The dragons wish

A long time ago, a dragon ruled heaven and earth. The world obeyed him, for if they don't, the dragon steals the traitor at night. It just so happened that the king of Demure would give his kingdom and his daughter's hand in marriage if somebody could get rid of the dragon.

A young man had heard the king's prayer and rushed over to accept the challenge. Once he got the king's permission he went to slay the dragon. When he got there, the dragon was asleep. He swung the sword in his hand, ready to strike. ''Ah, you dared the king.'' The boy stumbled back. The dragon said ''Do not fear me, mere mortal.'' ''Why should I trust you?'' ''Listen carefully,'' the dragon said, '' That king has lied.''

'' What?'' ''Yes,'' replied the dragon, ''The king won't give you the kingdom, nor the daughter. From now on, you can wish on me and that wish will come true. So if the king lies, punish him! I will stay in my cave so everybody will think I'm dead. Good luck!'' The boy thanked the dragon and headed back.

The boy returned, the king said ''Good work! Now leave, you DON'T get my kingdom. You DON'T get my daughter and you lose!' This is what the boy expected. ''From now on,'' he muttered, ''Your servants will become lazy.'' So the king's servants became lazy and they weren't doing the work. When he was at his house he muttered ''I wish that the king grows so fat that he can't move.'' And so, the following day, The king looked bulkier.

On the fifth day, he was as big as a hippo! The boy finally wished ''I wish I was king.'' And then, he was. And it so happened that the boy's name was America, so the land was called America. The dragon, however, left his cave and was honored. The dragon became the sign for strength in the Chinese zodiac. So, every year, on December 31, New year's eve came, because since that was the day the boy became king, and It was ALWAYS when the boy and his wife smiled up to the dragon, and the dragon smiled back.