Chapter II

"Dragons," spat the Huntsman as he aimed his hunts-staff at the American Dragon that flew high overhead; a ball of green energy shot out of it making its way quickly toward the unsuspecting dragon.

Five hunters stood behind him with his newest apprentice the Huntsboy standing a few steps beside him.

The Huntsclan had to expand in the past two years after the departure of the Huntsgirl and the rising power of the even more powerful American Dragon.

The Huntsman looked in shock as the American Dragon twisted at the last moment avoiding being hit his trajectory changed as he now plummeted toward them.

"Ah," muttered the Huntsman, "battle positions everyone!"

The Huntsboy sneered, "One dragon and an Animal Guardian against seven of us should be no challenge,"

"Never underestimate the strength of a Dragon," rebuked the Huntsman as he crouched in attack position, "especially the strength of the American Dragon,"

Jake landed lightly between the seven members of the Huntsclan as Fu Dog leapt off his back, "We can do this the easy way or the hard way," he said cracking his knuckles loudly, "either way you better make your decision quick or I may make it for you,"

"Not so fast dragon," said the Huntsman as he aimed his hunts-staff at the young dragon, all seven weapons were now aimed at the dragon, however he did not look intimidated or in the least worried.

"And here I thought that no one would be causing trouble on the holidays, especially mines," muttered Jake to himself, "made your choice, time to pay out," he ducked as they fired and two hunters were taken down by their fellow hunters' weapons.

Leaping forward while sweeping his tail to the left the dragon knocked three Hunters over while engaging the Huntsboy. This boy was much the same age as the former Huntsgirl noted Jake as he easily evaded and deflected the Huntsboy's martial art skills.

The dragon whipped his tail around throwing the young member of the Huntsclan to the floor. The Huntsman sneered, "you are outnumbered dragon,"

Jake raised an inquisitive eyebrow, allowing the eye of the dragon to take hold of him he glanced around, "true," he admitted as he realized that twenty more hunters were surrounding him, the American Dragon was powerful and strong but no dragon, perhaps not even Trigon could have taken on twenty-seven members of the Huntsclan at the same time. Jake turned to Fu, "some reinforcements would be nice,"

Fu blinked, "a hehe, oh yeah," he managed as he searched for his cell phone.

"Some time soon," Jake said a bit unnerved as the Hunters began to close in.

"They'll be here in just a few minutes," said Fu as he closed his cell phone.

Jake gulped, "we may not have a few minutes Fu," he ducked as a Hunter leapt into the air to kick the dragon and grabbed him by the ankle, spinning him like a staff he threw the hunter in the direction of the Huntsman.

The leader of the clan managed to scamper out of the way and aim his staff at Jake, "we have been fighting for so long dragon, and it is time for you to be slain!"

"I don't think so," said a voice from atop the rooftop.

The Huntsman looked up to see the two girls that fought alongside the American Dragon, the Guardian Knight and Scarlet Knight. Both were probably the same age as the dragon he mused.

The Guardian Knight wore the robes of a ninja and wielded a staff similar to those of the Huntsclan. While the Scarlet Knight was dressed in red Amazonian leather armor and favored ranged weaponry, the bow and arrow her favorite as she sat poised for battle three arrows already aimed at the Huntsman.

The Huntsman sputtered a curse and Huntsboy took a few steps back, "Huntsmaster?"

"Everyone retreat," said the Huntsman as he took a step back, "we are outnumbered this time," he turned to regard the dragon, "but hear my words dragon, one of these days I will have you in my hand and no one will be there to save you, no one,"

Jake lowered his gaze, "Scarlet, Fu, follow them and make sure that they do not attack any magical creatures before they reach the Huntslair. I am suppose to do the entrance flame at the Evening Festival and I'm already late,"

Scarlet and Fu nodded, "as you say Jake, you're the dragon here," they both took off in the direction of the departing Huntsclan.

Jake leapt into the air and landed in front of the Guardian Knight, "hey," he said.

"Hey yourself," she replied.

Jake pulled her close abandoning his dragon form while she pulled her mask off revealing the beautiful face of seventeen year old Rose, they kissed softly at first and then with more vigor, each drawing on every breath that they could take.

Rose had fled the Huntsclan a month after the Dark Dragon's defeat. And ever since was living with Fu Dog and Lao Shi. She had decided to leave the path of the Hunter and now follow the path of the protector and was known as the Dragon's Guardian in many parts of the world.

Jake stopped his kiss short to look at her, and into her eyes. Her beautiful blue eyes that practically screamed beauty to Jake. He pulled her close and she rested her head on his shoulder. They were finally together, and finally at peace. They no longer had to worry about the Huntsclan chasing after her or their getting caught. Nothing truly bothered them anymore in the lines of direct danger. They were both fighting on the same side.

Jake kissed her forehead softly and pulled away gently, "I'll see you at the Evening Festival; I have to light the entrance flame,"

"Alright Jake, I'll see you there," she replied not before kissing him again.

Jake again entered dragon form and leapt off the rooftop in the direction of the Evening Festival for the Festival of Dragons, the Festival of Light.