This is a continuation from my Day 15 drawing.

Hatchlings don't really get "laws" and "rules" that humans are so fond of, dragons have codes and standards but those are generally more sensible and straightforward... at least if you could ask one of them. So when they began to accumulate in the human capital, they didn't really get the point of following arbitrary rules especially if no one was nearby to tell them off for it, such as "not taking people's belongings" or "don't commit arson in the middle of the city". Their elders didn't really care, "human matters" they said, "let them handle it" they said.

Dragon cooperation with local law enforcement was sluggish at best, they seemed equally disapproving of the shenanigans happening but not at all inclined to really step in over it. Officials asked for wider cooperation and assistance but the dragons merely said something about needing to bring it before council and voting before anything could really be done. But when the elders got wind of some humans believing they were so called "bad parents", things began to change. Turns out when their own reputation is at stake, dragons can cut through red tape just as quickly as humans. Suddenly a lot of dragons suddenly became available to the local guards, not only providing information but even volunteering to hunt down hideouts and "fugitives".

As you explored the capital, you stumbled on a gathering of people in the middle of the street. Unable to continue forward, you decide to join the crowd and see what the commotion is about. Eventually pushing to the front of the crowd, you run into a trio of guards blocking off the mouth of the alley, but you have a clear view from here. A large bonfire has been lit in the middle of the already soot covered alley, the new ashes staining the already stained walls. A pair of guards stand further down the alley, penning in the culprits as they continue throwing papers into the flames as they screech and hiss at the offending guards. A pair of the hatchlings decide to flee out the other end of the alley when suddenly they are snatched up in the jaws of two dragons hiding on the other side. Realizing the trap has been laid, the hatchlings try to take to the skies, drafting up off the flames they lit, but a veritable squadron of dragons circling above promptly catch any escapees. Suddenly you hear yelling behind you as the crowd scatters, before a group of hatchlings rush between the guards into the alley, carrying more paper. You barely slip aside before another trio of guards run in after the new hatchlings as the guards at the mouth of the alley start yelling at people to disperse. Taking the hint, you slip away from the scene.

But as quickly as they broke up the roving gangs and hatchlings were dragged off by their caretakers, other hatchlings returned and new units formed. But it did seem like all the tail biting and dragging them back home did get through to them at least a little. The rate of stolen valuables and harassed citizens per day began to fall. But even though they stopped most of the worst rowdiness, they continued to hunt and burn those flyers relentlessly... how strange...