HG: One more month you guys!
P: I am so ready to get out of here.
T: Tell me about it!
HG: I will tell you though, if Chester confronts me one more time about starting our own family, I'll kill him!
T: Relax Aly, you won't have to if you don't want to.
HG: I should just change my name to Aly. I'm never going to escape it!
P: So what is the first thing you'll do when you get home?
T: I'm going to run around my yard like a madman.
HG: Well, I'll probably suck-up to my owner to get a cookie or something – make Rose believe I'm a dog. But minute that it turns bedtime, and everyone's asleep, I'm changing back to human form, and I'm going on a ten-mile run.
P: I bet you're pretty as a human.
N: Alex had told Riley everything.
HG: Aw, thanks Riley! I'm not even sure what I look like anymore. My hair is probably a mess. I had to cut it really short, and I'm sure it's at least below my ears now.
THAT NIGHTT: Hey Aly, I had a thought.
HG: (Yawns) Yes?
T: If Rose hadn't stopped our leader from destroying all magical creatures, wouldn't you have died along with the dragons and unicorns and giants and – all of them?
HG: Yes, I would have. I'm only one person though. If it meant sacrificing myself for the destruction of magic, I would have. Besides, I would have been saved by the prophecy.
P: Come on guys, let's go to bed.
ALEX'S DREAMN: It was peaceful with Alex alone next to a lake. At least in her dreams she could be human.
HG: (Thinking) Maybe I should go and visit Jake. That would scare him good. Rose could be fun to explore what really happened now in her past. I could always go to 88 and 89. They're still alive – maybe. Man, I just feel so dang alone.
Southern Huntsman (SH): Alex?
HG: Master?! (Looks around) No, this can't be. This is part of my dream.
SH: Aly, come. I am really here. We need to talk about your future.
HG: Master, I… I can't believe it! I've missed you so much! I'm so alone.
SH: That is what we need to discuss. I know you don't want to be a dog forever, and there's still your destiny.
HG: I will never stop slaying dragons.
SH: Good.
HG: How can you be here sir?
SH: Entering dreams is the same for me as you. We're all still alive, just trapped in another dimension. I can see everything that you do.
HG: Master?
SH: Yes Alex?
HG: You knew that I was probably about to die that night – didn't you?
SH: Yes Alex – I did. I feared the worst ever since you retrieved the skull at the competition. It all became clear then. Did you know when you were ready to assist in the wish?
HG: Sort of. I knew, but didn't comprehend. I'm not really sure if I would have been saved by the prophecy. I never did like the skull spell – it was way too confusing. Master, how do I get out of being a dog forever?
SH: A: Runaway
B: Pretend to get killed.
Or C: Escape at night in human form with Rose held hostage.
HG: I could never hurt Rose, making her think that I ran away, or died. Nighttime sounds best to me. I just wish I didn't have to hurt Rose that way too. But how in the world and I going to find a dragon in Hong Kong without a tracking device?
SH: Have faith in yourself Alex. You're smart and strong. You're smart in book smart, though mostly street smart. But more importantly, you have the whole Huntsclan's strength flowing within you! You have the qualities of the perfect Huntsmaster – you know that. Find a dragon. Learn everything you can about him or her, and make your attack at the right time. Good luck.
1 MONTH LATERHG: Thorn! Riley! The day's finally here! We're finally going home!
P: I'm going to miss y'all so much! I owe you my life.
T: Hey, we'll still see each other.
HG: meet you two tonight in the park?
T: Sure.
P: If I can escape.
HG: Good. Come on; let's go wait near the gate outside.
T: So what do you think Rose is going to name you?
HG: Something prissy probably. (Looks around) That's them! That's Rose's family!
P: Well, I guess this is goodbye?
HG: Hey, don't forget about the park tonight! I'll see you guys later okay?
T: Bye Aly!
P: See ya!
INSIDE BUILDINGHG: (Woofing) Rose!
R: Mom! Dad!
RD: Well I'll be. She still recognizes you!
N: They signed the papers and loaded Alex into their car. Rose's sister, Silver, didn't care for the dog much.
Silver (S): Rose, you're mutt's touching me!
R: There's only so much room! Don't worry, Silver, she's not diseased – and she's not a mutt!
RM: Rose, why don't you put on the new collar we got her and tell the dog her new name?
R: Oh! Right! (Attaches green collar) I don't know where the name came from, but I want to call you… Alex.
N: Alex wagged her tail showing appreciation to Rose.
ROSE'S HOUSER: (Showing layout) Here's my bedroom. This is where you'll sleep. Over there's Silver's room – probably not the best place to be in. The kitchen's down here, and the basement just down there (pointing at door)
N: Rose never expected Alex to understand her.
R: Do you want to go on a walk girl? (Holds out leash)
HG: Woof! (Yes)
R: (Attaching leash) Okay, come on!
PARKHG: (thinking) Ah, so this is their park!
Arnold (A): Good day there Rose!
N: They had known one another from their father's company picnics.
R: (Nervous) Oh, uh, hi Arnold.
A: I see you got a new mutt.
HG: Grrrrr… (Shut up, I'm warning you.)
R: I didn't know you had a dog?
A: Of course! Rose, this is Chester. He's a purebred.
C: Alex!
HG: Chester.
A: I've got an outstanding idea!
R: Oh no, what now?
A: I usually don't breed my purebred with mutts, but what do you say? Not like it'll affect my dog.
R: No way! I would never abuse my baby! That's illegal.
C: Come on Aly, convince your Master it's okay.
