A/N: I'm back, and it's time for chapter 5! Yay! Anyway, this chapter should be more interesting than the last...I hope. As usual, review replies are at the bottom. :)

A'ight...here's chapter five!

Choices

Chapter Five: Victor

It was dark and chilly, but I didn't care. I just needed some time to think; to get away from my misery.

I shivered as I sat on a cold bench in Central Park. I can't believe that Rose is Huntsgirl. She seems so sweet and nice, and she's a major hottie...I know that she's my mortal enemy, but I can't hurt her, she's still my friend. But is she really? If she's truly my friend, she'll stand by me no matter what... I shook my head and grimaced. I was starting to think like Gramps. I sighed, realizing that I probably had been too harsh on him and Fu Dog.

I really wish that I could just pass the dragon torch to the next student and be done with it. This dragon junk is ruining my life. I can't take it...I can't stand the thought of Rose being evil...but she is, and there's nothing I can do about it. I know that I am the American Dragon, and that it's my duty to protect magical creatures, but how can I when my friend Rose is Huntsgirl? I just wish-

I jumped and looked at the bushes. My thoughts had been cut short by a snap of a twig and rustle of leaves. I got to my feet and looked at the bushes in alarm. They were shaking. I gulped, and got ready to run at any time. Besides there being the usual dangers of New York City life, namely pick-pockets, gangsters, and any form of snake that lives in the park, there was also the magical threats:evil wizards, giant spiders, werewolves, magical chipmunks (what, they exist!)...or worse, the Huntsclan.

"Yo, if you are some kind evil freak-o, I want to warn you, I got mad skills, yo!"I said, but my voice wavered.

The rustling didn't stop. All of a sudden, out of the bushes sprang...a leprechaun!

"Good ev'nin' to ya, Laddie," he said, green eyes scrutinizing me, taking in every little detail. I could feel his sharp gaze, and felt awkward.

Finally he diverted his gaze to the benched and motioned to it. "Shall we sit, Laddie?"

"Uh...sure, I guess."

"Wonderful. Me name's Victor, and-"

He didn't get any further because I cut him off. "Victor? You're Amanda's guy, aren't you?"

"Aye. At least I was."

"Yo, dude, what's that's supposed to mean?"

"Ach, she, um, how you say, 'broke up with me' after I left her on the rooftop. Accused me of being a coward."

"Well, yeah, I would too. That was pretty low. If the girl I loved was in danger, I'd..." But I fell silent, thinking of Rose.

"What else could I do? He hadn't seen me yet! I knew that the best chance of survival-for both of us-was for me to go back the we came...and get help!"

"Well, how come I didn't see you?"

"I left right before I saw you riding down the street. I watched you from around the corner. I went to get help, but by the time I got back with...ach...reinforcements, she was already gone. I thought she'd been captured...or worse, and I was heartbroken. I felt responsible. When I returned to our village, however, she was there, and pretty darn mad, to say the least!"

"Well, did you tell her what you told me?"

"Aye. She was still angry at me, but she'll soon get over it. Trust me."

"A'ight, whatever. Hey!" I exclaimed as a sudden thought struck me. "What are you doing out this late? Isn't it dangerous?"

"What about you?" he retorted, staring me down. For some reason, I couldn't seem to hold his gaze. Then his look softened and he said, "You seem a tad down in the dumps today. What's the matter?"

"Well..." I frowned, trying to decide whether or not to confide in a nearly complete stranger. I knew Granpa wouldn't approve...but who cared, right? I needed someone to talk to, and if Gramps wouldn't listen, I'd tell someone who would. Victor seemed like a nice guy anyway, someone I could trust. So I continued.

"See, it's just, being the American Dragon is such a drag...some things...have come up, and I just wish I could be like a normal human for like one day. Just to see what it feels like..."

"Hmm." Victor seemed to be deep in thought. "Normal for a day. Aye, something many magical guardians wish for...and I might be able to help you."

"Really? How?"

Victor stroked his red goatee. "Meet me here tomorrow night at sundown. I have an idea."

He got up, and I stood up as well, realizing that he barely went up to my waist. "Thanks," I said, "but...why are you helping me? You barely know me."

"Aye, 'tis true. But you saved my Amanda. She told me."

"I thought she broke up with you."

"Aye, that she did, but I still care for her. I am in your debt. Now, go home. Your parents will probably be worried about you. And don't forget...here, at sundown." He turned on his heel.

"Okay, thanks!" But the leprechaun had already disappeared into the bushes.

A/N: So...what did you think? I hope you liked this chapter, and I'll try to update ASAP! Don't forget, please remember to R&R! Put a smile on, put a smile on, everybody come on, put a smile on!

~Emachinescat ^..^

Review Replies:

To Worker72: Yeah, that was a good idea. If you don't mind, I might use it a little later in the story...

To snowboarder9: I can't remember if I've already replied to your review on chapter 3, so I'm going to do it now (I'm very forgetful)...Thanks, I'm glad u liked it.

To epobbp: I'm glad u like it.

To AmericanDragonFan: Yeah, he does have a temper...but think about it. He's just found out that his arch foe is his crush...it's kinda like finding out that Orlando Bloom (He's fine, and he's mine!) is like a heartless tyrant that wants to bring the world into submission. (That would never happen, but it's a cool analogy, right?) Anyway, I'm glad u like it, and I hope this one is just as good...

To Fuddog: I'm glad u like it.