This hatchling appears to be... dead?

Perhaps not. It seems to be active during the night.

Young dragons are relatively defenseless. They are born with relatively soft scales, which are shed and replaced with harder ones as the hatchling matures. Once a hatchling’s wings grow in, it typically marks the beginning of maturation. At this point they are often capable of hunting on their own and are usually left alone by their mother.

Nishise is weak, and he knows it. Though physically feeble, he has a quick mind and great intuitive skills. He sticks to tough little Shiwa like a shadow, both out of friendship and because he knows she can protect him to a certain extent. That, and he is more than slightly infatuated with her, in a childish sort of way... Though he is much younger than she is, the pair are inseparable, he provides the rapier wit, she the attitude and the brawn. They make an excellent team, though they would not stand a chance should the living decide to turn on them.