is hard. I felt like such a tool even if they're all true. . . . ok, ok, I'm done. I'm only a couple of those things. Namely egotistical and an asshole. Have you never heard of SKYPE! He didn't fly all the way to 'Murica to see me and I could hardly bring myself to go see him. NO. OF COURSE IT'S NOT! *EDS put the pictures away!* haha it was only over skype. Basically I am careless and walk around with my computer (usually to get food) and my siblings will be around. I'll turn the computer to them and be like, "Say hi to ****" and then I walk away. My evil personality will be named . . . . . Chester. I don't have dreams Easter Bunny. I create dreams. Ouch Nark, you just got destroyed after trying to boost her ego. That's not very nice of her. You are totally a furry bunny. I think I would be Jack Frost. P.S. Yes I am. I also have an asshole but that shouldn't surprise anyone.
timkaylor885: Well thank you for your few words then :)
Anonymus: Thank you. You got a taste here. Their real meeting in the future. And thank you!
Rainxoxo: Wow wasn't that still like, a LOT of money? Or am I misjudging the cost? I know money is a rude subject to talk about but I am one to ignore social standards and expectancies. It's part of my personality :D (For real. It's one of my weaknesses according to the Myers Briggs). Do you know your personality type? I bet the house looks fricken amazing now. Lmao please tell me it was your butt and that you slapped them afterward. Hmm, well, I know how it's going to end right, I am just working on how to get there. It could be soon, it could be another 30 chapters. It just depends on the flow. Yeah Triangle will be back. Triangle is Trianna btw. It's a joke referencing one of my old stories lol. Awk. . . . ;) I'm glad you like mine then! I like both AU stories and same-world stories but I'll always go for the AU. Not sure why. His role was kind of weird. Paolini just wanted to create a cool twist and threw him in. I did like his character though. Pretty bad ass. Thanks!
Ninja15912: It is definitely those books. Omg they're so good. AHHHH why would you tell me the date it comes out that is SOOOOO FAR. I am now crying in my corner holding the books in my hands, begging Rothfuss to make it sooner. Lol I kid but that is a seriously long wait. Thank you! Yeah I get some stuff confused too but that's mostly because when I forget something from the book I'm too lazy to check so I just make crap up. And wow thank you that's an awesome compliment. People call me both. I'm fine with either. Mind is shorter, Unrivaled makes me sound awesome. Most people go with Mind. I will try and write more often. At the moment I'm building back up to my old pace.
ShinyCrobat: Thanks! :D
John D. Malcolm: It'll be all four books in one. Writing sequels would only prolong the updating and make people mad I think. Damn yeah Jax is master of all. I love playing him. Went 29/4/6 or something like that last night. It was great. Lol I suck half the time and the other half I rock. It just depends I guess. You should definitely join us. My username is UnrivaledMind (I don't think there's a space).
Guest: Thanks :)
Renaissancebooklover108: :D And I was hoping somebody would catch that. It's where I got the idea. Stupid Ward betraying everyone. Ugh. He didn't deserve Sky anyway.
cipher: I will continue it as soon as I finish this story :)