No real means to explain my absence on this and other stories, other than that fourth year University is hard as hell and demands a lot of time. As does a job, which keeps food on the table and allows for this hobby to exist in the first place.

Also, to a reviewer who asked if I'd be willing to hand this story over to their friend... First, sadly, I'm going to have to say no as I do intend to finish this at some point. Second, I appreciate the assurances that the story and its integrity and format would be maintained, but all the same I just could not bring myself to give up on something I worked so hard on. This is by no means meant to project ill will, but in the hope that as of right now I just can't see myself giving up on this or any of my stories.

Also, this chapter is mostly exposition and set up, and the next chapter is underway as are many other follow up chapters for many of my other works.

It's not that my Muse doesn't work, she just doesn't know when the hell to stop coming up with new ideas as opposed to continuing older ones.

Now on with the show.

"Speech"

'Telepathic/Dragon speech/thoughts'

Eragon sighed heavily as he walked through the village, hands tucked to his sides and a scowl on his face as the soft patter of rain echoed in his ears. Yet the rain as it continued to fall in greater amounts failed to mask his tears; the young man's deep brown eyes having become red and puffy from crying as Eragon felt a hollow, empty feeling grow ever stronger in his gut.

"Uncle Garrow…" the young man murmured, his voice cracked and hoarse as the mud splashed under his boots with every step, the roads slick and the mud heavy as the young man ignored the chill that the water set into his bones. Yet even the smell of the smoke drifting from the houses of his neighbours and the sound of their voices did little to ease his grief.

So distracted was he, that Eragon stumbled into a tall hooded figure in the middle of the street. Releasing a panicked cry the young farmer fell towards the muck and grime of the street. Only to halt mid fall with a soft grunt as a hand snagged the back of his shirt and hauled him upright.

Eragon blinked owlishly as he met the hard brown eyes and mop of orange spiked hair of his friend, before releasing a nervous chuckle as he felt his shirt be released and steadied himself in the slick mud of the street.

"Hehe… Hey Ichigo," Eragon said lamely, scratching the back of his head anxiously as his friend only crossed his arms while the rain continued to fall around them.

"Eragon," Ichigo said simply with a soft nod of his head, the older boy's hard brown eyes softening ever so slightly as he gazed at the red, bloodshot eyes of his friend. "You shouldn't be out here in the cold and the rain like this, not after Gertrude went to all that trouble to keep your sorry arse alive after what happened," the orange haired man scolded, watching as Eragon allowed shame to cloud his eyes and cast his gaze to the ground. Sighing to himself, Ichigo clapped the brown hared boy on his shoulders as he began to steer the befuddled young man towards Horst's home; giving a small, hopefully reassuringly grin as Eragon once more felt his grief cloud his heart. "Come on. I'm sure Elain has some stew leftover to help warm up those water logged limbs of your once again."

Eragon merely sighed as he trudged alongside his friend, the sight of smoke drifting from the chimney sending a feeling of stone to the boy's stomach as the sweet scent of oils and herbs filled his nose once again as the image of his Uncle lain low flashed before his eyes. Yet the young man was quickly snapped from such reverie from a swift knock to the side of his head.

"Ow!" he cried, clutching at his head as he turned to glare angrily at his friend. Ichigo only snorted at Eragon's rather pathetic glare, the chain attached to the hilt of his sword making a gentle sound with every step.

"Suck it up kid, a small love-tap like that ain't gonna hurt you none," Ichigo teased as they drew closer to Horst's home, the orange haired man quickly rapping his knuckles against the wood door before pushing it in and stepping across the threshold.

"Oi, Elain! Found this one wandering the village with not but his jerkin and figured you might be able to knock some sense into his thick skull since I apparently can't," Ichigo called as he made for the kitchen, Eragon muttering angrily behind him as the woman turned and frowned at the sight of them.

"Oh the two of you are a bundle of trouble aren't you?" she asked with a light tilt to her mouth in the barest hint of a smile. Ichigo only smirked at her while Eragon stared at the floor, the orange haired teen bowing his head gratefully as Elain handed him a steaming bowl of stew and a hunk of cheese as he moved to sit at the table.

Eragon said nothing, raising his head to give Elain a tight smile as he stiffly reached out and gently grabbed the bowl she then offered him. Elain gave him a warm smile as she guided him towards the table, giving Ichigo a small nod of thanks as the orange haired man rose to his feet and quickly placed a few more logs of wood into the fireplace to help dry the soaked teenager.

"Thank you Elain," Ichigo said gratefully as the woman gently clapped Eragon's shoulder before leaving the two to themselves, the sound of her footsteps fading away as she went on her way. Now alone, Ichigo quickly tucked into the still warms stew as Eragon simply stared at it; the crackle of the fire echoing in his ears as he idly ran his spoon through his food.

The silence was a constant between the two men, as Ichigo at last slowed his eating to glance at the brown haired boy before he released a tired sigh; an unreadable look in his normally vibrant eyes.

"Dwelling on what could have been and what might be isn't going to get you anywhere in life Eragon," Ichigo said simply, his eyes narrowed as he watched the younger boy stiffen rather noticeably in his seat. "Garrow wouldn't have wanted you to waste your life mourning him Eragon… He'd sooner have clapped you on the back of your head to snap you out of it rather than to let you wallow in pity all the bloody damned time."

