Chapter 2

The Source

Rose had barely felt a thing. It was rush of air, a gust of wind, and she was suddenly in a completely different place. The warehouse walls and the altar had been replaced with pure darkness. Rose slowly stood up, her eyes slowly shifting across the room. It was a cavern of sorts, the only light coming from strange light blue crystals that dotted the cavern. Like the stars in the night sky, the crystals filled the blackness with hundreds of different points of light.

Rose began to walk towards cavern wall, her hand gently reaching out to touch one of the crystals. Just as her hand was about to touch the crystal, something grabbed her wrist. Rose pulled back, her eyes locking on the figure that had kidnapped her. The figure in the black cloak bent down, his face hidden in the shadow of a hood, "Don't touch the crystals, at least not yet."

Rose pulled her arm away from the stranger, getting into a defensive position as she readied for a fight. The cloaked figure laughed, moving away into pure shadow as he said, "There is no need to worry Rose. I have no intention of harming you. It is not in the interest of the source."

Rose relaxed a bit, looking around the shadows, "What do you mean, and how do I know my name?"

"All in good time Rose. Now, would you care to answer a few of my questions?"

Rose grumbled, walking forward a few steps into the center of the cavern, "Fine. What do you want to know?"

Rose span around, hearing faint foots step sprinting behind her, "Why are you a member of the huntsclan?"

Rose stood up, irritation ringing in her voice, "What kind of question is that?"

"A simple one, "The stranger said from the shadows, "and one I would like the answer to."

Rose groaned, looking down at her hand, "I am a member of the huntsclan because I bear the mark of the clan, a dragon."

The voice chuckled, "Isn't it kind of strange that the huntsclan bears such a mark, the image of a creature they hunt. Yours also seems to be very special."

Rose blinked a few times, taking a closer look at her own birth mark, "I don't see what's so special about it."

The figure laughed, darting around quickly in the shadows, "The mark itself isn't much different from say, the Huntsmasters. His is centered in one location, his head. Yours, however, isn't like that. The head of your dragon birthmark is on your palm, but can you tell me where the tail is?"

Rose responded, getting a little freaked out by the strange cloaked figure, "It's on my chest."

"Don't you mean your heart?"

Rose glared into the darkness, crossing her arms in front of her chest, "I don't even want to think about how you know that?"

The voice laughed, "My dear, you offend me. I would never stoop so low. I know because the source told me."

"The source?" As if in response to Rose's question, a bright light flashed up in the cave. A huge gem, embedded in the back wall of the cave, began to pulse with light. The gem itself was a crimson red, the light coming from a fire that seemed to burn within the gem. The fire, the light, it all pulsed as if it was a heartbeat. As if it was alive.

The cloaked figure stepped into the light, standing between rose and the red crystal, "The magic in the world all comes from one place, a fire that has burned since the beginning of time itself. The fire was encased in this ruby, protecting itself from the outside world. Still, its power flowed out to fill the world. There are just some moments that seem to have magic. The kiss between two lovers, the beauty of the stars in the night, and so much else. It is all because of the source."

Rose stepped forward, moving closer to the light as the figure continued to speak, "Centuries ago, I came across the crystal as I tried to understand the nature of magic. It is because of this crystal and my work that mystical creatures can now use magic, that dragons can now hide in human form. I helped encourage the source to let its power flow more freely in the world. In return, I became the source's servant, and agent. I went out in the world and did what it saw fit, and that brings us to why you are here."

Rose moved closer, the light of the crystal seeming to call to her, "And why is that?"

The figure reached up, pulling back his hood to reveal his face. His skin was as white as paper, being hidden from the sun for over five hundred years. His hair, in opposition, was a pitch black that was slicked back against his head. The man's eyes, however, were a bright yellow that shown in the night like the moon. His pupils, however, were the far strangest feature. Instead of like a human's pupils, which were round, this man's pupils were triangular in shape.

The figure stepped forward, smiling as he said, "Because your birth mark starts at your heart, it speaks of your true nature. For a while now the source has been watching you and Jake Long. A pair of star-crossed lovers if it ever saw them. Still, neither the source nor I enjoyed the end of Shakespear's play Romeo and Juliet, and we fear you and Jake are destined for a same fate. That is why we are intervening."

