Chapter 2: Thirteen Years Later
Haley Long, now twenty, flew over the rooftops of NYC. A couple of leprechauns were fighting over a won pot of gold, and she needed to settle it. Haley landed in front of the hollow the leprechauns live in. A harassed looking leprechaun named Ana came to the door.
"American Dragon! Thank goodness!" Ana exclaimed, relieved. Ana beckoned Haley into the room where two male leprechauns were rolling on the floor and yelling at each other in Irish. "Jack and John have been at it for hours." Ana explained.
Haley marched over to the fighting leprechauns and pulled them apart.
"All right, you two. Knock it off!" Scolded Haley. "Now, ever thought you can split the gold?"
"Miss that is not the problem!" Jack insisted. "John here asked for a loan, but I said 'No', because I didn't trust him since he blabbed my secret! He then freaked out on me!"
"It is not even that big a secret!" John put in.
Haley held up a silencing hand. "Enough!" She said firmly. "John, you shouldn't overreact because someone doesn't trust you. Just...do something to regain your trust."
"Thanks, American Dragon." Said John. "I guess I should've thought of that."
"You're welcome." Haley replied. "Let me know if there are any more problems."
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Haley sat at a table with a communication bubble. She was talking to Councilor Andam.
"Well done, Dragon Long." Said he. "I couldn't have done it better myself."
"Thanks."
The councilman sighed sadly. "Your grandfather would've been proud."
Haley looked away sadly. Lao Shi died two years previously of cancer.
Eighteen year old Haley walked over to Laos' bed. He looked very sick.
"Hi, Grandpa."
Lao smiled weakly. "Hello, Haley."
"How are you feeling?"
"Not good."
Haley sighed. "What am I going to do without you?"
Lao took Haley's' hand. "Continue your duties as the American Dragon. And find Jake. I believe there is still some good in him."
"What if there isn't?"
"Just keep trying, Haley." Said Lao. "Never give up. And don't be afr..." Lao Shi passed on. Haley cried over him.
"I guess now I need to find Jake." Haley said to Councillor Andam.
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