A/N: Sorry about the delay for this chapter! I hope you guys like it!

Rely to un-signed in review: Hi! Thanks for the explanation. Poor Amy Rose lol. Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Enjoy!

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"Aptifor, I have been sitting at this pool for many hours, and I have gleaned little knowledge about the creature you will face at the end of this quest. You do not know how much I wish you would not go, how many things I have contemplated to tempt you to stay. You are not ready, Aptifor."

Aptifor was stung by that, though he knew Ignitus meant no harm in his words. "I am!" He insisted. "I have to be..."

Ignitus sighed. "Yes. You trained well and have been taught much, but nothing can prepare you to face this." Looking for guidance from Volteer, who nodded slowly, Ignitus turned to face Apps again. "I have decided to tell you what little facts I know about your opponent...It is a dragon. But it is not an ordinary dragon. It is a mythical creature known as a Heaven's Dragon." Ignitus shook his head ruefully. "In all my years, I never thought to see one.

Every thousand years, the Ancestors pay tribute to dragons by bestowing a gift. They create a Heaven's Dragon. Golden and beautiful, the creature is highly revered by all, and has powers no other dragon could dream of achieving!"

"Not even Malefor?" Another voice piped up. Everyone present turned to look at Ariana. She looked excited, the deep green light from the pool glittered off her scales and reflected in her golden eyes, which were impatient and happy.

Ignitus gazed down at the little dragon. "Malefor is dead, young one. But yes, even Malefor could not master these talents. And most likely he would have killed this creature when it was born, if it did not work for him."

"What?!" Aptifor gasped.

Cyril nodded wisely. "This dragon is on the side of Darkness. He is a powerful foe. He must be destroyed."

"We wish we could accompany you!" Terrador said fervently, a fierce longing in his eyes. "But, regretfully, our fighting days have long been over. And that is why you will have to make do with Ariana."

Ignitus looked worried by this fact. He turned to the little green dragon sitting beside him. "Are you sure Ariana? There is danger you could never imagine on the horizon!"

Ariana rolled her golden eyes. "Puh-lease!" She drawled. "I growl in the face of danger!"

And she snarled fiercely. The tense mood evaporated, everyone laughing gently with Ariana. All but Ignitus.

"I guess that's that, then." He said sadly. He and the other Guardians turned for the door. As the other three stepped through, Ignitus hesitated.

"May the Ancestors look after you. May they look after us all..."

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A/N: Sorry this is another short chap. The next one is bigger, and the one after that...lol. please review! xxx =)