Jake dropped down right on top of the man. "Not today punk. What are you looking for? What are you hunting?"
A venomous voice came from the shadows that covered his face. "You."
Jake reared back as he realized he had walked straight into the Huntsclan's trap. A net shot out of a device hidden in the shadows. Jake was forced up against the side of the building. He struggled against the net trying to get free. He felt his powers draining away. Jake struggled to maintain his form.
"Give it up dragon, it's over."
"Not today it isn't." A golden blur fell from the skies. A foot rammed hard into the Huntsman's stomach. The other foot slammed into the net and ripped it from it's moorings.
"Heheh, The Am-Drag's back in the game." He jumped up and kicked a member of the Huntsclan away. His eyes snapped over to the golden dragon fighting against the Huntsmaster. She didn't see the man sneaking up behind her. He shot a ball of fire at the man. He ran off as his shirt caught on fire.
"A new dragon, what a surprise. And a female at that, It's been a long time since I slayed a female dragon."
"Hey Huntspunk, get away from her."
The Huntsman turned as a red fist slammed into his face. His body ended up against a dumpster. "We'll meet again, dragon."
The Huntsman jumped to the fire escape and onto the building.
Jake turned to the golden dragon he now knew was Rose. He stuck his hand out. "Thanks, I was in some real trouble there."
Rose glanced at his clawed hand and grasped it. "Like you said, We dragons have to stick together."
"So, you're in?"
Rose looked hesitant. "I-I can't, not yet. I have to go." Rose spread her wings and flew out of the alley and into the deepening twilight.
Jake remained standing in the alley. "Stay safe." A red aura of flames covered his body as he shrunk back to his human form. He walked slowly out of the alley.
"A fatal mistake dragon." The Huntsman smiled from his place on the roof.
Rose barely managed to scramble through her window and return to normal before the intercom buzzed. "Rose, come to the library now, we must speak about your future in the Huntsclan."
"I will be right there Huntsmaster." Rose walked through the hall of the large apartment that served as the headquarters for the Huntsclan. She entered the library of her home. Her eyes scanned the dark room before finally spotting the Huntsmaster sitting with his back to her.
"I have trained you well, yet you still haven't made your first kill yet. You know our laws, if you don't act soon, you will be forced to leave the clan. You have much talent, but you have yet to complete a single mission I've given you. Why do you think this is?"
"The American Dragon is quite skilled, I have not been able to best him in combat."
"I don't want excuses, but you are right. That dragon is much stronger that he should be. He is the most advanced dragon I've ever fought. His training seems to be more intense than that of others. Now another dragon has joined him, a female. She is most likely his counter. She is as yet weak, untrained in her abilities as a dragon, but she could be a problem. Remember that for our future fights."
"Yes Huntsmaster, I shall, but what is a counter?"
"It doesn't matter, our problem will soon be rectified. Question, what is a dragon's most deeply guarded secret?"
"His identity." Rose looked up in shock. "You know who he is don't you?"
"He made the mistake of transforming while I was hidden on the roof. I do not know his name, but it is only a matter of time."
He took his staff from his side. A sphere of green light appeared from the small orb embedded in the staff. A picture of the American Dragon standing in the alley appeared within. Fire spread over his body as he began to shrink. As his true human form came into view the image grew until his face was perfectly clear.
Rose's eyes widened in horror. "Jake! He's a dragon?"