"THEN WHAT AM I TO DO!?" Eragon roared as he shot to his feet, the clatter of the chair as it was pushed back echoing through the house like a cannon blast. Fresh tears spilled down the his rain soaked cheeks as he stared at his friend, sobs choked back by the barest remnant of restraint as Eragon collapsed into the chair once more. Burying his head in his hands the boy wiped his eyes, his grief only magnified by the feelings of regret carried by his dragon as he cried. "What am I supposed to do? Roran's gone to have any chance of a future with Katrina and here I am with nothing but the ashes of what remains of our family. All because I was too stupid to sell that damned stone. I failed him… Just like I failed Garrow."

Ichigo remained silent as he let Eragon calm down, his eyes blank as he stared at the distraught fifteen year old boy.

"Are you going to let that stop you? Wallow in despair while your Uncle's killers wander the continent?" Ichigo asked harshly, his eyes narrowed in anger as he saw Eragon gaze at him in shock at his words. "Instead of sitting here on your arse, maybe you should do something about it!" the taller man roared, rising to his feet and staring at the young fifteen year old boy. "I know all too well what happens when you don't…" Ichigo muttered hollowly to himself, the visage of Yhwach flashing before his eyes; the manic grin worn by the Quincy King as he shattered Tensa Zangetsu during their final battle atop the Palace of the Soul King infuriating him even now.

Ichigo sighed as he reigned in his anger, sighing heavily as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Look Eragon, the point is that what you choose to do in the next few days could very well define your future for the decades to come, so you better damn well be sure it's what you want."

"And how will I know what to choose?" the former farmboy asked, his eyes wide and begging for guidance in a time where little made sense anymore. A feeling Ichigo was all too familiar with.

"You'll know," Ichigo said, reaching forward and placing his hand on Eragon's shoulder comfortingly. "Trust in your instincts, and they'll not lead you astray. Never forget that Eragon. Now come on, this stew is getting cold and I'd rather not have to deal with Horst after he found out we wasted his wife's cooking."

That night, with the moon hung low over the horizon and clouds darkening the skies Ichigo stood in silent vigil as he watched Eragon flee from Carvahall. The young man was seated on the roof of the tavern as he saw his friend become smaller and smaller on the horizon, the errant flashes of silver moonlight ensuring that the young farmboy was well hidden from any unfriendly eyes.

Smirking to himself, Ichigo rose to his feet and swiftly vanished in a Flash Step as he reappeared deep in the forest of the mountain. The sound of hushed voices and the snap of burning wood reached his ears as he walked through the forest, before the young Dragon Rider smirked once he caught sight of Albriech and Baldor. The two men were sat around a small fire, the smell of cooked venison strong in the air as Baldor took a large chunk from the spit he held in his hand.

"Looks like we got another one joining us on this merry little hunt after all," Ichigo said calmly, smirking as Albriech and Baldor shared knowing looks and rose to follow him. Swiftly the three men made their way through the forest, their mouths set into light grins and an eager energy seeming to course through them at the thrill of the hunt.

The three men covered the mountain trails swiftly, their months of running the treacherous paths that only the most experienced of woodsmen could find allowing them to keep pace with and intercept their youngest companion. As the three traveled the dense forest of massive trees swiftly began to thin, and Ichigo felt a familiar reiatsu glow brightly in the darkness of the mountain as the moon peaked overhead.

"Looks like he might have had some help getting to this part of the mountain so quickly," Ichigo said quietly to his two companions as they dashed through the bush, the armor they wore making not a sound as the roars of the beasts that roamed the mountain echoed through the night. For hours the three men followed after young Eragon deeper into the mountain grove, the mists that surrounded the peak of the Spine bringing a light chill to their bones and a slick dampness to their skin. Yet ever onward they ran, every breath steady and each step as sure as the last.

Finally, as day began to break and the sun rose over the canopy of the trees did the young farm boy finally come to a stop on the eastern slope of the mountain, far from Carvahall and any means of aid. Ichigo, Albriech, and Baldor remained wary however, staying in the darkness of the trees as they watched Eragon wander into a large clearing of dead and burnt trees.

'Seems like he had a destination in mind after all,' Ichigo mused as he crouched low to the earth, silently treading forward until he was able to get a good view of the clearing. A faint trace of reiatsu lingered in the air, yet it was one that was unfamiliar to Ichigo himself.

It felt neither like Eragon or Brom's, and rather than carrying the distinct almost oppressive weight that humans possessed in their reiatsu… This felt as if it was but a light scent on the wind. Gentle as a light breeze and as soft as the grass in a spring morn. Whatever had caused this, was not evenly remotely human, and possessed a strength that dwarfed all of his companions. A fact that troubled Ichigo greatly.

'Could it have been whoever attacked Garrow at the farm who caused this?' he thought to himself, glancing around as he eased his hand towards the hilt of his sword. He'd rather die than to have his friends suffer the consequences of his own actions, should their prey have managed to set a trap for them here.

However it seemed Ichigo need not have worried, as a figure soon emerged from the opposite side of the clearing. Ichigo smirked crookedly as he soon rose to his full height and leaned against the trunk of the tree, the familiar feel of Brom's reiatsu surrounding the cloaked figure. Brom it seemed was unconcerned when Eragon turned to face him with a hard look on his face, the older man carrying in his hands a large saddle while his plain broadsword was strapped to his waist. Eragon seemed taken aback at the older man's sudden appearance, but swiftly reasserted his serious demeanor as he glared at Brom.

