Update day for Twisted Realities. Stay alert, because next Friday will be update day for Silver Hearts. Chapter 5 will be when I answer reviews. Just remember that. So if you have questions, comments or concerns, you have a month to make yourselves known. Otherwise you'll have to wait another five chapters.

Enjoy.

Chapter Four

"We must go back!" Eragon exclaimed, throwing his arms out to his sides in a vain attempt to show his emotion.

Stargazer looked at the small human in front of him with amusement dancing in his eyes before giving a snort. Very well. He glanced over at Saphira who tilted her head. Can you carry him back gently this time?

The sapphire dragoness was confused as to why he asked this…

Until she looked at the insides of her Rider's thighs and saw how bloody and torn both of his legs were.

Eragon! Saphira cried out, seeing what she had done to her partner-of-heart-and-mind. Why did you not tell me of this?

The boy grimaced as he tenderly rubbed his legs. "I guess I didn't feel it until Stargazer pointed it out…"

The male dragon huffed and walked away, giving the duo some time to situate themselves. As he walked away, Saphira and Eragon had their eyes locked on his back, noticing yet another feature.

Well, the distinct lack of a certain feature that dragons have.

He had no spinal spikes.

"Saphira-"

Yes. I see it.

"You noticed that-"

He has no spikes along his back? Yes. Saphira finished her Rider's question and answered it simultaneously. I noticed and I am unsure as to why he has none. It isn't a priority, so I will ask him another time. The dragoness laid on her belly and looked at Eragon. Up you go, little one.

Grimacing, the boy clambered up into the crook of her neck where it joined with the rest of her torso. Death gripping the spike in front of him, Eragon figured he was as ready as he could be.

Stargazer padded back toward them, his eyes immediately noticing the young Rider's place on his dragon's back, and his face broke into a fanged grin.

I see you are ready to take to the skies once more, Eragon. Good. Let's be on our way then. Shall we? He turned around, spreading those magnificent wings of his, and launched into the air. The wind gusts generated from his flapping buffeting the grass and trees below as he ascended into the heavens above.

Saphira followed, unfurling her wings and taking to the skies, catching up with the other dragon.

The blue female remained behind Stargazer, studying how the air currents rustled the layers of shards that made up his wings. Eragon, feeling a sudden hint of mischief flow through their bond, noticed as the dragoness he was riding upon ascended, coming to fly slightly above the male dragon.

Saphira… The boy began nervously.

Without warning, the sapphire blue dragoness dove down and landed upon Stargazer's back.

What happened next was nothing short of terrifying.

Stargazer snapped, unleashing an otherworldly roar that nearly burst Eragon's eardrums and actually paralyzed Saphira. The roar caused the air around the trio to shudder and shake, vibrating and resonating within their very souls. When he spoke, it felt as if thunder was booming within the depths of their skulls.

Get. Off. My. BACK!

The crystal dragon then executed a sharp corkscrew, throwing the paralyzed and dazed dragoness off his back. As she fell, Saphira's mind raced, but the only emotion that stood out was terror. She now feared pushing this dragon's patience and vowed to herself to respect his wishes henceforth.

Stargazer caught the free falling female and carried her frozen form with his left legs while clutching a thoroughly terrified Eragon in his front right paw. Seeing the smoke rising to the south, Stargazer began to descend gradually until he dropped Eragon into the farthest field from a safe height.

The boy popped onto his feet and raced to the ruins of his uncle's farm, the adrenaline that pumped in his veins temporarily numbing the pain from his legs. Dread filled the boy as he ran to the smoldering ruins, Stargazer coming to land behind him alongside Saphira. The male dragon kept his senses on high alert, stretching out his mind to encompass the entire area as he kept an eye on Eragon.

The dragoness, recovered from her ordeal, began to talk to the larger male.

Stargazer, I–

She was interrupted by an anguished cry from Eragon."Garrow!" And she looked over at the barn where the young boy was trying desperately to remove the fallen wood from the body. The crystal dragon strode forward with determination.

Move, boy.

Not wanting to argue, Eragon scrambled back, retreating a ways. The dragon strode forward and literally ripped the beams off of the boy's uncle, tossing them away. His assistance now complete, he started walking away, only to freeze when Eragon spoke.

"This is your fault!" He cried, directing his anger at not just Stargazer, but to Saphira as well. "Had I been here–"

Stargazer whirled around, baring his teeth and uttering a menacing growl that silenced Eragon. You do not command me, hatchling! Nor do you control that dragoness bound to you through magical means and an ancient ritual! The dragon hissed, rage pouring into the boy's mind. Saphira withdrew slightly, yet kept a close eye on the male in case he were to attack her Rider. Only then would she interfere.

He had a just cause to be upset.

Stargazer continued his speech while visibly calming himself. Had Saphira not whisked you away when she did, you would most likely be tortured or dead right now. And if you die– He jerked his head in Saphira's direction. –so does she. Do not be selfish, Eragon. If she agrees, maybe ask your dragon nicely to carry you to someone you can trust.

He walked toward Saphira and sat down, not even looking at her and instead opted to keep silent vigil of their surroundings.

I am sorry for what transpired earlier. She whispered to him, not noticing his body stiffen ever so slightly. I will not do it again.

Be sure that you don't. He replied, his tone ending the conversation then and there. As they watched the youth struggle, the larger dragon exhaled in a deep sigh. Go help him before he hurts himself further. I'll remain here, or if someone comes by, I'll take off so I can blend in with the skies above.

Saphira blinked and gave a short nod, standing up and making her way over to her Rider. Eragon pushed her away with some rather crude words, and hauled Garrow's limp body away to the one person he knew he could trust before passing out.

Brom.