Draconia - A World First

"Are we nearly there?" Toby kicked the back of his dad's seat.

"Nearly, son," Simon replied. He couldn't blame the kids for being excited. Dragons! This was the only way to see one. None in the wild for centuries, believed mythical for ages. This was the only Park of its kind.

Check-in was lengthy, and included watching safety videos. Kids fidgeted. Staff soothed.

"Couldn't we have done this online?" Simon grumbled.

At last, the crowd filed into the first Dome, every kid visibly fizzing.

A voice in their headphones told them this was the Temperate Zone, listed a series of species found here, and recommended they look right to see the first. It slunk among trees, blue scales shimmering. It opened its mouth to show rows of long, narrow fangs, and flared its bright mane.

Chubby fingers poked at the blue-green screens to help them identify it. On finding it was more likely to spit a sort of acid than flame, most kids lost interest and moved on, parents not far behind.

The second enclosure contained several youngsters, scampering up and down tree branches and sparking at visitors. The third contained two; huge, glorious, and shining... and asleep. A sign taped at eye-level read, "Do NOT tap on the FireGlass".

The next was enormous, covered in mud-coloured scales and intimidating spines. Tail lashing as they approached, it loosed a huge ribbon of flame, reflected in the childrens' owlish eyes.

It was shortly after they entered the next dome that the klaxons sounded, followed by distant screams. Safety videos forgotten, people milling and panicking. Doors sealing, FireGlass shutters descending everywhere, preventing anyone (or anything) from escaping.

Simon sprinted to the nearest exit, shouting "Help me!" to nearby families. Together, they worked to jam the mechanism, and then everyone scrambled to get through. Shoving, trampling.

Claws clicking on the smooth floor behind them caused fear to ripple palpably through the crowd. Dragonflame killed those nearest the doorway instantly. The floor on either side burned and melted. The dragon flamed again, burning itself a hole large enough to force its way through.

That night, dragons wheeled across the sky for the first time in hundreds of years.

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Word count, excluding note: 366

Submitted on 7th June at 21.40

*Quick Author's Note*

First, and most importantly: thank you so much for reading my story! The ha'penny that Vocal will toss in my hat for your eyeballs landing on this humble piece will be well-spent. Might buy a football club, like Ryan Reynolds.

If you enjoyed this one, the very best compliment you can give me is to share it, or read another!

A Year of Stories: I'm writing a story every day this year. This one continues my 159 day streak since 1st January.

Please do consider lending your support to the other creators who are also on this madcap "a story every day" adventure. They are putting out excellent content every day!

Rachel Deeming

Gerard DiLeo

Leave me a comment: it makes it easier for me to reciprocate the read. I know I am behind on reads, but doing my best to catch up!

Thank you!

Thank you again, most sincerely. Especially if you are one of the wonderful people who has been staunchly reading these daily scribbles since the start of the year. I see you, and appreciate you very much indeed! 😁

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