(Opening Disclaimer)

Chapter 4 I want to say thanks to those who have review my story. I'm glad that all of you are enjoying it. And, I hope all of you like this chapter. Because I'm going to be revealing two things. Again. Hope all of you enjoy. I do not own any of the characters used in this story. I only own my OC.

(End of Opening Disclaimer)

Lief released a shout of pain as he was thrown backwards. He skid across the stone fall; groaning as he came to rest at the paws of Volteer. He heard the electric guardian sigh; as he tried to get back to his feet. When he did he had a difficult time keeping his balance; as he focused on the two training dummies in front of him. He lifted his sword up and readied himself for another attack.

"Stop, that's enough." Volteer said calmly causing the dummies in front of them to suddenly disappear.

Lief had a look of anger appear on his face. He glared at Volteer, "Why did you stop?!" He almost shouted in anger, "I had those two right where I wanted them." He finished as Volteer shook his head.

"You said that the last three times when you failed this test," Volteer responded, "Like before you have only managed to take down one of your targets. But, after you take one of them down; you get blindsided by one of the other two," He continued causing Lief to sighed heavily as he listened to Volteer criticize his fighting style. It reminded him about his master when he first started training with him. How on some days his master would get close to breaking many bones in his body. While there were days where his master would break one of his arms or legs, "Lief are you listening?" Volteer asked as he noticed Lief was staring off at nothing.

Lief shook his head as his vision feel on the glare of the guardian. It sent an ice cold chill down his back, "Yes," He quickly answered, "I am listening Volteer." He finished.

"Then, what did I just say to you?" Volteer asked.

Lief cursed himself in his mind, "Um...Uh?" He stammered before sighing in defeat.

"I though as much," Volteer sighed in annoyance, "Two days you have trained with us. And, two days you have failed repeatedly. Yesterday, you finally managed to defeat one of them. But, that is all you can defeat. Just one of them. While the other two." He began to get into a prolonged speech of Lief's failure in training.

Lief wanted to tell the dragon in front of him to just shut up. But, he was so used to his master giving him the rage of Hades. Being told how bad he was doing; hardly affected him anymore. He focused a little on the dragons words. That way he can give a direct and clear answer; just in case he was asked about what was said to him again. He looked over at his sword that the blacksmith had forged for him. The sword was forged exactly the way he wanted it. But, he was not ready to wield a sword yet. It filled him with much anger and sadness towards himself. How could he call himself a Spartan if he couldn't even fight. The shield she had also made was also forged properly. But, his inability to hold it steady in his arm; added more to his anger towards himself.

"Do you understand, Lief?" Volteer asked.

Lief shook his head and quickly answered, "Yes," He answered, "I understand Volteer." He finished.

Volteer nodded, "Good," He responded before turning to exit the training chamber. He then turned to face Lief again, "By the way, Cyril wants' to speak to you. He's in our chamber at the moment." He told him; getting a nod from Lief before he walked out of the chamber.

Lief sighed as he began to walk to the guardians chamber. He needed to get stronger; that way he can get the helm back from the cheetahs. But, Volteer was right he was not improving at all. Yes, he has finally manged to beat one of the dummies. But, he cannot beat all three of them. Meaning if he fought the cheetahs that stole from him. He would kill one of them but then one of the other two would kill him. He sighed in annoyance as he turned down another hallway. Walking past a group of dragons that went to great efforts to avoid him. He turned towards the group.

"I am not an ape!" He shouted in an annoyed tone at the group. Making all of them walk faster; he was tempted to voice his many words of anger. But, with another heavy sigh he continued his walk to the chamber where Cyril waited for him.

After walking down a few more hallways; he arrived at the guardians chamber. Gently, he pushed opened the door to the chamber and walked in. There he saw Cyril resting in his area while reading a book. He looked up from the book and smiled.

"Ah, Lief good to see you." He greeted.

"Good to see you as well Cyril," Lief responded as he walked up to him, "Volteer told me you needed to speak with me." He said getting a nod from the guardian.

"Yes, can you deliver a message for me?" He asked immediately getting a nod from Lief.

"Who do you need it delivered too?" Lief asked.

Cyril placed a bookmark onto the page he was reading; before he shut the book in front of him. He then turned and picked up a rolled up scroll. He turned back and handed it to Lief, "Please, deliver this to Ferin. He works in the barracks; do you know where that is?" He asked and Lief nodded.

"I'll get it delivered."Lief said as he turned and began to walk out of the chamber.

"Thank you, Lief." Cyril thanked getting a wave from Lief before he returned to reading his book.

Lief quickly found his way out of them temple and began walking through the city. He was heading in the direction of the barracks. Which was located in the western part of the city. It was where the cities guard would go to train. After walking down the many paths of the city; He found himself at the barracks and delivered the message to Ferin. Who thanked him before he left to read the message that was delivered to him. As Lief walked out of the barracks he noticed a message board outside the building. He grew curious and walked up to it.

