Eva sat perched on the edge of her dorm window looking at the campus. She longed to transform into her cat self and roam the city like she did at home when she was having problems, but here in this big city it wasn't an option. She was so lost in thought thinking about her suspicions about Jake that she didn't hear Belinda come in. "Hey girl what's up?"
"Oh Belinda you gave me a scare. I was just thinking about someone." Eva told her.
"Who your boyfriend? Seriously Eva I was just kidding. Want to talk about it?" Belinda asked pulling up a seat.
"Its nothing really. I'm sure I'm just imagining things but still I have the distinct feeling something wrong. I'm worried about my friend Jake, you know the grandson to the Lao Shin my parents old friend? He's been acting peculiar lately and I think he's in trouble. But I don't have any proof and I don't want to worry his family or friends in case I'm mistaken." Eva explained.
"Well what things has he done that is concerning you?"
"He's acting colder, arrogant, and he seems to have a temper. His whole style has changed and I saw him with a strange tattoo on his palm. I know I haven't known him for very long, but I think something up." Eva said urgently.
"Look Eva I don't presume to tell you what to do and everything you just said sounds like normal teenage rebellion, but if you think something wrong you should inform someone or at the very least talk to him about it. That's what friends do. I got to go study for biology now so I'll see you in the morning. Good night." Belinda told her leaving her alone with her thoughts.
Jake was in his room cursing. He paced around the room angrily like a caged animal. He winced in pain as his injury started to bleed again. He hated lying to his parents but he couldn't exactly explain what had happened. It didn't make any sense! Why had hurting his former dragon self injure him?
"I don't believe this! Only days away from becoming a full fledge member of the Huntsclan and this happens! When I came up with this plan I didn't expect for this to happen. I nearly blew my cover with Trixie and Spud and I don't want to lose their friendship. That's the reason I did this!" Jake snarled as he flung himself on his bed.
"All I wanted was to be normal! To have my own life without so much responsibilities. To hang with my friends, have a good relationship with my family, and date Rose! Now that's all coming apart because off my stupid dragon self! God will this nightmare never end!" He complained.
He rolled over and stared at his bandage arm. He told his parents he had hurt himself skateboarding. He was lucky they hadn't examined the wound more closely or they would have noticed it was a deep cut. Rubbing his temples he decided to try and get some sleep.
His dreams were haunted by his last conversation with Rose. They had both been surprised by what had happened. Also Eva's surprise appearance had nearly ruined everything.
"Jake what happened! I don't get how hurting your old self could cause you damage. The spell didn't indicate this would happen if you took that potion." Rose said
"Yeah well we modified it a little remember? Don't worry sweet thing it's not serious. I'm sure this was just a fluke. Next time nothing will go wrong. Both dragons will be dealt with and the were jaguar won't interfere. Will make sure that everything goes smoothly. " Jake tried to reassure her.
Rose looked at him unconvinced. "Next time? Jake would you listen to yourself for a second? You're talking about slaying your Grampa like you were watching a football game. Besides I thought that we both agreed Eva was off limits."
"That's not how the Huntsmaster sees it. We can't play this little game forever. Sooner or later I have to cut all ties with my past and I think it should be sooner rather then later. Now if you excuse me I have to get home. Bye Rose." Jake told her angrily before storming off.
Rose watched him go. "Oh Jake what have I done to you." She whispered.
Jake woke up with his alarm blaring. Sighing he pulled on his clothes, grabbed two potion vials and headed downstairs forgetting to put on his gloves. He entered the kitchen where the rest of his family was eating breakfast. "Hey everyone what's up?" he asked casually.
"Your up early Jake. I'm shocked that I didn't have to drag you out of bed this morning." His mom commented as she drank her coffee.
"Decided to get an early start this morning. I wanted to meet Trixie and Spud before school to talk about some things." Jake told them.
"That's great son. How's your arm? Did it stop bleeding?" his dad inquired.
Jake raised a hand to stop him. "Wow Dad it's all cool. Say why don't I refill your mugs and I'll get you some more orange juice Haley." He said politely. He took the three cups and walked over to the counter. He quickly refilled them and then unnoticed added the potions from the vials. A pink binding one for Haley and a green protection for his parents. "Here you go. Fresh coffee and orange juice."
"Thanks Jake you're being really nice. Hey what's that on your hand?" Haley asked innocently pointing to his dragon mark. Jake quickly covered his hand but it was to late.
"Jacob Long what in the world is that?" his Mom demanded pointing to the mark on his palm.
"Its nothing Mom. Its just a tattoo and a temporally one at that. I just thought it would look cool." Jake tried to calm her down.