"Not often that a farmboy gets lost this far into the mountains, especially alone with a pack fit for a horse on his shoulders," the gray haired man said pointedly, lowering his pack to the earth and moving to sit upon a fallen tree. The torched bark cracked and groaned under the storyteller's weight, yet the older man seemed unconcerned as he pulled out his pipe. "Now if you don't mind, there are some things we must discuss Eragon. Because I for one, will not have you go gallivanting across the continent and getting yourself killed because of ignorance and stupidity."

Packing the tobacco tight into the well of his pipe, the aged man brought forth a small piece of flint and steel. Swiftly Brom gathered some other pieces of tinder and scrapped wood that seemed to have survived whatever had damaged the clearing. Brom then proceeded to strike the flint several times as sparks began to fly, catching the crumpled grass and causing it to smoke and shrivel. However, Ichigo heard the man mutter a word too low for the other humans' ears that sent a sharp tingle down his back as reiatsu flared from the old man.

"Brisingr."

With a flash of dull blue flames did the fire spring to life, the sight of it comforting in the treacherous mountains as Brom then took a thin piece of bramble and caught it alight before bringing it to his face.

Lighting his pipe, Brom took a few steep breaths as the tobacco burned a dull orange in the night as he then tossed the thin bramble into the flames. "Not to mention, that if you're going to try and hunt these beasts you'll need some serious work if you can't even tell when you're being followed."

"What are you on about storyteller?" Eragon asked cautiously, slowly reaching for his dagger before the sound of rustling brush came from behind him. Turning around as swift as he dared with his still healing legs Eragon was shocked to see Ichigo, Baldor, and Albriech emerge from the shadows bound in armor with weapons and bags strapped to their sides.

"Ichigo, Baldor, Albriech!? What are you all doing here?!" Eragon demanded harshly as he glared at his friends, a feeling of caution flaring within him as he stared at them. Ichigo, ever calm merely rolled his eyes and strode forward before flicking the younger boy on the forehead, causing Eragon to yelp and grab at the slowly reddening area with a frown.

"We aren't going to let you go after the bastards who killed your Uncle by yourself Eragon. Which is why the two blockheads behind me asked me to train them in combat so we could assist you." Ichigo explained plainly as he moved and sat across from Brom, scratching the back of his head as he gave his neck a sharp crack. The light of the fire cast the young man a rather harsh image, his dark eyes seeming to glow within the shadows as his hair appeared as if aflame. "Lucky for us they were quick to pick up the basics and have decided to join us on our merry chase."

"I never asked for help! From any of you!" Eragon said harshly, glaring at his orange haired friend who merely scoffed before idly reaching into his pack and pulling out some bread and cheese.

"Aye, you never asked for help. But if you think for a single damned moment that I'm going to let my friend go off on his own to hunt down things that he doesn't understand, then you're more daft then I gave you credit for."

"He's right Eragon. Besides, I for one am more than confident that with Ichigo here, tracking and killing these beasts is all but guaranteed," Albriech said jovially as he moved to sit by the fire, catching the hunk of cheese that Ichigo tossed towards him as the blacksmith began to gnaw on his meager meal.

"You're stuck with us Eragon, whether you like it or not mate," Baldor remarked simply with a serene expression on his face. He then clapped his silently fuming friend on the shoulder before he moved to sit beside his brother and took out his water-skin.

"I'd pegged you three for fools when you told me of this little venture of yours, but I suppose having five sets of hand for such a task is far more appropriate than a meager two," Brom said with a dry smirk as he puffed away on his pipe. Grudgingly, Eragon sighed before moving forward and sitting perhaps further than was polite from the others and simply stared into the dancing flames.

"Eragon, catch."

Lifting his head Eragon yelped as he was forced to catch an apple that had been tossed towards him, the others chuckling lightly as the young man muttered darkly before taking a bite of the fruit as his stomach growled in relief. The other members of their small group only laughed harder as the night passed on, till the fire dimmed and the embers were all that remained. Yet as Ichigo sat by the fire, a nagging thought wormed into his head as he gazed at the slumped shoulders of Eragon.

"Have you told Roran of where you're going?" Ichigo asked suddenly, leaning forward as he examined the youngest member of the group. Yet as Eragon prepared to answer, it was in fact Brom who responded in the young man's stead.

"Boy barely had a plan, so I was forced to improvise before I followed him to make sure he didn't do anything foolish. I left Roran a letter explaining what happened and that I took Eragon away from Carvahall to protect him," the aged storyteller explained, diligently smoking his pipe as he placed more logs on the fire to keep the flames burning. "We had little choice in the matter, what with the boy running off into the mountains with barely any thought in his head as to where he was going or how to track those responsible."

Ichigo shook his head and released a sigh as he ran his hand through his hair, turning to gaze at the now studiously silent Eragon. The brown haired boy was staring at the fire intently, fingers idly tracing in the dirt and ash as the fire snapped and popped.

"Eragon, by the gods what were you thinking?" Ichigo asked almost forlornly, staring at his fellow Rider with apprehension as the boy blushed and shifted nervously from his spot by the fire that was closest to the center of the clearing.

