Thank you everyone for the inspiration. It really meant a lot to me. Okay, I'm really starting to get excited because this chapter will end with a surprise. Hope you like it. Now, back to the dragons. As for the update, I apologize if I made any errors.

Chapter 32: A Friendly Fight

Thorn and Saphira both flew over the valley with Roran and Katrina watching them from underneath. The red and blue dragons flew in circles over the body of water beneath them, while Tearran rode on Thorn's back. This time, Tearran's eagerness to fly filled within him.

Quickly, the hatchling leapt from Thorn's back spreading his wings. The red and blue dragons watched carefully and quickly ordered Tearran to flap his wings and keeps his legs tucked underneath for better flight agility.

Instead of gliding, the green hatchling slowly rose. He flapped his wings hard and fast as possible. He suddenly became abreast to Thorn.

The red dragon positioned himself below Tearran as to cushion him in case he falls. The green hatchling began to panic when he found himself sinking from above. Thorn sensed the fear lurching into the green hatchling and he remedied Tearran by telling him to keep his wings spread and flex his body around to to gain better momentum while flying.

Reluctantly, Tearran did what Thorn told him to do. The emerald cub slowly rose and became to leveled to Thorn. Saphira flew and positioned herself on the other side of Tearran with Thorn on the right and the green cub in the middle.

Roran and Katrina stood their ground and kept watch as the winged dragons soared high over them.

Tearran controlled his fears and then he gained full control of his flight abilities. For a moment, he kept himself leveled to the other dragons close to him. Finally, the green hatchling soared perfectly as Thorn and Saphira had hoped.

Tearran dived like an arrow and then shot back up like a rocket. Thorn and Saphira performed miraculous tricks as well.

While the hatchling flew straight, the two adult dragons rotated around him like a clock. As soon as Thorn and Saphira broke formation, they examined the emerald hatchling again.

Tearran flew in circles and spiraled like a drill. Thorn and Saphira quickly rejoined the hatchling and performed more aerial stunts while flying around Tearran like an atom.

Tearran let out a squeal of joy, finally mastering the ability to fly as a hatchling and being as free as a bird from prison bars.

Thorn and Saphira allowed Tearran to play and fly around to grow more accustomed to using his wings the way he feels more proper with. Saphira however, turned her eyes to Thorn who is watching Tearran play while flying.

She remembered that they were once enemies, but now, very close friends. To Saphira, it felt like something more.

In a split second, Thorn felt a sharp pain in his chest. The pain felt so dreadful, even Saphira and Tearran sensed it. The stabbing pain shown itself where Thorn's eldunari lies.

Fear struck Saphira and Tearran as Thorn slowly lost consciousness and began to lifelessly plummet to the ground.

Thorn's vision quickly faded and everything turned pitch black.

What's happening? What is this pain inside of me? Thorn wondered.

A strange, but familiar, voice echoed in his consciousness; Pathetic hatchling. You're mine now. Die!

Saphira's pleas to Thorn can also be heard, and the volume of her voice woke him up. By the time he opened his eyes, he is near his death by falling.

Quickly, he recovered and landed safely before he smashed into the ground, which would have killed him. The pain in Thorn's eldunari dissipated and no longer caused any bouts to him.

Thorn blinked his eyes a few times and his vision returned. Saphira landed, just when Tearran landed a little roughly, and then rushed towards the dazed red dragon.

Thorn! What happened? Are you okay? asked Saphira.

As soon as Thorn's entire bearings returned he replied, ...I...I'm not sure, but it's over now. I'll be fine.

Are you sure about that? The pain I sensed in you was not normal.

It's okay, it's over now. I'll be perfectly fine now. Trust me.

Tearran craned his little head and saw a small animal hopping near the shore of the lake. The green hatchling left the adult dragons to inspect the small animal and noticed the little amphibian leaping toward the water. Instinct took over Tearran as the little hatchling caught the from in his paws like a leaping cat.

Using his teeth, Tearran tried to eat the frog, but it left a bad taste in his mouth, he spat it out. Tearran stuck his tongue in and out like a cat trying to get a foul taste out of him, and then walked away.

Thorn and Saphira both laughed, but then Tearran laughed with them shortly after.

Frogs don't taste good. remarked Tearran.

Thorn, said Saphira, remember that I want you to see me tonight and alone, okay.

What happens tonight? asked Thorn.

Oh, you'll see. she replied.

Saphira departed, leaving Thorn and the hatchling alone. She gave Thorn an affectionate look, causing a strange churning in his stomach and chest, before she took off uniting with Roran and Katrina.