"That doesn't look temporarily to me young man. How long ago did you apply it?" his dad asked.
"A few days ago. Look its no big deal really. I have to go now so if you will let me by I'll see you after school." Jake said hurrying out of the house.
"Yo guys what's up? Sorry about bailing yesterday I had some stuff to take care of. You wouldn't believe how tough the Huntsmaster and Huntsgirl are getting." Jake confided in them.
"That's for sure. That girl Rose is one tough chick. I mean have you seen her in the gym lately working out? She has really gone buff." Trixie said.
"Dude what happen to your arm. Did she stab you or did you claw yourself?" Spud asked.
"Oh this its nothing. Gramps says it will heal in couple of days. Did I mention that the Huntsclan has a new member?" Jake asked hurriedly as he got his books from his locker.
"For real? Man there popping out all out of the woodworks." Trixie exclaimed
"So is it another cute girl who really is heartless?" Spud questioned.
"No, this time it's a boy. He's really fast and he definitely knows how to kick butt. He was the one who gave me the injury. By the way what do you think off my tattoo? I know it looks like Rose's birthmark, but it was the only one close enough to real fire breathing tattoo I wanted that was temporally." Jake explained noticing them looking at it.
"Jake what's up with you? You've never indicated you wanted a tat before. And one looking like that is bound to cause trouble. Your family okay with it?" Trix's wanted to know.
"Hey its cool. Beside Fu told me lots of magical creatures get special markings at certain ages. I just wanted to be the first dragon to get one. Come on wouldn't want to be late for class." He said laughing as they hurried away.
Rose watched them go and let out a sigh of relief. She had been concerned when she saw he had left his mark uncovered and was talking about yesterday's fight. She shouldn't have. He had everything under control. Now if she could just figure out what happened yesterday things would be okay. Shaking her head she ran to class.
Eva was waiting for Jake outside of the school after class. "Hi Jake. I was hoping we could talk for a few moments." She said pleasantly.
"Can't it wait? I have a previous engagement to get to. I was going to buy tickets to the youth concert and I need to hurry to get in line." Jake whined.
"This will only take a second. Walk with me please." She instructed to him. Cursing under his breath he dredged along with her. "I must say attending collage her in the Big Apple is a much more exciting experience then I would have bargained for. I've met so many nice people and the magical community around here is so nice."
"Yeah they are really nice people. Can I go now?" Jake asked annoyed.
"Patience I just wanted to ask you why you bought all those ingredients a few weeks ago at the Bazaar and why you are acting so weirdly around your friends and family. I know that it might not be my business seeing as how I'm an outsider but I do worry about you Jake." Eva said stopping in her tracks and looking right at him. "Jake I know something is seriously wrong. You're in trouble and I want to help you. I'm sure if you just told me what the problem is we can handle it together."
"Back off Eva. Your not my mother and I don't appreciate you butting into my personal life. I don't think what I do or how I treat my friends is any of your concern. As far as I'm concerned this conversation is over. Now get out of my way!" Jake shouted at her and shoving her aside before he stormed off.
Eva looked at him in completely shocked by his actions. He wasn't acting like the sweet cool teen she met a few weeks ago. Something was wrong and big time. She had to talk to his friends and Dragon Master. And it had to be soon before someone got hurt, namely Jake.
Jake was furious. What was Eva's deal? Why did everyone have to try and ruin his new life? Nothing was wrong at all. So he had changed a little bit and was stronger and faster then before so what! This was his life to live and he was going to live it his way. Grumbling angrily he went to the box office and bought the tickets unsure of why the Huntsmaster wanted them. All he knew is they played a part in his plan.
He arrived at the Huntslair a few minutes later. Rose ushered him in. "I was worried about you. What took you so long?"
"I had a unforeseen conversation with Eva. She's suspicious of me. But I'm positive she has no real idea of what's going on. Now excuse me. Huntsmaster I got the tickets to the concert you wanted. May I ask what you needed them for?" Jake asked handing the tickets to him
"Patience Huntsboy. My plans will be made clear to both of you in a few minutes. Follow me please. As you know this concert will have the largest gathering of young people ever. It will also have the greatest gathering of magical creatures seeing how the main act has an enchantress as the lead singer. If we strike then we are sure to draw the attention of the dragons. Once we have it we will attack quickly slaying them." Huntsmaster explained calmly
"I don't know about this Huntsmaster. There will be a lot of innocent people there. What about the risk of causing someone harm?" Rose inquired
"The risk will be minimal if we evacuate the regular folk beforehand. I suggest using false fire alarm. The magical creatures will be able to tell the fake signal from the real one." Jake responded
"Excellent idea Huntsboy. You truly are a member of this clan. You make me very proud to be your master. I can see you will one day be the leader of our noble clan." Huntsmaster said patting him on the back. Jake smiled pleased.