"I… I was just so angry, and after we talked I realised that I couldn't run from this," Eragon murmured quietly as he tucked in his knees and hugged them close to his chest. "It's all my fault Garrow's gone, that the farm was burned to the ground. Now, because I was a coward… Roran has no father, or home to return to. It's better for everyone if I leave so as to not draw attention to the valley, and if I manage to get my revenge on the bastards who did this… all the better." Eragon vowed darkly as his eyes flashed with a fury Ichigo had seen all too often during the Thousand-Year Blood War.

Sharing worried glances with one another, Albriech and Baldor shifted uncomfortably by the fire as Eragon's words started to sink in. Yet Ichigo was most intrigued by the almost forlorn and pain filled look in Brom's eyes, the dark blue orbs now a stone-black as the fires flames danced in those enraged eyes. However, just as the other members of the group started to speak up, Ichigo felt a sudden surge of rage erupt from the bond with Vahlok.

'You dare attack a King-of-the-skies-and-air?! Queen you may be, but you are far too young to challenge me!' the cacophonous bellow of the black dragon echoed through Ichigo's mind like thunder, which was swiftly followed by two roars which caused the trees to shake and the earth to tremble.

'Vahlok!' Ichigo roared within his mind, eyes wide before he glared at Eragon and vanished in a burst of speed. Appearing before him, Ichigo lifted the young man to his feet. Holding Eragon by the front of his shirt, the former Soul Reaper growled as he felt Vahlok's rage continue to surge while steadfastly ignoring the worried and stupefied looks on his companions' faces.

"Call off your dragon Eragon!" Ichigo bellowed angrily, causing Baldor and Albriech to falter in shock as Eragon stared at the orange haired man in horror and realisation. "I said to call her off, now!"

Yet before Eragon could answer, a thunderous crash echoed through the forest as twin roars once more bellowed out in pain and rage. Ichigo acted on instinct, dropping Eragon and vanishing with a burst of speed as he raced towards where he felt Vahlok had crash landed. Only the shortest of moments passed before the others soon scrambled to their feet, racing after Ichigo into the darkness of the forest. Brom, shaking his head only mumbled to himself as he led the three younger men into the forest and after their wayward companion.

"Damned fools are going to be the end of us all."

Arriving in a wide clearing close to the mountain's peak, Ichigo was greeted by the sight of Vahlok bellowing out another roar as he swiftly tackled the sapphire blue dragon to the ground. The earth trembled under the force of the attack, the two dragons up-heaving earth and stone as if it were dust on the wind. Ichigo was all at once both mesmerized and horrified by the image presented before him, of Vahlok roaring out in rage while the smaller blue dragon snapped at him in challenge.

"Vahlok!" Ichigo cried, drawing the attention of the two dragons upon him. The sapphire blue dragon seemed utterly surprised, the light of recognition emerging in her eyes as she gazed upon him. While Vahlok, seeming to believe Ichigo to be in danger roared viciously and smashed his skull into the blue dragon's jaw. The crack of bones that were harder than iron smashing into dragon scales was like a canon blast, Ichigo remaining steadfast as he watched Vahlok surge forward and pin the smaller dragon to the earth with his forelimb pressed against her throat.

"Saphira!" Eragon's voice suddenly echoed out behind Ichigo, causing the blue dragon to snarl in renewed vigor as it struggled against Vahlok.

'ERAGON!' a female voice, so very beautiful yet marred by her fear lashed out in almost a wave as the female dragon struggled beneath Vahlok's talons.

Ichigo winced as the sudden shout echoed through his skull, the terror and rage accompanying it nearly overwhelming as he watched Vahlok now trying to desperately restrain the other dragon. Realising what he had to do, Ichigo summoned his reiatsu to his call and projected his very presence on the world.

Startled grunts erupted behind him as the entire country of Alagaësia seemed to tremble in fear, as Ichigo slowly let his power build as the two dragons were forced to the ground. Stepping closer, he slowly released some of his power and knelt by the blue dragon's head in order to stare into one of her sapphire blue eyes without fear. Only with respect, and sheer will letting her know that it was his doing that had brought her so low.

"Now that we've got the excitement out of our systems, I think we need to talk like civilized people. Rather than beating the ever living hell out of each other," he remarked with a small crook of his mouth, sending out feelings of peace and safety to the now much more relaxed and complacent dragon. All while sending a small but discreet sense of annoyance to his own dragon, who in response merely huffed and flicked his tail impetuously as he snorted at his Rider.

Ichigo ignored him for the moment however, eyes locked with those of the mighty blue dragon. "What say you, Saphira?"

Saphira's eyes narrowed in thought as she gazed upon the other Dragon Rider, until at last she gave an almost imperceptible nod of her head and projected her voice into his mind once again.

'You have heart little one, no doubt one of fire and steel if you are bonded to this one,' she said with slight mirth, Ichigo only grinning in response as Vahlok at last removed himself from Saphira once his Rider stopped unleashing his reiatsu. 'If Eragon trusts you, then it seems I have no choice but to do so as well for the time being. Very well then. Let us talk, Dragon Rider.'

"Glad you see things my way," Ichigo said gently as he then moved forward and gently pressed his right hand, now glowing with the gedwëy ignasia onto her forehead and allowed his energy to pass into her. "Come on, we should head back to camp and talk there."

Turning on his heel Ichigo said not a word as he strode past the others and made for the camp, his figure cast in shadow as the moon pierced the night and for a moment projecting him in an aura of power and strength.

