Dragonfire
Chapter 11: In Darkest Hour
In the sewers beneath Hong Kong...
"So, let me see if I've got this straight." said Jake's dad, "You and your entire side of the family are all magical shape-shifting dragons."
"Yes." said Susan.
"And magical creatures really do exist?"
"Yes."
"And you're a dragon, but you don't have powers."
"Yes."
"But both of our children have powers?"
"That's right."
"And Fu dog really is a magical talking dog?"
"You are correct Sir!" said Fu.
"You're not... angry at us, are you Dad?" asked Haley, still in dragon form.
Johnathan looked around at them all. They were in a cell-like room somewhere in the vast labyrinth of sewers. Loa Shi, Spud, Trixie, 88, 89, and Sun were also there; along with Rose's family. The dragons and Fu dog were chained to a wall by collars around their necks. The humans had been chained to other walls by their wrists.
Johnathan looked over at Haley, which wasn't very easy since he'd lost his glasses. "Angry?" he said, "Well, I am a little disappointed that you didn't tell me sooner, but angry? Haley, how could I be angry with you? Just look at how far you guys have come with your training! I'm just sorry I lost my glasses. I'd really like to see your dragon forms better."
"We were waiting for right time to tell you." said Susan, "but-"
"I'm still a little overwhelmed by this whole thing, but I think I understand why you didn't tell me." said Johnathan
"You do?" asked Loa Shi.
"Oh absolutely!" said Johnathan, "and believe me, I'd had done the same thing you guys did!"
"Look, I don't mean to break up this whole love fest and all that." said 88, "but don't you think we should be tryin' to figure out a way to get outta this mess!"
"Yeah," said 89, "How come you dragons haven't busted outta those chains yet?"
"We can't." said Sun, "These chains are reinforced with unicorn horn. The only thing that will break them is an energy bolt from one of your hunting staves."
"Yeah," said Trixie, "Problem is, we don't know what the shades did with 'em."
"Oh we're doomed!" cried Spud, "The Dark Dragon's gonna slay us all!"
"What!" yelled 89, "But I'm too young to be slain! I wanna live!"
"Oh put a sock in it!" said Violet, "We are not gonna die! All we need is a plan."
"Ok," said Fu, "Got any ideas?"
"Don't forget," said Loa Shi, "Jake is still out there, along with Rose."
"But, if everything you've told us is true." said Rose's father, "Then Rose doesn't remember what happened to her. So, how can she and your grandson possible help us?"
"Don't underestimate the American Dragon." said Loa Shi, "You'd be surprised at all the trouble he's gotten himself out of, and I've seen how resourceful your daughter can be. If anyone can find a way to rescue us, they can."
Just then, the cell door opened. Shades came in, dragging Jake's limp form behind them. The young dragon was still bound by ropes and unconscious. Chang swaggered in after them, still in dragon form.
"Well so much for that hope." said 89.
Chang gazed around at the prisoners, a smug look on her reptilian face. "It's over." she said, "The American Dragon has fallen, and soon the rest of you will join him."
"He's not dead yet!" said Fu, looking down at Jake.
"Perhaps not," purred Chang, "but it no longer matters. Soon my master shall dispose of you all; and then there will be no one to stop us from completing our plan!"
"And what is this plan?!" said Rose's father.
Chang smiled menacingly, "Our plan is quite simple really." she said, "Long ago, magical creatures once ruled the Earth, until humans forced us into hiding. But now, the Dark Dragon and I shall create an army of magical creatures. An army that will overthrow humanity so that we can take back our rightful place as rulers of the Earth!"
"You'll never get away with this!" said Susan.
"Just try to stop us." said Chang, silkily, "Oh, and don't worry, if my master is in a gracious mood, then your demise will be mercifully quick." And with that, she turned and left with the shades, shutting the door behind her.
Trixie looked at Jake's lifeless form, "Is he..."
"No," said Fu, "He's still alive, barely."
"There must be somthing we can do for him." said Rose's mother.
"Loa Shi," said Sun, "Can you move him over here? I might be able to help him."
Loa Shi moved toward Jake, but was stopped short by the chain attached to his collar. He curled his tail around his grandson, and pulled him towards them. Together, the three dragons cut through the ropes that bound him. Then Sun laid her claws on Jake's chest. Light energy gathered around her and flowed over the young red.
After what seemed like hours, though it may have been only minutes, Sun pulled away from him, looking tired. "I've done all I can." she said, "It's not much, but at least he'll survive."
"Yeah," said 89, dryly, "Until that Dark Dragon comes back and turns us all into fish bait."
"It's not over yet." said Haley, "Don't forget, Rose is still out there."
"I just hope she's alright." said Rose's mother...
(The only thing known to break unicorn horn is a blast from a Huntsclan staff.) see episode The Hunted. I added a forum to my accout. Please look at it. :) Thank's for all the reviews! I couldn't have gotten this far without your support:)