"What do we have here?" He asked himself as he looked at the many messages that were posted on the board.

Some of the messages were local news; while others were about the many locations that someone should see. But, there were more than a few that caught his eye. One in particular was a challenge message. He pulled and from the board and began to read it.

"If there is anyone brave enough to climb the tallest building in the city and jump off it. Then come and meet me at the fountain in the middle of the city. I am a blue dragon with a pearl white underbelly. If you complete this challenge you will be rewarded. Reward= four pieces of gold."

Lief though for a moment before rolling up the paper and making his way toward the fountain. He passed by many dragons along his way; hating how they shot him a look of disgust. He wondered if he would ever get used to that look? He did eventually reach the fountain and began to look for the dragon. He eventually found said dragon; resting in the shadow of one of the large buildings. He walked up to the dragon; who shot a glare at him.

"What do you want ape?" He asked him.

Lief was tempted to yell at the dragon; but, he resisted the urge to yell. Instead he held the paper the dragon had posted; out in front of him, "I am here to accept your challenge." Lief told him as the dragon read the paper; he looked towards Lief and then back at the paper. Lief could hear him chuckle.

"Well, ape," The dragon spoke in a rather uncaring tone, "If you are up for the challenge," He then motioned towards a rather large building. Possibly the one he mentioned in the challenge, "Then, by all means. Go ahead and end you life." He finished.

Lief rolled his eyes and began to walk towards the building. He looked it over and eventually found a side he could climb. Taking in a deep breath he ran towards the side; using his momentum he managed to grab his first hand hold. He then pulled himself up; grabbing hold of another hand hold. While also placing his feet on a good foothold. He took in a deep breath and reached for another hold.

The dragon watched as the ape slowly climbed up the building. He smug look turning into one of astonishment. He couldn't believe it; the ape was actually doing it. He was not the only one watching it also. A small group had started to watch the ape. As they watched he had lost his footing and nearly fell. It caused some of the dragonesses to scream in fear for him. Lief released a loud growl as he pulled himself back up. Breathing heavily he looked up; he saw that there was a large gap between him and the next hold.

"Gods, watch over me." He prayed to himself while mentally preparing himself.

Taking in yet another deep breath he quickly pulled himself up; he then used his legs to launch himself up. He could hear some screams and shouts; but, he blocked them out. Then with a shout of his own; he grabbed hold of his next hand hold. His body dangled in the air; as his left arm kept him from falling back to the ground. His arms and legs ached from climbing the tall building. His lungs burned from the many hard breaths he had to release as he climbed. He took in one more deep breathing and pulled himself up; his right hand grabbing onto something flat. He then pulled himself the rest of the way. He ended up rolling onto his back as he came to rest onto the top of the building. He was gazing up at the clear blue sky.

The dragon watched in complete awe as the crowd around him cheered loudly for the ape. The crowd had grown three times its size. Now instead of a small crowd it was a fairly large crowd. He couldn't believe his eyes. The ape had actually reached the top. But, was he going to jump off the building? Was the ape going to do something that stupid and dangerous? He got his answer when the ape stood up and lifted its arms.

Lief listened to the crowd as they cheered for him. He looked down and smiled proudly; but his challenge was not over. He scanned the crowd and focused on the fountain in the center. That would be the only place he could safely land. But, at the same time it was also a place he could get severely injured. He began to back away from the edge of the building. He backed all the way to the other side. He closed his eyes and began to focus on his target. He could hear the wind howling and he could hear a bird; flying just above the building. When he heard the bird release it's cry; he opened his eyes and sprinted to the other side.

He felt his feet leave the roof and he felt himself flying through the air. Time seemed to slow for him as he fell. He felt the wind move pass his body as he fell. He felt the sensation of falling coursing through his body. He then flipped himself allowing him to land on his back. What he felt next was impact of water. Which immediately wrapped itself around his body. He felt himself floating just above the surface; with slow movements he placed his feet on the bottom and stood up. Allowing him to hear the roaring cheers of the crowd. It caused him to smile as he released his victory yell.

He climbed out of the fountain and began to search for the dragon. He didn't need to search for long; for the dragon was walking up to him. He waited patiently for the dragon to walk up to him. When he stopped in front of them. He smiled up at the dragon who smiled at him.

"You did good ape." The dragon commented.

"It's Lief," Lief said, "My name is Lief." He finished.

The dragon nodded, "Lief, then," He corrected himself, "My name is Riptide," The dragon introduced himself before he lifted his paw and handed Lief a small pouch, "You completed the challenge. You earned every piece." He finished before walking away; just as the crowd began to disperse.

Lief smiled as he put the pouch away and began walking back to the temple. As he walked through the streets. He heard a yell of pain come from an ally he passed. He grew curious and began to walk down the ally. What he saw was three dragons gang up one other dragon. The three dragons were all red in color. While the dragon they were attacking was a light pink color.

"Are you ready for your daily beating, freak." One of the red dragons teased the pink one.