Brom was struck dumb as the image of another man took Ichigo's place as the black clad man walked into the gloom, this ghostly figure clad in white and in the armor of the elves. A man who, had he not shown mercy, would have prevented the fall of the Riders and the rise of the Mad King.

'Vrael,' Brom thought sadly, memories of the former Leader of the Riders flashing through his mind during the few times they met during the old man's time as a Rider. However for all the sadness and grief, a spark of hope burned in the old storyteller's heart as the ghost of the last Leader of the Riders was now replaced by the silhouette of the new. 'Perhaps all is not lost to us. Hopefully your successor and mine can succeed, where we could not.'

"By the gods above," Albriech murmured in absolute awe, staring almost in daze at the two dragons moved back before taking to the skies once again in a rush of wind. "What in blazes have we gotten ourselves into?"

"Haven't a clue brother," Baldor said casually, reaching down and taking a steep drink from his flask before handing it to his still dumbstruck brother. "All the same, I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Aye, on that we can agree on."

Eragon was simply silent as he stood alone in the clearing, gazing into the skies as the image of the black dragon burned itself into his mind. Its ivory claws and teeth, flashing in the light while the dark amber eyes glowed with ferocious power and strength. A glimpse at what Saphira would one day become. Something he both dreaded and anticipated with joy and excitement.

A rough hand on his shoulder startled the boy, his brown eyes widening in surprise as he spun and looked at the grim faced storyteller. Brom said not a word, merely squeezed Eragon's shoulder and gently led the boy away, deep into the forest as the sounds of the mountain echoed out once more.

Sat by the fire with his blades at his side Ichigo was silent as he gazed at Eragon, the two sets of brown eyes gauging one another as the sudden realisation of what had occurred settled upon them.

"You're a Dragon Rider." Eragon stated, not a question but rather an irrefutable fact. The other three simply shifted their gaze from one to the other, whilst the two dragons curled their long bodies around the five men as a makeshift barrier. Ichigo simply nodded, leaning forward and idly poking at the dwindling fire as the dying flames cast harsh shadows across his face.

"The first Free Dragon Rider in almost a century," Brom said calmly, idly puffing at his pipe as he whittled a thin piece of pine in his hands. "Who is by all rights, in accordance with Rider tradition as far as the stories go, the next in line to be the Grand Master of the Dragon Riders. Once Glabatorix's head is mounted on a pike of course."

"Where did you even get dragons in the first place?" Baldor asked with a confused expression, glancing at Vahlok and then Saphira. "According to legend, there aren't even supposed to be any dragons left other than the king's."

"I found Vahlok's egg in Urû'baen," Ichigo said simply, ignoring the shocked faces of his companions and the wide eyed gaze of Saphira's cat-like eye. "Snuck into the citadel and managed to stumble upon his egg in a secret chamber hidden right beside Galbatorix's throne room. I could feel it calling to me, so I grabbed it and got the hell out of there. He hatched a few weeks later, while I was crossing the Spine before I made it to Carvahall."

"You snuck into the King's own house and stole a dragon egg right from under his nose?" Brom asked sharply, his eyes narrowed in suspicion as he regarded the young Rider. "I don't know whether to congratulate you or call you perhaps the single most foolhardy bastard in all of Alagaësia for doing something that stupid."

"Well if you won't I sure as hell will," Baldor said enthusiastically as he rose to his feet and slapped Ichigo on the back. "By the gods you must have been blessed to have that kind of luck mate," he exclaimed as he gave Ichigo the wineskin, laughing as Ichigo merely grinned and took a sip of the wine.

"Had to get lucky somehow right?" Ichigo joked, tossing the wineskin towards Albriech before he turned and addressed the younger Dragon Rider. "So what about you Eragon? How'd you manage to stumble upon Saphira?"

Eragon crossed his legs and laced his arms around them as he leaned into Saphira's side, a small smile on his lips as the memory came to mind. "I was out hunting one night, almost four months ago. Was tracking a doe when in a flash of light her egg just appeared before me, destroying the area around us and turning most of the trees into nothing but husks."

"That stone you brought to the fair," Albriech murmured in realisation as he put away the wine and leaned back on the down log he had claimed for himself. He then chuckled to himself as he looked at Eragon in amusement. "So you tried to sell Saphira's egg, within weeks of actually having it?"

"Not like I had a clue as to what it actually was," Eragon defended himself weakly, glaring at Albriech while Brom merely chuckled and shook his head.

"A fine par you two make," he said with a crooked smile, his dark eyes crinkled in warmth as he regarded Eragon a moment longer than Ichigo. Suddenly his eyes widened as if in realisation, and rising to his feet, Brom moved towards his bags. The others watched on curiously, the two dragons growing tense as Brom revealed what could only be a sword bound in cloth.

'Such a foul thing,' Vahlok muttered darkly as he regarded the weapon, eyes sharp as he shared a look with Saphira as the two dragons rose to their feet and moved to stand protectively by their Riders.

'Accursed thing indeed Dark One,' Saphira growled in agreement, her eyes narrowed as Brom drew the sword from the scabbard and revealed it to the humans. The pommel was shaped as a teardrop, made from gold and housing a smooth faced ruby the size of a small egg. Its hilt was wrapped in dark black leather, as two dragon heads which acted as the guard made of burnished silver flashed in the firelight. The scabbard was a dark wine-red, its surface smooth as glass with a strange black glyph seemingly melded into the wood.

