It was the day after Dragon Father taught Dragon Little a lesson in leadership and after that lesson turned out badly.

Dragon Father had vanished after the short adventure they had following that lesson. I know he had awoken in his real world, but Dragon Little only knew that he vanishes for long periods of time. 

As usual, she went down to the Infinite Prison in the belly of the ship to talk to some villains that have become her friends. As she walked, I heard the Evil Fairy Forest King whisper at her with his grating voice, “Ah, your father tried to teach you leadership, did he?” 

“King…” I heard General Hawk’s voice rise menacingly. Only a few days ago did he threaten the Evil Fairy Forest King for successfully planting self-doubt in Dragon Little’s mind. 

The evil king ignored the faraway threat. “I only say that he seems to prepare you to lead. That is good.”

“King… Shut your mouth!” General Hawk’s voice grew fierce. 

“But you have no one to lead,” the King continued. “Perhaps he is preparing you for the day he will be gone.” 

“Gone?” Dragon Little’s voice was worried. 

“Shut your mouth! Or die!”

“Gone. Like Mary. That is a wise thing,” the Evil Fairy Forest King said. “And at General Hawk’s request I will say no more.” 

Dragon Little quickly came out of the Infinite Prison to the deck, clearly rattled. 

“You are dead,” my sharp dragon ears heard General Hawk whisper, a whisper that was too soft to be heard by Dragon Little far below me, on the deck. 

“She certainly is,” the Evil Fairy Forest King whispered back. “It is only a matter of time.” 

I was afraid he was right.

—Told by The Red Dragon