Well guys, this post is entirely from G.I, and I bring sad news along with it. My retirement has finally come. On February 2nd, 2009, I met the love of my life, and in March, I fell in love with my new band as well. Now, I have a full time job, a sweetheart, band practice, and another 'nasty' surprise. I have begun my best selling novel, not even completed yet but still gathering offers to buy. So, with that in mind, I have decided to retire from this and focus fully on my original work. This goes to the Eragon section as well. I may come back; I may not. Fate only decides that answer. I'll miss it, but true life calls. I plan to start a life with this woman, and to do so, the book I am writing must be completed. NO EXCEPTIONS.

I love all of you guys and pray that you don't forget me.

Yours for the final time

G.I

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Spyro and Cynder stood side-by-side in front of the pool of visions, their tails entwined tightly as they waited for the other Guardians to show up for their called meeting. Spyro suddenly sighed, lowering his head.

"What's wrong?" Cynder asked worriedly, her head turned to face him.

"It's nothing," Spyro lied, causing a snort from his wife.

"Nothing? Spyro, I've been with you for years. I can tell something is on your mind. Now, please babe. Tell me."

"It's just..." he paused, thinking of the words to say. "I just wished for peace with Malefor and Adoni gone. And now, still there's trouble. It's...dissappointing." Cynder chuckled softly and tightened the grip on her mates tail with her own.

"Spyro," she replied kindly. "This realm is not perfect. If it was, I got a feeling we'd be bored out of our minds." She smiled and used her muzzle to lift Spyro's up. "Look on the bright side. At least we don't have Malefor or Adoni chasing after us anymore. I'd take petty robberies over anilation any day of the week, wouldn't you?" Spyro laughed heartily, his chest rolling with his chuckles.

"Alright, you got me there." He turned to the entrance where the three other Guardians were to come through and nodded his head. "It's our job now, Cyn. I guess we just need to accept it."

"It's the only thing we can do," she responded with a smile. "And, deep down, you know you'd miss the adventure if it was too peaceful." Cynder craned her neck to rub her muzzle with his. "I know I would." Spyro laughed at her humor and bobbed his head.

"Yeah, I'll admit that lack of action would make our lives rather...dull." Suddenly, the entrance to the chamber opened. The dragon couple turned their heads in unison to watch the Guardians, Cyril, Terrador, and Volteer, emerge from it, taking their rightful place around the pool.

"Welcome," Spyro formally greeted the Guardians. "Where is our other 'friend'?"

"He's on his way," Terrador replied. "You must be lenient towards him; his wounds are rather...pesky." Both Spyro and his mate nodded their heads; they knew how injuries could affect one's mobility all too well.

"We can be patient," spoke Cynder. "While we wait, I..." She cleared her throat as Spyro gave her a gentle nudge with his wing. "I mean...we...have a bit of an announcement." The three Guardians faced the two lovers, their eyes focused and attentive.

"Yes?" Volteer asked, his form trembling with anxiety. "What is it? Have you two discovered the act of traditional mating?" Cynder growled and turned to Spyro.

"You said you told no one," the Dark Temptress whispered to him under her breath.

"What? It was just a lucky guess. Besides, that's not the point." Spyro twitched his wings and faced the Lightning Guardian. "No, Volteer. That is a matter more...personal than this." He took in a breath, his golden chest rising with oxygen. "Cynder, my wife and mate, is gravid." The room filled with gasps as the Guardians craned their heads to stare directly at Cynder. She took a defensive step back, drooping her wings nervously.

"Yes," she responded to their glares. "It's true, Spyro and I are expecting a hatchling. W...why's everyone looking at me like that?"

"We," Cyril announced, "didn't think you were capable of conceiving, Cynder. After...your trials with the darkness...we assumed that it had corrupted you far too much to even bear a young one. We...were mistaken."

"Damn right you were," Spyro muttered under his breath, but all three Guardians heard him. "And I want everyone to hear this. Our child will belong to us. There will be no brood, no watches, and no prophecies regarding it. The egg will stay in our chamber under our eyes only..."

"But that ruins tradition," Volteer interrupted. "Surely we cannot..."

"Volteer," Cynder growled. "We have five guardians, a whole new realm, and a purple dragon NOT hellbent on destroying it. I think we've broken enough prophecies and traditions as it stands."

"Cynder's right." Spyro took his paw, resting it on his mate's as he continued to speak. "We need to start over new, my friends. What better way than to raise our young as it was truly intended...by their own parents?" The Guardians hung their heads in thought before looking up to Spyro. "Regardless of the opinions and lectures, Cynder and I will nurture our own child. It will not get in the way of our job, I assure you, but it will not be brought up the way I was. I want it to be happy, and...peaceful."