"Seeing as how our youngest companion is without a suitable weapon, perhaps he may be able to make use of this," Brom said as he then gently passed it to Eragon, mindful of Saphira's growl as she moved her sinuous neck forward to better examine the weapon. Eragon was utterly mesmerized as he wrapped his hand around the hilt, drawing the blade without a sound.

It was an iridescent red, flashing in a multitude of colors that made it seem as if alive in the flickering firelight. Eragon was astounded at how comfortable it felt in his hand, the balance utterly superb as he swung it about. Rising into a narrow tip at a little over three feet long, the weapons was beautiful in a way that Eragon could not really describe. The strange glyph present on the scabbard was also pressed into the flat of the sword, the weapon projecting an aura of power and ferociousness that surprised him.

"This was once a Rider's blade, named Zar'roc," Brom said gravely, moving forward and standing by Eragon as the young man examined the weapon further. "In the days of old, when a Rider was nearing the end of his training he would be gifted a sword made by the elves. As such, because of its craftsmanship and the secret metalworking of the elves it shall never dull and its surface shall never stain. Custom normally had the blade match the color of the Rider's dragon, but in this case I believe that an exception can be made."

"How did you get it?" Eragon asked as he moved to return it, however he was surprised when Brom shook his head and simply pressed it towards Eragon again.

"It would serve a Rider far better than it would an old man, and to answer your question… Let's just say it took many harrowing experiences and nearly cost me my life on more than one occasion to attain it. Yet as I stated before, when all is said and done… I think you're going to need it if you are to survive the future that awaits you Eragon."

"Then why not give it to Ichigo if this is meant to be a Rider's blade?" Eragon asked then, eyes shifting towards his friend as he glanced at the blade in his hands. A sense of unworthiness and resigned acceptance settling in his gut. "He actually knows how to use a sword, and could make more use of it than I ever could."

"I already have a blade Eragon," Ichigo said calmly, rising to his feet and grasping Zangetsu as he drew the longsword from its sheath. It made not a sound as the sword was revealed, Ichigo gently placing the sheath beside its brother by the fire. The blade was as black as Vahlok's scales, appearing to drink whatever light touched its surface while the keen edge flashed wickedly in the firelight. Grinning brightly Ichigo raised the sword and presented it to his friends, allowing them to examine it in much greater detail.

"I have no need of another," he finished calmly as he rested Zangetsu upon his shoulder, turning the blade to rest flat against it as the mad cackle of his Zanpakuto echoed through his head.

Eragon, now seemingly satisfied by Ichigo's words nodded as he carefully sheathed Zar'roc and then held it at his side. However, a thought occurred to the young man as he glanced at the sword and then shifted it towards Brom.

"I've been meaning to ask, but seeing as how we've not really had the time until now, I need to know something."

Brom, seemingly surprised by the question, simply nodded his head for Eragon to go on as the others all gave the storyteller and farmboy their undivided attention.

"Do you know anything about the strangers we're hunting? Better yet, how is it that you can communicate with Saphira and know so much about the Riders and the Dragons?"

The questions were ones that Brom seemed more than prepared for, as he simply nodded his head after taking a deep breath and gesturing for the others to sit with him for a moment.

"As far as questions go, I admit, I am pleased that you asked the right ones first and foremost. As the way things are now, it would have been utterly stupid of you to brush aside what I know and can do as mere chance and circumstance. Something that your fellow Rider has thankfully, refrained from doing when I confronted him about his own Dragon a few weeks ago."

Brom seemed to steady himself, glancing downward for a moment before meeting Eragon's gaze with his own.

"The beings we hunt, are known as the Raz'ac. Now whether this is their title or the name of their race, no one can say for certain. All the same, they are vicious, ruthless monsters who serve Galbatorix and had never been seen until his rise to power. More than that, I can tell you for certain that they are not human. When they ambushed me, I was able to glimpse one of their heads, and was greeted to the sight of soulless, black eyes as large as my fist, and a beak as long as a dagger jutting out where its mouth should be."

"Do they have any weaknesses?" Ichigo interrupted, mind abuzz with the thought of any advantage they could get on this new enemy.

"Very few, their greatest one being an aversion to sunlight. That is one of the main reasons why they wear those cloaks regardless of the weather. This of course, also working twofold in hiding their misshapen and vile appearances from regular passerby. As for their abilities, be thankful that they cannot use magic. For if they could, both of you would be firmly in their grasp at this point. They are stronger than any man, can scale most surfaces with ease, and are incredibly swift. So under no circumstances should you underestimate them, for it is no coincidence that Galbatorix has entrusted the Raz'zac to hunt down those who could be a threat to him."

Ichigo hummed thoughtfully, cataloging the information for later as Brom had once more proven to know more about this whole mess than he had initially let on. "Seems to be an awful lot of information for a storyteller in the middle of nowhere to have Brom," he said pointedly, eyes narrowed as Saphira and Vahlok both moved and growled threateningly at the rather calm storyteller.

Brom quirked a brow, taking another pull from his pipe as he regarded Ichigo almost as if he were analyzing the young Dragon Rider. After a few moments, and seemingly satisfied with whatever it was that he found, Brom nodded his head to Ichigo's observation.