HG: Not in a gazillion years dog breath!
C: I'm hurt Alex.
A: You and I could always become a thing as well. (Gets closer)
R: Arnold! Stop!
HG: Ruff! Grrr… Bark! Bark! (Get away from her you sleaze bag!)
A: Settle the mutt down before I call animal control!
R: She's not a mutt! And I'll call 911 before you think of animal control!
A: Fine, have a good day Rose.
C: Buh bye Aly!
R+HG: Jerk!
R: Come on Alex, let's go grab a bite to eat.
THAT NIGHTT: Hey Riley! Glad to see you could get out!
P: You too Thorn! Have you seen Alex anywhere?
T: No, I haven't.
HG: (Sighs Depressed) (Human form) (Dressed in Huntsclan uniform) I'm over here. (Looking into mirror) The burn's still there. So are the scars from the Northern Huntsman's whip, the "X" from the late night attack, and a scratch from the arrow that killed Chris. Everything that reminds me of them is still here.
T: You can understand us?
HG: Sure, it's part of me now.
P: Alex, how'd you get hurt so many times? Did someone not like you?
HG: Oh Riley, (sits on lap and strokes his head) it's not worth getting into.
T: Alex, you look a mess, you should really see a doctor.
HG: Where would I go Thorn? I don't have the Huntsclan to cover the bills now! I'll just have to wait for it to heal.
P: I'm sorry someone did this to you.
HG: Thanks Riley, but you don't have to be.
T: I've never seen the Northern Huntsman lash out at anyone like he did to you that one time. You must have really irritated him.
HG: (Giggles) He and I have never gotten along well. I don't know why, but he's always been able to find a reason to get angry with me. Go figure.
T: How were things between you and Rose?
HG: I don't know. Sometimes I wanted to kill her for destroying everything. At other times, I didn't want to leave her side. She's the last of the human family I have.
P: You'll always have us.
HG: I know Riley, but sometimes I want a human family. I love having the two of you, but I want more. No. I want what I had.
T: We better be getting home.
HG: Yes, I know, I don't want anyone finding that I'm gone. (Transforms to canine form)
T: Nice collar Alex.
HG: Thanks, it's new.
N: Once they all returned to their homes, Alex curled up on top of Rose's bed at her feet and began to dream of old times at the Huntsclan.
ALEX'S DREAM/FLASHBACKHG: Knock, knock?
SH: Come on in Huntsgirl. What can I do for you?
HG: I'm here for my weekly physical and fitness exam?
SH: Wow, it's been a week?
HG: Yes sir.
SH: Okay, well, let's start with the worst part.
HG: Don't we always?
SH: Come on. I know it doesn't feel like it, but weight and waistline are important for the Huntsgirl. You'll understand one day. Please, step on the scale.
N: Alex did so, and nervously awaited the results.
SH: (Sighs) Huntsgirl, you've gained another two pounds. Let's get the waistline and then we can move on. (Beckons to approached) (Shakes head) Another quarter inch longer. Huntsgirl, what's happening?
HG: Master, I can't help it! I've cut down on food proportions, and I've added thirty minutes to each of my workouts! It seems the more I exercise, the more I gain! I don't know what's wrong? Could it be something with the food?
SH: Let me go check with out cook, Bart.
KITCHENSH: Bart! I need to talk with you for a moment.
Bart (B): Yes Master?
SH: Have you changed the food at all?
B: Changed how sir?
SH: Huntsgirl's been gaining unexplainable weight, and I fear that she's going to stop eating period if something doesn't change. I need to know if you've messed with the recipes or something.
B: Hmmm… Oh! I know! A lot of the boys have been coming back for multiple helpings throughout the day. They say that with their workout schedules, they're always hungry. So I have enhanced the food to react in a way that when adrenalin is pumped, the food is still giving off calories and carbs. They'll keep going without eating all of the food we have.
SH: But did you consider Huntsgirl's metabolism doesn't work like a guy's?
B: Well, not really. I suppose I could make her separate meals.
SH: See that you do. No one wants – or needs – a fat Huntsgirl. Doesn't anyone get why this is so important?
N: Alex continued to dream into the very early morning.
SH: Huntsgirl, may I request a favor?
HG: No.
SH: (Shocked) Excuse me?
HG: You're the Huntsmaster. You demand favors.
SH: Oh, of course. Anyhow, there is a dinner tonight with some one the top Huntsclan of the world. I am required to bring a student. Would you like to come?
HG: Master… I… I've never really done anything so formal and proper. I'd probably embarrass you.
SH: We'll work on it. We have a few hours.
N: They swiftly began to go to a new type of training – one Alex had never done before.
SH: Remember your posture! You're a young woman – act like one!
HG: I'm trying my best Master. My back doesn't go much straighter.
SH: Then make it… good, good… perfect! All right, table manners now.
HG: You mean like forks and other placements?
SH: Yes.
HG: Wonderful!
N: Four hours later, Alex was in a little black dress and on her way to the dinner. It was quite a night to remember – one that had composed her into a perfect lady.
ROSE'S ROOMR: Alex, come on, wake up girl. We're going on a run. You and me. Let's go!
N: Alex jumped off of the bed and raced down the stairs next to Rose. It would just be like old times when the two were ordered to go running – sometimes even in the rain.
R: Alex and I are going out mom!
RM: Okay dear! Bring back a carton of milk while you're out!
R: Sure thing mom! Love you!
RM: You too darling!
N: Perhaps this would be Alex's chance to take Rose back to her destiny?