A weak smile formed on Thorn's face, and a warm feeling lingered all around him.

Thorn's eyes directed from Saphira to Tearran, who is letting off a bright and childish smile at him.

...What? asked Thorn.

The cute hatchling did not answer, but Thorn figured out what he was thinking, causing him to feel a little sheepish, Wait a moment! Saphira and I don't have that type of relationship.

Saphy admires you.

Yes, but what makes you think she admires me?

You kissed her.

Th-that was...that was your doing not mine.

Tearran giggled at Thorn's remark, Okay, I admit it. I believe Saphira is beautiful and I believe that she is a very talented flier.

I think I'll go tell her then. said Tearran.

No, don't! Thorn demanded.

Okay. laughed Tearran.

All of a sudden, the pain that Thorn felt earlier seeped back into him, but not as painful as before. Thorn's breathing slightly hardened as he turned away from the concerned hatchling.

What's the matter! asked Tearran.

Thorn lied, just to not worry Tearran again, No, I'm fine. Why don't you go be with the others for a moment, I'll catch up with you later.

Tearran did as he was told and united with Saphira, Roran, and Katrina. The pain in Thorn increased a little. He staggered towards the edge of the lake to see his reflection. When he peered into his reflections eyes, he sensed something different, something he could not identify. Whatever the disturbance was, it frightened him a little.

Wh-what is happening to me? he thought.

That night, when everyone is asleep, Thorn awoke realizing that Saphira wanted him to meet her by the lake with no one else to see them. The young ruby dragon felt the green hatchling under his wing just like the other night.

Thorn gently shifted as to not wake Tearran. He used his muzzle as leverage to gently lay the hatchling to rest. After that, he quietly left the cave.

Thorn found Saphira waiting for him at the edge of the lake. She stared at the stars, her scales sparkling in the night sky. The young ruby dragon marveled at her beauty before Saphira caught sight of him behind her.

She smiled warmly at him with shiny eyes.

Are you ready? she asked.

Whatever you have waiting for me, I am ready. Thorn acknowledged.

Then follow me. she added.

Saphira unfolded her wings and took off. Thorn followed her from behind. Saphira flew over the small valley and then across the rocky walls. Thorn wonders what she has in store for him, especially since they are leaving the small valley.

Saphira took him to a field almost far away from the camp and landed on the soft landscape. Thorn landed farther behind her and looked around. There is nothing around them but a healthy landscape covered in plantation.

Thorn turned sights on Saphira, with her back turned on him, Why did you bring me here?

Saphira turned around to face Thorn looking curiously at her. The next thing Thorn knew was that he can see Saphira grinning at him.

Defend yourself!, she shouted.

This caught Thorn off guard. Saphira shot a ball of fire at him, but Thorn leapt into the air before it hit him.

Saphira! What are you doing!

I don't plan to hurt you Thorn. I only wish to see how strong you have become.

Now Thorn understands, if Saphira wants it, she will get it.

Okay, I won't hold back. Thorn said as he prepared to lurch at Saphira.

Neither will I, and I don't expect you to either. Now show me what you have honed ever since we first met. replied Saphira.

Saphira engaged first. She darted forward to tackle Thorn. The red dragon took to the skies with ease to dodge her. Saphira charged after him and then crashed into him. With great strength, Thorn wrenched the dragoness off of him and remained airborne.

Thorn blasted a fireball at Saphira, but she dodged it swiftly and returned with a fiery inferno. Saphira could not spot Thorn, she feared for the worst. Thorn could have been incinerated into ashes.

Saphira looked around, Thorn has been known to be quite sneaky. Yet, she felt that she had taken things to far.

Once Saphira glanced up to the star-filled sky, Thorn darted straight for her. They both crashed into the ground unharmed. Saphira was the first to recover, impressed that she could not land a blow on him.

He's not bad. In fact, he's even better after we first fought at Surda. she thought.

As soon as Thorn stood up, he readied himself to pounce on the dragoness. Saphira had an even better strategy to fool the ruby dragon.

Thorn's mind went blank, what is Saphira plotting?

Saphira eyed at him with such radiant beauty, Thorn felt his body stunned. Saphira approached him slowly with her eyes half-way closed. Thorn gulped as his eyes remained fixed on the dragoness. Nothing could break his trance, Saphira is so beautiful.