Rose shook her head, "I don't understand. What are you saying?"

The stranger turned, motioning towards the crystal as strange images began to dance in the gem, "The source has looked into the future, and seen the fate of the world. The Huntsmaster still knows of your disloyalty, and because of that you must go into hiding with Jake's grandfather. The dragon council, unfortunately, learns of this and labels Jake as a traitor to dragon kind, taking away his dragon powers."

The stranger continued, standing right in front of the gem as his shadow blanketed Rose, "Jake is devastated by the loss of his dragon powers, and tries to convince the council to give him a second chance. During his hearing, the dark dragon attacks the council, killing him and Lao Shi. From that point the timeline becomes clouded. The source and I are unable to discern anything more of the future until ten years later. That is when you stand once again in this chamber, an older and wiser woman. You also stand her with weapon in hand, having slain me. You attack and destroy the source, ending all magic on earth."

Rose shook her head, not wanting to believe her ears. She didn't want to believe it, she wouldn't believe it. Still, Rose looked up at the stranger and asked, "Is there anything you can do, I can do, to change that horrible fate."

The stranger nodded, "There is a second path, a fork in the road on the timeline that is dependent on the decision you are about to make. Your dragon birth mark begins of your heart, and the source sees this as a part of your true nature trying to escape. In that true nature, we see a future for you, for Jake, for the entire magical community. Now, the only question is if you are willing to take a leap of faith."

"What do you mean?"

The stranger moved forward, his triangle shaped pupils locking with Rose's eyes, "To prevent the future predicted you must become what you hunt. You must allow the source to empower your body with magic, thus changing your body to match your soul. It you are meant to be human, nothing will happen. If your soul was destined for a different form, the magic shall give you that form. However, there is no way to tell what you may become."

Rose paused, lowering her head. The stranger moved forward, stepping behind Rose as he said, "I have to go out and check on something. Take what time you need to make your decision, for once made you won't be able to turn back."

Rose nodded, turning to watch as the stranger disappeared into the shadows. She waited a few moments, looking in the darkness of the cave before she turned back, her eyes resting on the giant red crystal that was the source of all magic. Slowly stepping forward, Rose began to see strange images dancing in the gem's crimson crystal. At first, the visions were blurred, but as Rose drew closer the images began to come into focus. One was just before the school Ski Trip, where she and Jake had almost shared a kiss. The next was the night Jake and Spud snuck into the huntsclan academy, and Jake had wanted to just get her out of there so she would be safe.

Then, Rose saw another time when she and Jake had been together. It was after she had given Jake his own dream charm. He had entered her dream, inviting her back to his own. Once there, she and Jake literally danced the night away. Jake's dream had been of a fancy restaurant with a band that played everything and anything. It had been a wonderful dream, one that Rose would always remember. She also wondered if she and Jake could have another night out, one that wasn't just in their realm of dreams.

Rose then looked away from the gem, her mind tracing back to what the strange man had said. Jake would be killed, and it was because he had tried protecting her. It would be her fault he lost his dragon powers, and was left defenseless at the hands of the dark dragon, a creature known to the huntsclan just as well as the magical community.

"Have you made your decision?" Rose span around, seeing the stranger in the black cloak walking up from behind.

Rose turned back to the gem, her eyes locking on a few of the images that danced in its red light before they disappeared completely. Rose sighed, closing her eyes, "And you say there is no telling what I could turn into."

The stranger shook his head, "I am afraid you remember correctly. You could become anything, from a unicorn to a chimera. Still, the magic will only affect your body. Your mind, your heart, and your soul will remain untouched."

Rose remained silent a few seconds, the gears in her head turning as she mulled over what she was about to do. Finally, Rose opened her eyes with a fire of determination glowing within them, "I'll do whatever it takes. I have yet to slay a dragon, so I have yet to become a member of the huntsclan. Now that I know Jake is a dragon, I hope my hands are never stained with the blood from another magical creature."

