Happy holidays everyone!

Enjoy this half of the double update feature as my gift to you all!

(This is a shorter chapter but it is emotional later on.)

Chapter Nine

Third Person POV

So, you mean to tell me that you all left because that old bastard has a personal issue with me? Stargazer inquired, annoyance heavily tainting his tone and thoughts.

Saphira hung her head in shame. Yes.

There was a moment of silence, in which the sapphire dragoness used that time to study her companion with concern.

He looked downright furious.

Waves of anger passed from his mind into hers, and Saphira had to thin their connection in fear of his emotions beginning to rile up her own. She was genuinely afraid of what this dragon could do. To be honest, she didn't completely trust him, given his show of power with the storm, but again there was that little voice in her head telling her to give him a chance.

After several minutes without trading words, the snapping of branches had them swivelling their heads around and readying themselves for potential intruders.

"Saphira! Where–"

Eragon stepped into the clearing and froze, a look of fear on his face as he beheld the emotional crystal dragon. The dragon's emotions were then suddenly replaced by a new feeling, and this one was even more terrifying.

Vengeance.

It wasn't a feeling of instant revenge. No. More of a methodical, planned out vendetta that would see its completion in the future regardless of unfolding events.

Eragon. The male dragon greeted, dipping his head slightly.

"Stargazer, I–"

I do not blame you or Saphira for what occurred. The dragon rumbled, and the two others with him relaxed instantly, releasing pent up breaths they didn't know they were holding. You need not fear any retribution from me, Rider. However… Stargazer flopped to the ground with a sigh, resting his head down on his paws. I heard from your partner that you learned magic, yes?

The boy nodded, confirming the dragon's inquiry, and the crystal dragon hummed thoughtfully.

You must be careful, Eragon. Stargazer advised not unkindly, and the youth listened closely. Now that you have this power at your disposal, do not let it consume you. Listen to Brom's teachings and, if you really need it, ask me for advice. The dragon smirked a bit, causing Saphira to give a rumbling chuckle. Just make sure the questions are ones Brom cannot answer. I can't answer everything. I am just a dragon after all.

A wise one at that though. Saphira replied, giving him a swat with her tail.

Stargazer rolled his eyes, receiving a smack on his shoulder. I have my moments. Now, I understand you wish to visit with Saphira, but I just arrived after flying for three days and two nights straight without rest. I need to sleep.

Eragon was tempted to protest, but something gave him pause. Upon second glance, the boy could see the exhausted state the dragon was in. His legs quivered every so often and his eyelids were extremely drooped. As if he would fall asleep at any given moment.

The youth nodded his head and gave a smile, patting Stargazer on the leg before walking back to the coastal city.

Glancing at Saphira, the male dragon gave an amused smirk before laying his head down, closing his eyes and falling into a peaceful slumber with a large exhale.

-x-

You idiotic fool!

"Who are you calling a fool?" Brom retorted as the group trekked their way through the forests once more, heading to Dras Leona.

You could have gotten Eragon captured and then I would have had to deal with exposing myself to the world! Not to mention the danger and attention that could have been drawn to Saphira! We have a common enemy, so stop being so distrusting of me and accept that I am not going anywhere anytime soon. We have to begin working together or everything that is at stake will be lost! Stargazer snarled, whipping his tail about and felling several trees. When the storyteller scoffed, the dragon shoved his face in front of the old man, halting him dead in his tracks as their eyes met. Brown eyes stared into royal purple… before their color changed to an electric blue that cast the human in a soft glow. Listen well, you bastard. You could have jeopardized everything. I will not put my charges in danger just so you can feel the thrill of a mission once more.

The storyteller bit his lip, knowing the dragon was correct, but couldn't help the words that spilled from his mouth.

"At least I'm not fighting a war with my heart."

Slamming his mouth shut and bracing himself for retaliation, Brom squeezed his eyes closed.

After several tense seconds of nothing happening, the human opened his eyes. He could see that the crystal dragon's eyes had turned a dark shade of violet as they softened, and Brom saw a void of sadness and emptiness within them. That emptiness yearned to be filled, yet the former Rider knew the young dragon was doing the right thing in pushing the tempting female dragon away for the time being.

As Brom peered into those bottomless orbs before him, he stumbled across a painful discovery.

Even simply being in the dragoness's presence was crushing Stargazer's soul. The crystal dragon in front of the human was snuffing out the light of his heart, smothering its voice, just to ensure Eragon and Saphira's safety.

The old Rider had to admit, this dragon was rather mature for his age.

I suppose that makes both of us lost souls in a cruel, veiled world then. The dragon whispered, a soft, mournful keening sound emitting from his throat. You lost your mate and I cannot pursue mine. I apologize for my outburst, Brom. Perhaps we are more similar than we care to admit to ourselves…

Withdrawing himself from the human, the dragon turned and continued following the younger human and his dragoness. All the while, those emotions continued to gnaw at his heart and soul.

Behind him, following on Snowfire, Brom muttered to himself, "One day. One day you will be free to love her."

Stargazer heard him, but refused to make it known.

Closing his heart, he became the guardian figure of the young dragoness and her Rider once more.

-x-

A bit of a shorter chapter, but I think I did well getting the point across. Next weekend will mark the end of the weekly updates, so I will be back to two updates a month.

Happy holidays!

Stryker