"Will you guys leave me alone!" The dragon pleaded only to get rammed hard into the gut. Sending him back into the building.

"Did we give you permission to talk!?" One of the other red dragons shouted.

Lief felt anger rise inside of him; guess crime was another thing this city had in common with Sparta. He began to walk up to them; just as the third member of the group punched the pink dragon in the head.

"Hey!" Lief shouted causing the three to look at him, "Back off of him now! If you want a fight; fight me!" He yelled.

The three looked at one another and them smiled; before one of them pushed the pink dragon back. Just before they started walking towards him; each of them shooting him a wicked glare. Lief readied himself for a fight; he didn't have his sword with him. So, this was going to be a hand to hand fight. He watched as they circled him; which made him remember the cheetahs that stole from him. It also remember the training dummies. The moment he attacked one; the others would immediately attack. So, instead of attacking first he would wait till one of them attacked. Thankfully, he did not have to wait much longer. For the one in front of him lunged forward. He ducked down and the dragon went wide over him. As the other two quickly got by his side. Lief looked back and saw the pink dragon shaking in fear behind him.

"Don't worry," Lief told him as he looked forward, "I'll pro-." He released a yell of pain as something hard slammed into his back. He was launched forward; only to get rammed hard by one of the three dragons in front of him. He was then thrown across the ground and into the side of a building. He groaned in pain as he slid down to the ground. He looked up and saw the four dragons standing in front of him.

"I told you all it would work." The pink dragon chuckled.

"You were right boss," One of the red dragons commented, "The stupid ape fell for it." He finished.

Lief could not believe it; it was a set up. The four had set him up. He was there to protect the pink dragon. But, it was all an act just to weaken him. If he had the fury of Zeus; all four dragons would be swimming in the lake of the dead by now. Slowly, he stood up and glared at the dragons. He watched as they stared at him with wicked smiles. Which turned to questioning looks as he glared at them. He felt the rage in him rise inside; he released it all in a very loud yell. As he ran up to them; once close enough. He brought his right hand back and was ready to punch the pink dragon. The last thing he saw the the horrified face of the dragon. As he brought his hand down he found himself back at the temple.

"Huh?" He questioned as he looked around; wondering why he was back at the temple, "How did I get?" He asked himself as his eyes came to rest on a dragon; who was frozen in time.

He walked forward and noticed more dragons frozen in time. Each of them were running towards the exit of the temple. All of them had looks of horror on their faces. He looked in the direction they were running from. What he saw was a very feint red glow. Growing more curious he walked towards the glow. The glow was right in the center of the temple; where the pool of visions was. He walked into the room; only for the glow to become more intense. He shielded his eyes from the intensity of the light. He then opened his eyes only to come face to face with something terrifying.

What he saw was a dragon made of fire; it roared loudly as it ran towards him. He brought his arms up to defend himself. As he released a loud scream of fear. Waiting for it to end his life. He could feel the heat of the flames; growing hotter and hotter. Its roar growing louder with each second.

"LIEF WAKE UP!" The voice of Spyro shouted.

Lief shot to his feet and yelled in panic as he looked around. He was still in the ally but now Spyro and Cynder were there. Both of them tried to calm him down; as he acted like a creature that had lost its mind. They roared at him to calm down; both of them backed away from him. Look of concern and fear spread across their faces. He eventually stopped screaming like a mad man and focused on them. His breathing heavy and his sweat was rolling off of him like small rivers.

"Spyro? Cynder?" Lief asked as exhaustion began to take him over.

"Lief?" Both of them asked as the kept themselves far from him.

Lief grew curious, "What's wrong?" He asked just as he felt a burning sensation in his right hand. He looked down only to see his hand and some of his arm; glowing brightly. Almost as if it was on fire. He watched as the glow dimmed and his arm turned back to normal. He then looked towards the two again. Before he fell backwards and passed out.

Cynder ran up to Lief to make sure he was okay. While Spyro looked at him and then at the other four dragons. All four of them had very serious burn marks. And, the flash they saw that came from the ally. He recognized it as only one thing. A fire fury. When he and Cynder had arrived at the ally; all they saw was Lief standing over the unconscious forms of the dragons. His arm was glowing like the fire element itself. But, it was not the only thing that was glowing. His eyes were also glowing as well.

"He's burning up!" Cynder yelled.

Spyro snapped out of his though when he heard Cynder say that. He quickly ran over to them and placed his claw on Lief. He was indeed burning up; possibly from using all of that energy at once. He remembered when he first did it. Normally, a dragon would just get a high fever for a few days and be back to normal. But, Lief was not a dragon. So, for all they knew he could actually be burning up. The two quickly got him onto Spyros back; and they began running back towards the temple. Hoping that the guardians could help.

"Hang in there Lief." Spyro said in a hushed tone, "Hang in there." He finished.

(Ending disclaimer)

Here is chapter 4 hope you all enjoy this one.