The stranger smiled, "Then let's get to work, and by the way, my name is Kryos." The stranger turned abruptly, snapping his fingers. The gems all across the cave sprang to life, the darkness being driven away by their blue glow. Kryos moved forward, reaching in the folds of his black cloak as he pulled out a small leather bag.

Rose watched as Kryos ran around the cavern floor, which looked as if it had been leveled, like the floor in a great hall. Across the gray floor Kryos left a trail of white powder that seemed to sink into the floor, leaving a perfect white line. Within a few minutes, the floor was covered with a circular spell design. From the edges of the circle six lines branched out, each one bending back until it met with the source of magic. With the design finished, Kryos stood up straight, looking back at Rose as he motioned toward the center of the circle.

Rose nodded her head, stepping forward until she reached the dead center of the circle. Kryos stepped away, moving over to the corner of the room where he gently touched a crystal on the wall. The crystal sank into rock face, a small rock face popping out at the same time. The boulder slid out of the way, disappearing into the adjoining wall as it revealed a computer screen and keyboard.

Rose raised an eyebrow, a bit of quizzical look crossing her face, "A computer?"

Kryos kept his eyes locked on the screen as his fingers flew over the keys, "The source is powerful, but with more of the world turning to technology we must keep up with the times. Still, the source will be powering the spell. The only thing were using this computer for is a little bit of a beat."

Rose stared at Kryos for a few moments, and then shrugged as she waited for the spell to begin. Kryos stared at the screen, his eyes flying across the huge number of words and titles as he searched for something. It was ten minutes later when Kryos smiled, striking the computers enter key before stepping away.

A few moments passed, and then the cave began to fill with a gentle thumping noise. Rose listened closely, the noise sounding so familiar. She then noticed that the source of magic was pulsing along with the thumping noise, and Rose quickly began to make the connection. It was a heart beat.

Kryos moved in front of the source, his hands at his side as he said, "From Birth to Death, From Death to Birth. We are bound to time, and time is bound to us. From the source flows all the magic in the world. And from the worlds magic the source thrives. Now, let the magic of world and source combine, giving this human a heart of magic. Let her heart be released in the beat. Let her soul take flight in the melody. Let her true nature be revealed in the notes of the heart."

The heartbeat in the cave began to mix with something else, gentle music filling the air as the lines on the floor began to glow brightly. Rose felt her skin tingling, like her whole body had fallen asleep. For some reason, it didn't really heart. The feeling was just there, and it was beginning to sink into her skin.

What's that, I hear angels singing

Telling me to make my move

Listen to it, their voices are ringing baby

If you feel it, get into the grove

Rose began to float off the floor, magic from the source sinking further and further into her body. As Rose listened to the music, her mind drifted back to Jake. In truth, she was doing it because she didn't want Jake to die. She didn't want to slay him, or be the reason someone else did. He was doing the right thing, trying to protect those around him. That alone was enough for Rose to take a chance, and try to save Jake from a horrible fate.

Love is the rhythm of two hearts

Pounding a message steady and true

Talk to me baby, tell me what you're feeling

I know what love is

What's it to you?

Rose felt her entire body was saturated with magic, the strange warm feeling having spread from her toes to her head. The magic was mingling with her organs, bones, muscles, and everything else. It was like it was trying to fuse with her body, but was having a little trouble.

Times up, trains leaving

Are you ready to take that ride?

Get on board, don't keep me waiting

Say you're willing to cross that line

Rose cringed, the magic beginning to push harder. More and more magic flowed into her body, even though there was no more space. This was forcing magic into every corner of her being, and then forcing it to join with her bones. The process had begun, and magic was taking root.

Love is the rhythm of two hearts beating

Pounding out a message steady and true

Talk to me baby, tell me what you're feeling

I know what love is

What's it to you?

Rose continued to endure the pain as it escalated, her mind just thinking about Jake. It was for him, she was doing it for him. The magic in her bones began to take hold, like a trees roots digging into the life giving earth.

I sure your heart is telling you true

I got to know what love is to you

Finally, it was too much and Rose let out a scream of pain. The magic was spreading from her bones outward, this time digging into every muscle as it became one with her body. At that moment, the magic found Rose's heart. There, in such a vital organ, the link with a person's soul resides. When the magic found this link, it began to change its course. Rose's true nature began to change the magic, making it her own.