"So be it," Cyril growled. "Change all of the dragon traditions and customs. While you are at it, why not visit the Chronicler once again and erase anything else you want to get rid of!"

"Cyril!" Spyro hissed, stepping forward aggressively. Despite still being the smallest, the Guardians held a great respect for him and his elements. "I was voted the leader along with Cynder. If we want to change things, then it will be done. I do not want to get into an argument over this, but if it's a fight you want, surely that can be arranged."
"Spyro, stop." Cynder's voice calmed Spyro's aggression, causing him to let out a sigh and turn to face him. "There's no need to get violent here, and that goes for everyone." She looked down at her underbelly and twitched her wings. "What rests inside me is Spyro's and my responsibility. If we see this as a proper way to raise it, then that is our judgment regarding its wellbeing. Now, Cyril, apologize to Spyro for your comment. Spyro you do the same."

"But he..." Spyro and Cyril both began to complain. Cynder raised a claw up to silence them.

"That's enough. If you act as if you need a mother to negotiate, then I am the only one who qualifies. Now, apologize to each other before our friend arrives." Spyro heaved a sigh and turned to Cyril, who still overlooked him. "Babe?"

"Cyril...I...overreacted." Cynder giggled slightly as she watched her husband cringe. "I suppose my...father status has got me a bit more...defensive."

"And Cyril?" Volteer suddenly spoke out, looking at the Ice Guardian. "What do you have to say for yourself?"

"I...I'm sorry for...my comments as well...Spyro. It...it was rude."

Wow, Cynder chuckled to herself. It seems a little motherly touch can make anyone do what I need from them. I need to take notes about this. She stuck her chest out proudly as she nodded her head. "Good boys. Now that this is all settled and we know about me and Spyro's upcoming child, I think we are ready to speak with this Wolf."

"That, for once can be agreeable," spoke Terrador with a slight chuckle. Within moments, the injured Wolf arrived, light grey in color with artic white fur over his arms and legs. His arm was in a makeshift cloth sling, prepared for him by one of the Temple moles. A large gash crossed down his right eye, as well as a set of shallow slash marks across his chest. Upon seeing the Guardians, the Wolf took a knee and inclined his head.

"Humble Guardians," he announced respectfully. "My name is Velkin, a warrior from Greyscale Pines. Please, hear my say." Spyro and Cynder puffed their chests out upon his entrance.

"I'm quite sure you know our names, Velkin," Spyro replied kindly. "You may continue."

"Thank you." Velkin stood up and sighed at his pain. "I was on my way to the Dragon City to deliver a message when I had been attacked. They did not take my message, but relinquished me of my sword and what valuables I had on me. It was a tough fight, I assure you, but I failed and found myself at their mercy."

"That's how you got the wounds?" Cynder asked. Velkin nodded.

"Aye. I've been trained in swordplay since I was a pup from my father Obsidian, the Black Warrior..."

"I've heard of him," Volteer interrupted. "He's a wolf with fur blacker than Adoni, but he was a valiant, respectful, fighter." Volteer turned to Terrador. "Obsidian helped me and Ignitus on many occasions."

"Yes," Velkin sighed. "My father was an outstanding soldier, but...no longer. He fights no more, which is why I came here. Our rivals are the Coyotes, pillagers of the forest region and devestators to all that stand in their way. We have tried peaceful tactics to avoid war with them, but the robberies and assaults have yet to stop. Either we do something now, or the Wolves will wage war on the Coyotes to end this conflict."

"We certainly don't want that," Cynder replied. She turned to Spyro. "Maybe we could take a look at the area Velkin was attacked?"

"Too risky," responded Spyro. "Those Coyotes may still be there, and if they do attack, the trees would limit our own mobility. It's asking for trouble if we go too deep." Suddenly, Spyro's eyes widened. "Unless we manage to lure them out of the woodwork."

"I'm not following you, babe."

"Why not bring them from their comfort zone and into our neck of the woods?" The Guardians and the wolf all looked to Spyro as he continued to talk. "We could use Velkin as the bait for another attack, but, in reality, we could be the one leading the ambush this time. That way, we could capture them all easier and..."

"Reduce the risk of neutralization of the Coyote race?" Volteer wordily finished. "Brilliant!"

"Volteer," Cyril cut in. "I highly doubt this conflict could lead in the extinction of the Coyote tribe. Nonetheless, it is a wise tactic." The Ice Guardian turned to Spyro and Cynder, his bluish tail swishing rhythmically. "Very well, Spyro. What exactly shall we do?" Spyro smirked and looked to Cynder.

