A/N: Okay, this is probably going to be an emotional chapter...we're going to see Rose struggle with herself quite a bit...so, here's chapter fifteen. Review replies are at the bottom.

Choices

Chapter Fifteen

"Jake? No, I don't-won't believe it! Master, we must have...got him on accident, because I know Jake would never be..."

Huntsman looked at her sharply. "You did, did you not, promise me that no matter if it was the person you most admire, then you would still slay him. Think of it like this: He is not your 'Jake' fellow, but a member of the Dragon Council, your arch foe, the American Dragon."

For a moment, Huntsgirl looked like she was going to refuse. I looked at her hopefully, but she turned her head painfully and said, "I understand."

Fear washed over me. I opened my mouth to say something, but nothing came out. I couldn't believe it. Rose was going to slay me. Now my only hope was for Gramps to come save me...or for Rose to change her mind. I was jolted back to reality as Huntsman's sharp voice said, "The dragon shall stay here until a quarter past eleven-the customary and legendary time for performing the ritual." He then looked at Huntsgirl sharply. "Can I trust you? Give me your word as a member of the Huntsclan that you will not free or help him in any way."

"I..."

"Huntsgirl, promise me."

"Yes, master."

"Then I leave you to your business. The Huntsclan and I will return at a quarter past eleven to complete the ritual." He left.

I watched as Rose walked out and yelled, "Hey, wait!" She turned, tears in her eyes. "Wh-what is it, Dragon?" she asked, obviously trying to stick to her duty. Then she looked into my eyes and said, "I mean...Jake?"

I smiled, ever so slightly. So she still cared about me. Even if it was just a little bit. "Why 11:25?" I asked, unable to think of anything else to say-I just wanted to keep Rose here so that I could find a way to make her see that I still cared for her.

"Why do you want to know?" she asked suspiciously.

"Oh...just curious."

"Because that is the ritual time that our Draconiana Eclipse Ceremony takes place."

"Say what?"

"It's-" she paused, then stared at me. "Why am I even telling you this? You're a traitor, Jake Long!"

I was stunned. So this was what it was all about? She thought I was a traitor? "How am I a traitor? Okay, you're the one who's got me tied to a chair! And aren't you the one who is planning on killing me at your precious '11:25' thing?"

Tears filled her eyes. "You don't understand, Jake! I trusted you!"

"Yo, I trusted you baby, but Rose...I still do. I know you'll do the right thing and let me go...'cuz I really care about you."

Rose bit her lip and looked like she was going to respond, but instead, turned on her heel and fled from the room, sobbing, "If you did, you would have told me!"

I yelled back, right before she was out of earshot, "If I didn't, I would have killed you that day when you were threatening that leprechaun!" Out the doorway, I saw her pause for a moment, and then run the other direction.

I sighed and busied myself with trying to get free. My efforts were fruitless, of course (sphinx hair),so I sat there, worrying and wondering. Maybe Fu was awake. Maybe Gramps was back and on the Huntsclan's trail. Maybe they would be here to save me. Maybe.

A/N: Okay, a little weird, I know, but next chapter should be better. Um, please read and review, and...I'll update ASAP. Later on, you'll see more about the Draconiana Eclipse Ceremony, and what it's about and stuff. Anyway, please R and R, and I'll update asap (hopefully this evening). May the force be with you.

~Emachinescat ^..^

Review Replies

To Worker72: You have many valid points, and a lot of them are to come to pass. Um...the reactions. Yes, you will see them, but it may not be too fun...yet. We see Rose struggling a lot with herself, and this chapter leaves you hanging too...sorry...-EMcat.

To Fuddog: I'm glad u like it. Oh, and that was pretty funny, with the "fake Jake plushie" thing...ha,ha. I can't help it that I'm dumb. Hee, hee. Anyway, I'm glad u liked it so much, and I hope this one is good as well.

To epobbp: I'm glad u like it.