Saphira slowly inspected the young ruby dragon from all around until their eyes met. Thorn did not know what to think. His sparkly vermilion eyes stayed on Saphira's sparkly sapphire eyes. Suddenly Saphira's face turned from a beauteous smile to a grin. She had her tail wrapped around Thorn's ankle the whole time.

Thorn felt Saphira yank her tail to pull him down. He slipped off the ground and landed with a loud thud.

Ow! No fair. You tricked me. Thorn complained.

This made Saphira chortle with joy, You are so easy to fool.

Thorn felt like an idiot, he got up and tried to pounce Saphira, but to no avail. The dragoness dodged him by leaping into the air. Thorn unfolded his wings and took off to catch Saphira, but he missed again. The sapphire dragoness landed back on the ground readied a stream of fire while Thorn did the same thing.

Once they both finished, the two dragons blasted streams of fire at each other until they collided head on. The collision was so intense, the lines of fire exploded with a big bang blowing the two dragons away.

It sent Thorn crashing yards away and Saphira kept her wings in front of her to shield herself from the blast and kept her talons in the ground as to not be swept away. As soon as the blast wave cleared, Saphira saw Thorn lying on the ground far from her, motionless.

Saphira feared that Thorn might have been hurt by the skirmishing blast. She slowly crept to the down red dragon.

Thorn? she uttered.

There was no answer. Could Thorn have fallen unconscious? All of a sudden, the seemingly unconscious red dragon snapped his jaws in-front of Saphira's face, shocking her. She shrieked and leapt backwards.

Thorn chortled with uncontrollable joy, You should have seen the look on your face.

Oh, you!, Saphira tackled Thorn.

This time, Thorn ended up on top, pinning Saphira to the ground. Thorn has grown better ever since the fanghur attack.

Not fair! I pinned you twice last time!, Saphira exclaimed surprised.

You should have seen that coming., said Thorn.

After letting Saphira up, she tried to tackle the red dragon again. Yet, to no avail as she became pinned to the ground again.

Surprised, Saphira thought, I don't believe it. He is certainly a lot better than I thought.

Maybe it's because I learned from the best...you. Thorn said after hearing her thoughts.

The young ruby dragon let the female sapphire dragoness up. Saphira felt moved by Thorn's words. He had changed so much, he's not the enemy Saphira thought he was before.

Thorn..., Saphira said, I suppose I was wrong about you. Perhaps, there is more to you than I thought.

Thorn replied, But you are still the best. I only boosted my spirit after observing you closely.

Thank you. It really means a lot coming from you. said Saphira, I was wondering, if you would like to...stay for a while and...count the stars with me?

Observe the stars?, asked Thorn.

Of course. I thought we could discuss our matters of the future. Saphira added.

...I suppose it's okay. said Thorn.

The sapphire dragoness gracefully unfolded her wings and took to the skies followed by the ruby dragon. As soon as they arrived, Saphira landed softly near the body of water as to not wake everyone. Thorn landed next to her blue form.

Saphira looked over her shoulder and finds Thorn in a certain discomfort. His eyes fixed to the ground and in slight pain, his breathing becoming a bit heavy.

Thorn! Are you alright!, asked Saphira.

The striking pain in Thorn soon faded after a moment, he then collected his bearings and fixed his eyes on the blue dragoness, I'll be okay, just a slight strain.

The two dragons momentarily relaxed near the edge of the lake and they both began watching the stars checking the constollations. One of them seemed to shape the head of a dragon, an almost familiar one. It almost resembled the elder dragon, Glaedr. The old and wise gold dragon who died at the hands of Galbatorix and Shruikan.

Sad memories swelled into their minds. The gold dragon who trained the younger dragons to protect themselves and the others they care for. Now he is long gone, but his eldunari is still remains.

Thorn looked at Saphira and sensed her missed feelings to Glaedr, Saphira. I'm sorry for what happened to Glaedr.

It wasn't your fault. I know that you tried everything in your power to keep Shruikan and Galbatorix from hurting us. replied Saphira.

Maybe, but if I had only known they were tracking Murtagh and I, then maybe they would not have perished. I can't believe I just stood by and watched, even when Glaedr ordered me to stay on the side-lines and watch him die. Thorn regretted not being able to help Glaedr in the first place. If only he knew of a time to draw back time to prevent it all from happening and keeping Murtagh from getting kidnapped again.

Saphira tried to console Thorn; Maybe Glaedr wanted to die because he knew it was his time. He wanted you to live, and he wanted me to live as I am the last female of our race.