"Remember your tricks with Shadow, Cyn?"

"Yes...?"

"That's what we'll do. Cynder can use her shadow powers to blend in with the forest, watching Velkin while the other Guardians and I fly overhead on watch. Once the Coyotes come out, we drop down and start the party."

"Sounds reasonable," added in Cynder. "If we can get the element of surprise, they'd have nowhere to run, right?"
"Exactly." Spyro turned to Velkin. "How are your wounds feeling?"

"Bearable," the Wolf replied, examining the sling on his shoulder. "It's bothersome, yes, but I can manage." Velkin sighed and nodded his head. "So we are to return the way I came, correct?"

"Absolutely," remarked Volteer before any other Guardian had his say. "It would provide the best crime of opportunity for these pesky creatures. We can catch them in the act, capture them and bring justice to the realm yet again..."

"Volteer," Spyro interrupted the Lightning Guardian. "That'll do. So that is our plan. Cynder will escort Velkin through the forest road while we provide cover from the air. When the attack is formed, we come in for a quick counter. Get ready and meet me and my wife outside the Temple Gates in an hour." All of the Guardians nodded and turned away to leave, all except Velkin.

"My Lords..."

"Please," Spyro interrupted. "We both are smaller and less gifted to deserve that title. Spyro and Cynder would do perfectly friend." Velkin bowed in apology and inclined his head once more to face them.

"Is it true?" Velkin asked. "You and her...are no longer ruled by darkness?" The two dragons lowered their head.

"Not quite. You see, we are what keeps each other in the light. I guide Cynder, and she guides me. Without one, the other could surely fall back into evil. As long as we are together, you have no need to worry."

"I'm sure." Velkin turned, his golden color eyes facing out the window of the temple. "It's still violent, is it not?"

"What do you mean?" asked Cynder, stepping closer.

"You two saved us from Malefor and Adoni, but...nothing has really changed. My question is, will it ever?"

"I don't think so," replied Spyro, his head shaking slightly. "It's the way the realm runs, my friend. I have a feeling that peace is only temporary."

"That is very true." Velkin sighed and turned his eyes to Cynder, staring rather intently into her sapphire eyes. Spyro felt a strange twinge of jealousy run down his spine, but quickly shook it off. "Forgive me for my glare, Cynder. I just wanted to see it for myself."

"It?" Both Spyro and Cynder asked. Velkin turned his head away from the dragoness's eyes and nodded.

"The new her. It is true, my Guardians, you are free from darkness it seems...or at least Cynder seems to be. Her eyes glow brighter; they're less dull than the last time I saw her, but that was many cycles ago." Both Spyro and Cynder cocked their heads.

"Cycles?" Spyro asked. Velkin merely chuckled, lifted his wounded paw up to silence them before further questions came.

"It's how we keep track of our days, friends. Now please. I believe we have an engagement with the other Guardians concerning my people's 'pest' problem?" All three snickered amongst themselves before turning to the exit, walking in a line abreast formation before singling out into a line as they left. It was time for action yet again.

"Are you ready for this, Cynder?" Spyro asked worriedly. The dark dragoness nodded her head.

"What's a little dog or two going to do to me?" She laughed out, her wings twitching playfully. "Besides, it will be fun to get involved in some adventures again."

"I thought as much." Spyro sighed and turned to Velkin. "Head out of the Temple and back through the forest. Cynder will follow from behind."

"But Spyro, won't she be seen?" Both Spyro and Cynder chuckled at his question.

"They don't call me the Dark Temptress for nothing, friend," replied Cynder sarcastically. "Just do as my husband says and trust me; I won't be far behind."

"Very well." Both dragons stopped as the Wolf continued on his way. After he was gone, Spyro turned to Cynder.

"For the record, I don't like this."

"And why not?" Cynder asked with a sly smile. "Is it me you're worried about, or the young one I'm carrying?"

"Both." Spyro tucked his wings in at his sides and snorted. "Just take care of yourself with him, alright? If it's too dangerous..."

"Spyro," Cynder cut him off. "We've been through so much together. Don't get all protective on me now." She paused to brush muzzles with her lover. "I'll be fine; don't worry. You'll be keeping watch above with the Guardians and I'll have Velkin as..."

"Velkin is injured. He can't help much and we don't know what we are really getting into. How many are there? What weapons do they have? How do we know..." He was silenced by her soothing lips against his own.

"I have to go, Spyro." She pulled away and smiled. "I love you." Before Spyro could respond, Cynder gave into her darker side and became one with the shadows, sinking into the ground and dashing off towards Velkin.

"I love you too, Cyn."