A/N: Hey, what's up? I'm back! Okay, here's chapter 34, and in this chapter you'll learn some of what the surprise twist will be...

Choices

Chapter Thirty-Four

A few days later, I was well enough to get up and travel around the house. The Council members decided to hold a meeting in my kitchen (because my mom felt that I wasn't well enough to go out yet). Rose, Trixie, and Spud had gone home every night (Rose was staying at Trixie's), but had come over every day after school and stayed until late at night. On the night of the meeting, however, Rose stayed home, fearing the Council might somehow find out her secret.

"Dragon Jake," said Ansem, "first I would like to say that you have shown bravery and strength that we never knew capable from a dragon, especially from one as young as yourself. We are deeply in your gratitude. As soon as possible, we are going to give you a great reward for your incredible services, but I can say no more on the subject right now."

"Also," said another member, "the magical community now knows something about what happened between you and the Dark Dragon. Of course, there are a lot of rumors going around, so all of it may not be true, but everyone who knows anything at all about magic knows (in one form or another) that you destroyed the Dark Dragon. You are now a hero…you have performed the unthinkable, however…there is a problem with everyone knowing. That means all evil powers still existing know as well…"

"What do you mean?"

"Soon after word leaked out about you destroying the Dark Dragon, Chang escaped from jail."

"That's awful…but what's that got to do with me?"

"She was the Dark Dragon's closest follower." Granpa spoke up for the first time that night.

"So…"

Ansem continued darkly, "She is angry at you, Jake…you killed her master…you destroyed what she lived for…she seeks rev—"

I was at the edge of my seat, fear gripping my heart at each word that he said, but before he could finish, the kitchen door burst open and Haley came in, grinning from ear to ear.

"Jake, Daddy's home! We didn't tell him what happened, though! Mom told him you had been in a little accident, but nothing else! He wants to see you, but Mommy told him that you were talking to some friends and would be out in a minute. See ya!" And with that, she flounced merrily out of the room.

Ansem smiled. "Sweet child."

I had no time for that. I wanted to hear what he had to say about Chang…

"So, what were you saying?"

"Oh, yes." He took on his dark manner once more and said, "You destroyed her master, what she lived for. She wants revenge, Jake Long. On you. She will rest at nothing. She wants to avenge her master. You are still in grave danger, Dragon Long. She will stop at nothing. That is why you must be prepared for the worst. Rest until you have regained all of your strength, then you shall begin training with the World Dragon Council every day. We know the day is coming when she will attack…we are doing all that we can to track her down…but in the meantime, be prepared. She's out to get you. And she will stop at nothing. But rest assured, the World Dragon Council is behind you one hundred percent."

"Yes," said Gramps, "but that does not mean that we can protect you from every danger that comes along. "You must be prepared to once again fight for your life…I'm sorry, Jake."

"Not your fault," I muttered hoarsely, then sat in silence, pondering my situation.

Why had all this happened to me? Why had the last few months of my life been pure chaos? Why was everyone on the dark side after me?

"Why?" I managed to choke out. The Dragon Council looked at me sadly. "Why me?"

A/N: Sooo...how was it? Do you think that the twist is twisted enough? LOL. Seriously, though, d'ya think it was a good idea...okay, please R and R, (but no flames, please), and I'll update ASAP! It'll probably be tomorrow...

~Emachinescat ^..^