Thorn could not think of anything else to say. Saphira can see the look in his eyes averted from her. She sensed guilt and sorrow in him. Thorn felt fully responsible of allowing Shruikan to destroy Glaedr's body. Now all that is left is his eldunari.

What really puzzled Saphira is how did Thorn and Murtagh escape? Galbatorix had complete control of them and knew their previous true names. It would be almost impossible to break away from someone who knew ones true name.

Thorn. Tell me. How did you do it? asked Saphira.

The ruby dragon looked blankly at her.

I mean, how did you and Murtagh manage to escape knowing that he had control of your true-names? Please tell me. she added.

Thorn felt it wouldn't hurt to tell. After all, Murtagh is his rider and it wouldn't be right to keep secrets from Saphira, the only dragon who understands Thorn him as much as Murtagh.

How we escaped...was through the bond that Murtagh and I share. said Thorn.

Your bond? But how? asked Saphira.

As a dragon, like you, I can tell the bond between a person and his dragon. Even though I'm younger than you, I can tell whose bond is true and pure and especially bonds that are tainted. Even while I was in my egg, I can immediately tell the bond between Shruikan and Galbatorix is not as true and pure as mine is with Murtagh. My bond with Murtagh is just like your bond with Eragon. If Galbatorix knew how strong our bond really is, we would not have escaped because he had truly forgotten what it's like to be truly bonded with a dragon instead of stealing another dragon and using them against their will.

Amazing! Glaedr told me that I should never forget how strong the bond is between my rider and me. But I never took the time to realize how strong your bond is with Murtagh. said Saphira.

I didn't choose Murtagh because he is a strong warrior, I chose him because I saw a bright radiance inside him. replied Thorn.

It didn't surprise Saphira that Thorn chose Murtagh, mostly for the same reasons she chose Eragon.

Thorn, when this war is over, and Galbatorix is dethroned, what will you do? asked Saphira.

The young red dragon has not put much thought into what Saphira asked; I have not thought much of it yet. But one thing I do know is that when all of this is over, and Murtagh and I re-untited again, I'm going to leave Alagaesia forever.

The sapphire dragoness did not expect that out of Thorn; What! But where will you go?

Anywhere but here. I want to be in a place where there is no slavery but freedom.

But what about a mate?

That last question struck Thorn like a brick wall; A mate? I...uh...I...don't know. ...Maybe there might be another female in hiding and-

Once Thorn kept going further and further, Saphira asked him something that she had never asked before; Is it okay if I come a little closer?

Thorn didn't know what to think, but Saphira's request made him nervous. On the other hand, he couldn't say no, it would offend her; Um...Okay.

Saphira gratefully moved closer to Thorn, her wing-tip brushing against his ribs, causing him to shiver at the quick tickle. Thorn could not help but bashfully look eye to eye at the only dragoness in the world, who looked back at him with a soothing serenity; What? Say something. Am I so beautiful that you have no words left to say?

Thorn looked away, feeling that warm and fuzzy feeling again. He replied in a flattered and embarrassed tone; It's not that. It's just, if Shruikan caught me this close to you, he would be furious.

Saphira giggled with joy; I don't think so. There is no way he can find us. This night is so serene and tranquil, nothing terrible could ever happen.

I agree. But nowhere near as beautiful as you. replied Thorn.

What Thorn said just now struck her hard. For the first time in her life, a male dragon has called her beautiful. She finds Thorn so majestic and handsome. The feelings she felt for Glaedr is now turning to the young red dragon next to her. The two dragons were about to nuzzle each other, but to no avail.

A huge fire-ball roared straight at them as they both quickly dodged it just in time. It splashed into the lake near the young dragons, releasing a searing steam. It grew as thick as fog. When it cleared, to Thorn and Saphira's horror, the culprit behind the attack is the dark king's dragon...Shruikan.

Uh Oh! What's going to happen next, now that Shruikan and the Shade has arrived! It looks like an epic battle is about to commence. Also a very twisted spoiler will reveal itself in the next chapter, including a major surprise, which includes the reason Galbatorix needed Thorn in the first place.

Just so you guys know, I made it in college, and it's going to very busy out here to. The next chapter will be out soon too. I already have it planned and this will be the chapter that I have been dying to write in ages.

As I said above I apologize if it sounded a little rushed, I'm going to be very busy while I'm in college, and I've already informed a beta of my new update.

The next chapter will be called "Garjzla", and that word will play a massively important role in the next chapter and throughout the entire story. I will finish the chapter as soon as possible.

P.S. If you guys have any ideas, please share the with me and it would be greatly appreciated.