Because to me

It's the rhythm of two hearts beating

Pounding out a message steady and true

Talk to me baby, tell me what you're feeling

I know what love is

What's it to you?

The magic continued to spread as it linked in with every cell in Roses body. Still, she had yet to change in her physical appearance. The pain began to subside, but still Rose had to bite back her cries. She just focused her mind on Jake, mentally saying that since the pain was dying away, the spell was almost done.

Love is the rhythm of two hearts beating

Pounding out a message steady and true

Talk to me baby, tell me what you're feeling

I know what love is

What's it to you?

Now I know what love is

What's it to you?

The music ended, the only noise in the cavern the gentle heartbeat of the source. Rose floated back to the ground, her breathing a little ragged from the pain. Rose had expected Kryos to move forward, and help her up. Still, he stayed back, his triangle shaped pupils looking as if there was still something else to come.

Rose then felt it, a splitting pain in her back. It was so much it caused the battle hardened huntsgirl to fall onto the floor. Still, the pain continued as a second jolt struck her in her shoulders. It felt like she had been stabbed, but there was no sign of blood or wound to speak off. Still, the pain existed in full strength.

Rose flinched, her eyes closing as the pain began to cover her entire body. When she opened her eyes, she locked gazes with Kryos. She could not tell what was happening for herself, the pain to intense for her mind to register. Still, Kryos could see exactly what was happening. As Rose continued to endure the pain, Kryos stood silent and watched the transformation.

In New York City, Jake was working in his grandfather's shop. He carried a box across the room, slipping it on the shelf when he thought he heard something. It was distant, like a whisper on the wind. Still, it was there. Jake moved through the store, straining his ears as he tried to find the source of the sound. Eventually, he stepped out the shops back door, and could hear the sound more clearly. It sounded like someone crying in pain, it sounded like Rose.

Jake was about to transform when Lao Shi poked his head out the door, shouting at the top of his lungs, "JAKE, GET BACK TO WORK."

Jake flinched, looking back as Lao Shi disappeared back inside the shop. Jake looked back to the sky, his ears listening closely. The sound was gone, but that didn't change the fact he was still worried about Rose. Jake remained still a few seconds before turning, shrugging as he said, "It must have been the wind."

Jake didn't realize that what he was hearing could be heard by all magical creatures. Most had barely heard it, like a single voice shouting in a crowd of hundreds, each person shouting a different thing. Jake, however, had been able to single out Roses voice because he knew it by heart, and had learned to identify it in an instant.

Back at the cave, Kryos was slowly walking towards Rose. The light in the room had dimmed, and darkness had reclaimed much of the cave. Even the source, which had been burning brightly a moment before, had fallen into darkness. Kryos bent down, his hands gently grabbing Rose by the shoulder. With a great heave, Kyros lifted Rose of the ground looked over her new form.

Dark green scales, wings to match and claws that were as black as night. A long, thin, almost serpent like body that spoke of her youth, and in experience in such a form. Kyros smiled, looking up into Rose's eyes, that were still their calming shade of blue, "Come, it is time to begin your training."

Kryos stepped away, moving towards the cave entrance. Rose turned, a bit of confusion in her voice, "What kind of training?"

Kryos stopped, chuckling to himself, "My dear you have been trained in the ways of the huntsclan, but not that of magical creatures. You must learn to harness your magic, especially if you wish to hide amongst the human population. Now come, young dragon, we have much to do."

Rose nodded her head, following Kryos as they walked a thin tunnel. They walked for a few minutes before they entered another cavern, this one filled with furniture, a kitchen, and even a few electronics. Rose turned, seeing a boulder slide out of the floor to block the passage they had just come from. Rose's eyes then caught sight of a large mirror hanging against the wall.

While Kryos had his back turned, Rose walked over to the mirror and looked at her reflection. She had expected to see a human girl in a huntsclan uniform staring back at her. Instead, she saw a dragon with dark green scales, claws as black as night, and a long yellow ponytail, the way she tied her hair whenever working as the huntsgirl.