"Aye, in many circles that would be true. However, don't forget that unlike the rest of you I have lived much of my life outside of Carvahall. For a time I even dwelled in Urû'baen, back when Galbatorix was content to let the country govern itself while he sealed himself inside that damned citadel. A man can learn a great many things, so long as he knows where to look of course," Brom finished with a twinkle in his eyes, smirking teasingly as he breathed out a set of smoke rings. Each a different color and swirling about in ways that wind could never accomplish.

"But, simply because I offer my knowledge to you, the both of you, does not mean that I am expected to reveal everything. Truth is, in answer to your first question Eragon, anyone can learn to speak with a Dragon so long as they have had proper training in how to do so. The main point being," the elder man raised his hand for emphasis, "is that it also means nothing if somebody actually can."

Brom then hardened his gaze, blue eyes now more akin to ice as he regarded Eragon and Ichigo both.

"I know more about Dragons and their abilities than almost anyone alive, and I offer this knowledge to you both willingly. Under the condition that just how much I know, remains something for me alone to know. It could take years or decades for you to discover them on your own, and that is time that we and Alagaësia itself cannot afford. Galbatorix no doubt will be, or is already aware, that there are now two Riders to challenge him. He will stop at nothing to capture and corrupt you both to his cause, and I for one, hope to live long enough to teach you both enough to survive and forge the greatest legend Alagaësia will ever know."

The four men were left in stunned silence when at last Brom finished speaking, glancing at one another as the reality of what they were facing started to settle in. Ichigo, Brom noted, was the only one who seemed to deal with this reality the swiftest. He simply schooled his features and seemed to purse his mouth ever so slightly, glancing at his partner for a moment as they seemed to share in a private conversation.

Eragon seemed the most troubled, and when Saphira went to offer him comfort, the very air and sky seemed to ripple with warmth as her very presence seemed to influence the world around her. Even Zar'roc, sheathed at the young Rider's side was visibly affected. The sheath shimmering like water, as the red shifted between numerous shades of the once vibrant crimson color.

"That right there is a perfect example and is exactly why I am here," Brom said with finality, his gaze one of awe as he stared at Saphira. "Dragons are so closely connected to the world, things seem to just... happen... when they are near. It is said that even the Dragons themselves only have the most basic understanding of just what they can accomplish."

Ichigo and Eragon were visibly stunned by what they had seen, openly awestruck as they watched the weapon return to normal as Saphira drew back her head. Glancing at one another, they shared a moment of understanding that, although no words were uttered… was as profound a realisation as the first time they had met their Dragons.

"Now then, if you are all quite finished interrogating and listening to an old man, I suggest that we get some rest," Brom interrupted, stepping forth and starting to stamp out the fire. "We've a long day ahead of us, and as it stands we have plenty of ground to make up for if we are to catch these foul things and bring them to justice."

"Aye, couldn't have said it better myself," Albriech agreed with a yawn, scratching his eyes before grabbing his gear and moving as close to the remains of the fire as was comfortable. "I for one, am in need of rest to help come to terms with the fact that I discovered that yet another of my friends is a Dragon Rider, and all the other gods forsaken things we've heard tonight" he explained casually as he lay on his bedroll and firmly held the haft of his axe in his right hand.

"Lazy lump," Baldor mused as he sent a sharp kick into Albriech's flank, jumping away when the older boy retaliated with a swing of his arm. Baldor laughed and strode to settle in to rest with his back snug against the trunk of a burnt tree. "I'll keep first watch. Both to do as the lout said, and make sure we aren't sprung upon unaware. Gods know what are in these accursed mountains. Now go on, get some sleep. I'll wake up whoever is next in a few hours."

"Well, I for one, am not going to turn down the opportunity to rest these old bones," Brom said with a grunt as he settled nearest to the perimeter, his staff lain beside him while his sword was held in his arms. "Gods knows that having to teach two Dragon Riders is going to drive me mad sooner or later, so any peace and quiet I can get is going to be all the more vital to my sanity.

Ichigo merely chuckled at the storyteller's words, shaking his head ruefully as he retrieved Zangetsu and sheathed the black blade. Placing the two weapons by his pack, he rolled out his bedroll flush with Vahlok's belly; the warmth that exuded from his partner bringing with it a sense of ease and safety as the night chill crept into the clearing.

'Rest easy little one, no harm shall befall you while I am here,' Vahlok said gently, a rumbling purr echoing from his chest as he felt his partner-in-heart-and-mind drift to sleep beside him. 'Tomorrow, our adventure truly begins.'

Eragon shared a similar sentiment, curled into Saphira as the she-dragon folded her wing over her young Rider. She crooned as she felt his gratitude and love through their bond, breathing deeply as she captured this moment within her minds' eye for what she knew would be the rest of her days.

'Little one, soon we shall truly be Dragon and Rider,' she said, laying her head down beside him as she curled her tail to wrap around the other two-legs, Brom and Albriech, while Baldor scanned the forest. 'It shall not be easy, but we are destined for great things… I just know it. Sleep well Eragon.'

'You too Saphira.'

After what felt like minutes, but in truth was hours, a pair of bleary brown eyes stared into the darkness of the night. A gentle tapping on his shoulder jostling their owner fully awake as he groaned and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Turning to his side, Ichigo glanced at Baldor in confusion until his still sleep addled brain remembered what was going on.

