He rolled up the parchment, stepped down from the stool, picked it up and disappeared behind the bushes once more. The Princess and the Dragon followed him.

Hold on a second, does that mean that I’m now responsible for the Dragon?

Hold on a second, does that mean... What does that mean, exactly?

Bonsai was still behind the bushes, only his voice was heard.

That means exactly what it means -- said Bonsai. -- The Princess has to take care of the Dragon now.

But why?

Because it’s the law.

But I don’t even know what I’m going to do with myself! How can I be responsible for a huge dragon if I don’t even know what I’m going to do with my own life?

That’s not my problem -- said Bonsai from the bushes.

Could you come out of there and explain why?

No.

Writer! -- The Princess asked for my help.

Don’t look at me, there’s nothing I can do.

You must be able to do SOMETHING, can’t you? Make him come out of the bushes.

Suddenly, The Dragon of Fear had an idea

Me?

He walked over to the bushes.

Me?

Yes, you! Walk over to the bushes!

Okay. -- He walked over to the bushes --Now what? -- As I said this, he took a deep breath with the intention of burning down the bushes -- ME??? Aren’t you mistaking me for someone else?

Oh, for God’s sake!... Okay... you know what? Just forget it.

The bush magically disappeared, leaving Bonsai in plain sight; he was sitting on his stool, eating cookies.

Hey! What’s going on? -- asked Bonsai, surprised.

Why do I have to take responsibility for the Dragon?

Oh, dear! -- sighed Bonsai. -- Why is no one ever satisfied with The Law of Life? If they learned to listen and follow it, things would always be so much easier. Okay, let’s see.

He took his stool and walked over to the Princess.

Come, sit down -- said Bonsai as he sat on his stool. The Princess impatiently sat on the ground next to him. -- Dragon, can I ask you a favor?

Sure.

Can you please get me my faralangher that I left behind that tree? -- Bonsai pointed at the farthest tree in sight.

Yeah, sure -- said the Dragon as he ran towards the tree. Bonsai and Princess Odai were alone now.

You have conquered The Dragon of Fear, Princess -- said Bonsai -- but the Dragon has never acted alone. Truth be told, black dragons of fear don’t think for themselves. They feed off of you, they do what you want them to do. You have lived as a prisoner in that small tower for such a long time because you chose to.

I chose to? But I always wanted to leave.

Yes, you wanted to, but you didn’t.