Chapter 9: The Point of No Return

"Huntsmaster, please reconsider!" Rose pleaded with the Huntsman. "I don't care what you do- just let him go!"

"We had a deal, Thorn. Either you slay the American dragon, or be slain!" The Huntsman left Rose standing shaking. She then gathered her strength and went to Jake's cell. He looked angry.

"You." He hissed.

"Jake-"

"I trusted you. And you lied. I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU!" He shouted. He has never felt so heart-broken. He just wanted to get the heck out of there and move on with his life.

"I can't believe you think I had something to do with this!" She burst into tears and ran to her room.

A few hours later, the Huntsman poured some sort of hallucinating potion over Jake. At that moment, Rose came in her Huntsgirl outfit.

"Make your choice now, Thorn. Either he dies or you."

Rose opened her mouth but was interrupted by Lao-Shi and Fu crashing through the wall. Huntsman was amused.

"Chinese Dragon! So glad you could make it in time for our ceremony."

"Ceremony?" Oh no. She didn't. He thought.

"Ah, yes. I believe you better reserve a tombstone." The Huntsman said triumphantly.

"He may be dead, but this isn't over!" He grabs Fu dog and hightails it out of there.

Back at the shop, Lao is pacing again. "I can't believe it. "How can we lose? We never lose! Jake's dead!"

"Actually," Fu spoke up. "I smelled him, and he's alive. He just got a hallucinating potion poured over him. It makes you look dead."

Lao was impressed. And relieved. "Fu Dog, you the man!"

Jake woke up and felt queasy. The huntsman was staring right at him.

"Ah, Jake. You're awake."

"You'll never get away with this!"

"And who's going to rescue you?" He gestured to Lao Shi and Fu (supposedly) dead. Jake gasps.

"No... " He said sadly.

"I'll leave you alone to soak in your misery." He laughs then leaves the room. Jake just stares at the lifeless bodies of his Dragon Mater and grandfather. His animal guardian and friend. It's all my fault. He thought. He falls down to the ground and cries his eyes out.

Poor Jake! What'll happen next?