"Damn, my turn already huh?" Ichigo asked, voice rough due to sleep as he grabbed Zangetsu and got to his feet. Baldor offered a simple nod, his own eyes half closed from exhaustion as he set up his bedroll by Ichigo's and all but collapsed onto it. Sighing as he breathed in the cool air, Ichigo strode towards the tree that Baldor had used previously and sat at the roots. The rough bark was cool to the touch, and the sharp edges felt oddly pleasant wherever it managed to make contact with his body despite the armor he wore.

Placing his hand around the hilt of his smaller blade, Ichigo sat in silence and simply basked in the calm serenity of the mountain. His senses were able to at the very least detect anyone within a good few leagues of them, and luckily it seemed that no one from Carvahall had dared to brave the Spine to pursue them. More than that, he knew he had company.

"If you have something to say, I suggest you just spit it out already," he said as if to no one, eyes fixed to the stars as the gentle breeze rustled his hair. "I've never been good at being subtle about these kinds of things."

A soft laugh, like the tinkling of bells echoed through his skull as the mighty blue dragon opened a single eye. The cat-like iris sharp as a razor as it bore into him, yet Ichigo paid it no mind.

'Seems like that is a trait both you and Vahlok have in common then,' Saphira mused, twisting her neck so as to lay her head closer to the other Dragon Rider. The flash of ivory fangs strong enough to pierce steel just barely caught out of the corner of the orange haired man's eyes. The sounds of the forest was all that remained, the silver light of the moon streaking across both Dragon and Rider as the world seemed to come to a standstill.

'How long have you known?'

'I knew the moment I saw Eragon walk into town with your egg clutched to his chest that things were never going to be the same. That sooner or later you and Vahlok would draw too much attention and we would be forced to flee, for both the good of Carvahall and ourselves.'

'And yet you did nothing to stop him, to warn him of what it could mean? Of the future that awaited him, that does so even now?'

Ichigo shrugged, lacing his hands behind his head as he at last lowered his head to meet the intelligent gaze of Saphira. 'It wasn't my place to interfere. He may be a child in the eyes of the world but he shan't be one forever. If this was his destiny, so be it. I've lived and seen enough to know that sometimes, all people need is a good push to get them going down the path they were meant to walk.'

'Even if it were to put him in danger?'

'I can't protect him forever Saphira. I know better than most the horrors and pain that come with being thrust into a destiny you would never wish for yourself. Yet I rose to face it head on, because I knew that I would never be able to live with myself if I had simply walked away when I had the power to stop it. Eragon will find his courage, and if we are to win this war with Galbatorix, all who wish to be free of him must unite as one if we are to succeed. Eragon just needs to find his place in all of this, and then perhaps all will be made clear.'

Saphira huffed, either in agreement or otherwise Ichigo did not know… However her eyes grew warm as they regarded him more closely, in a way that spoke deeper than words ever could. 'Eragon was right. You are wise beyond your years Dragon Rider, though in ways that perhaps you don't even see for yourself.'

Ichigo released a heavy sigh, eyes forlorn and resigned as he regarded the blue dragon as memories of what drove them to this flashed in his mind. How fitting, that his supposed wisdom would lead to this. 'Damn lot of good it did, when all it's given me is nothing but regret and the knowledge that I failed my friend when he needed me the most.'

'Garrow's death was not your fault Ichigo.'

'Of course it was… I failed to act when I knew something was wrong! Now Eragon and Roran have lost their home, and Garrow spent the last few days of his life writhing in pain after having been tortured for hours on end!' Ichigo roared, eyes hard as he lowered his head to stare at the ground between his legs. 'How am I supposed to lead the Dragon Riders when I can't even protect the people I love from harm? No matter how many people I save, it just isn't enough anymore…'

Saphira said nothing, only moved her head to rest flush with his outstretched knees as she offered him feelings of comfort and peace. 'You have suffered much young one, and carry a great burden Ichigo… But you mustn't take on what is not yours to hold. Garrow's death is a result of Eragon's and mine own unwillingness to reveal the truth to his family.'

Saphira crooned ever so gently as Ichigo lifted his head, dark brown eyes no longer so lost and grieving. 'Perhaps if we had told him the truth, things might be different. Alas, it was not meant to be. What matters now, is ensuring yours and Eragon's continued survival. If Alagaësia is to have any chance of being free from Galbatorix, Eragon cannot take on that burden alone. And neither can you.'

Ichigo was silent as the howl of the wind echoed around him, until a small smile came to his lips. It was a sad thing, but markedly better than the look of utter shame he had worn mere moments ago. Soon the young Rider felt a feeling of content settle in his chest. He had thought himself past such thoughts after training with Squad Zero for the war against Yhwach. However, it seems that despite having matured a great deal during the Blood War… he still had a little more to go. Raising a hand, Ichigo lay it gently against Saphira's snout. Relishing in the cool feel of the elegant scales that were as smooth as glass to the touch. Sosimliar and yet so different to those of his own Dragon.

"Thank you Saphira," he said aloud this time, eyes warm as he settled against the tree more properly and watched the moon as it passed through the night sky. "Looks like I'm not the only one who's wise beyond their years, eh?" he joked with a hearty chuckle as Saphira merely snorted in amusement and narrowed her eyes ever so slightly at the orange haired Dragon Rider. So there they sat, content in the understanding and feeling of peace as the night passed in blessed silence.