"My only purpose in life is to serve you. Make no mistake I plan to use the Dragon Blade to rid us of those miserable dragons once and for all. Only then will Huntsgirl and I be full members of the clan and can be together." Jake said.
"Thank you Jake. I sincerely hope that our plan comes to fruition. Now lets get down to some training. We have a lot of work ahead of us if we are to succeed in pulling this one off." Rose said kissing him on the cheek.
"So you guys haven't noticed anything weird about him?" Eva asked at the store where Trixie, Spud, Grampa, and Fu were assembled. "I know I'm new here and all but I'm telling you something is the matter with Jake."
"I agree with you Catgirl. Jakey has been really strange lately. I mean getting that tattoo and his crazy clothes I think something seriously is wrong with his head." Trixie said.
"Yeah he hasn't been himself at school. I don't understand it really." Spud said
"Yo aren't you all overreacting just a little. I mean so what if the kid has been a little overobssed with being the American Dragon these days and lied about potions it means nothing. Oh who am I kidding I agree with them Gramps. You have to find out the truth." Fu told him
"Enough already. I won't invade Jake's privacy on the suspicions of a few circumstantial clues. If there's something the matter I will find out but not right now. Now please leave us. I have to plan for the youth concert. The headlining act of Magical Me is an enchantress and I love her singing." Grampa said
They left the store and headed for the collage. "I don't care what he says we got to keep an eye out on Jake. I've got three tickets to the concert. Why don't we do a little spying on him there? If he does something he isn't suppose to will catch him in the act." Eva assured him.
"I hope he hasn't crossed over to the dark side." Spud said quietly.
"Don't even think like that Spud! Jake wouldn't do anything crazy. We've known him for to long. He isn't that dumb. Now lets go." Trixie said
Soon it was the night of the concert and everyone was enjoying the music. Eva was wearing her spotted dress and was dancing with Spud while Trixie kept her eyes on Jake who was with his Grampa.
No one noticed that there was another Jake hidden just behind the stage with Rose putting on his Huntsboy outfit. He had been enjoying the music but it was time to get to work. Signaling to Huntsgirl to start the fake fire alarm he threw down an exploding magic bomb. Soon everyone was in a panic rushing for the exit.
On stage Ida the Enchantress was racing for an exit. She knew that whatever was causing the panic was related to her. She was almost to the exit when three figures dropped from the sky and surrounded her. "Going somewhere enchantress? I don't think so." Huntsmaster said pointing his staff at her.
"Prepare to surrender your magic to us." Huntsgirl said holding out an empty jar towards her.
"Don't try anything crazy. You wouldn't want us to have to kill you now would you?" Huntsboy said laughing evilly. That's when a blast of fire came their way separating them from her. The dragons, Fu, Trixie, Spud, and Eva in her cat form pounced on the stage.
"Get out of here girl. Will handle these losers. By the way love your music. Why don't you call me later." Fu told her hopefully before Grampa whacked him on the head. She didn't need to be told twice as she took off running.
"Dragons! Humans! Dog and cat! What a strange combination of people. It doesn't really matter. In the long run will prevail over you. After we eliminate you we will capture the enchantress." Huntsmaster proclaimed.
"In your dreams hunts freak. Come on dudes lets take them!" American Dragon shouted going after Huntsboy with the aid of Trixie and Spud. Fu and Eva sprang at Huntsgirl and Grampa and the Huntsmaster were at each other's throats fighting till the bitter end.
"Hiyah! Why are you helping that dragon? I don't want to harm you if I can prevent it. But I won't let you distract me from my mission!" Huntsgirl said kicking Fu in the stomach and tossing Eva over her shoulder.
"Save it sister. You're not going anywhere." Fu growled biting her ankles. She screamed in pain as Eva clawed her chest.
Meanwhile Grampa used his tail to latch onto the staff and hurl it out of reach of the Huntsmaster. "You shall never triumph because you are evil and good shall win." Grampa told him
"Not that tired old song old man. I've beaten you. My young apprentices will soon slay yours. I will win." Huntsmaster said pointing to where Trixie, Spud and the American Dragon were fighting.
Huntsboy was fighting with all his heart. He had already tied up Trixie and Spud and had severally wounded his old Dragon half but he was also injured greatly. He made one last desperate lunge and that was his mistake.
The American Dragon swiped a claw at his mask ripping it off exposing his face. Everyone gasped in surprise and confusion. Jake threw down a smoke bomb and took off running with his dragon half in pursuit. Everyone else went their separate ways confused by what had just happened.