3 MONTHS LATER

HG: Jessica! He's talking!

Max: Ma-Ma-Mama!

JE: Aw, that's so darn adorable! Do you think it's his first word?

HG: Well, he was really very little when he was brought here, and even if the trauma of parental abandonment may have hampered him, he would have continued by now.

JE: First word – Mama – May 16th 2007.

HG: Did you just say May 16th

JE: 2007!

N: Jessica had created a baby's firsts book.

D: She did indeed say May 16th, Alex.

HG: Mrs. Drapes! Good morning.

D: Why does May 16th bother you so?

HG: I-I-It doesn't. I only wanted to make sure I knew the date Max first spoke.

D: Aw, how cute. Come Alex, you'll be doing groceries with me today.

HG: I'd rather not.

D: You've been stuck in this house all week; it's your turn to go.

HG: I'm not feeling well.

D: Because you've been inside all week! It's not good for a growing child.

HG: Please, Mrs. Drapes, I don't want to go.

D: Car Alex, now. Bring Max too. He could also use some fresh air.

HG: (sighs) Bye Jessica.

JE: See you later Alex!

HG: (Mumbles to self) I sure hope so.

IN THE CAR

D: You're awfully quiet Alex.

HG: I told you, I'm not feeling well.

D: You were sick last month, and you talked a lot then.

HG: I've got a headache.

D: Shame.

HG: Mrs. Drapes, serious question. Why did you treat me like you did when I was little? I hadn't done anything yet!

D: no, but how many of my kind have you slain?

HG: Only because I saw what a dragon could do!

D: How many?!

HG: I don't know?! Seven plus three, and one, and on more – I think. So twelve? I don't know.

D: (Steamed) So I should get to kill you only because of how your kind treated me when I was a child?

HG: Excuse me?

D: I was a captive of the Huntsclan for six years after my parents were killed.

HG: And you still turned out nasty and ruthless. Oh, and FYI, you just missed the store entrance.

D: No kidding Alex.

HG: Please Mrs. Drapes. I'm warning you.

D: Oh, I'm afraid. No need to spoil the holiday!

HG: The holiday's worthless!

D: It's been a tradition for centuries.

HG: No kidding! Some of the greatest warriors have been a part of it!

D: Glad to add you to the list.

HG: Do they know I'm coming?

D: Nope.

HG: What about Max?

D: Nope.

HG: At least let him go, please? He's just an itty-bitty child.

D: Does the Southern Huntsgirl actually have a heart?

HG: I have my reasons. Personal gain to keep him safe actually.

DRAGON SUMMIT

Dragon Leaders (DL): Madame Drapes! How wonderful it is to see you! Who are your guests?

D: I believe you are all familiar with the Southern Huntsgirl. (Pushes Alex forward. Her hands tied behind her back.)

DL: W-W-What are you still alive for?

HG: I'm dead without the Huntsclan!

DL: The prophecy?

HG: Perhaps.

DL: Who's the kid?

D: We're not sure. He was brought to me, and strangely he has the mark. Abandoned.

DL: I say raise him in captivity. It would be wrong to have him in the tradition. (To random dragon) Take this baby to the nursery, and keep an eye on him. (To Alex) As for you, I'm going to have no trouble including you in our festivities – main attraction! (To Mrs. Drapes) Thank you. You will be receiving the gold soon.

N: The dragon leaders began to drag Alex into the dungeons.

DL: Don't you think it is a great May 16th Huntsgirl?

HG: Oh, call it for what it really is! I'm not stupid! As on every May 16th, it's the disgusting Kill Huntsclan Day!