Short Story
The large beast’s fluffy black fur blew softly in the simulated wind, its goat-like yellow eyes gleamed whenever it gazed at something. It sat comfortably on a sun rock which was conveniently placed right below the artificial sun. The animal’s snake-like tongue would taste the air every few seconds, periodically pausing to lick its front paw to wash its face.
“Doctor? Shall we go over the beast’s analysis once more?”
“Yes, yes, run it by me.”
“First, there’s the abnormal fur, so fluffy and soft and the beast’s yellow eyes are just like those of goats.”
“Mhmm. Quite strange for what we presume to be a dragon.”
“The beast’s genes seem to be a mix of creatures. Goat eyes, fluffy fur like a moose, claws like panthers, a tail like a griffin, etcetera.”
“There’s the head too, shape and jaw like a saber-tooth. Yet it blends so well ’n the creature looks so peaceful as it sunbathes.” Added the doctor.
A clock ticked and tocked behind the doctor and assistant.
“Time?” The doctor asked as he looked at his assistant.
“Quarter past noon, sir.”
“Subject 982 needs to have lunch then, get to it, the usual meal.”
“Yes sir.” The assistant responded with a dry tone.
The beast’s nose twitched with anticipation, the aroma of feed crept around the room slowly. A loud click sounded from just outside the room that harbored the beast; another click sounded, followed by a subtle creak of the door opening. The beast’s Lynx ears spiked up at the mysterious sound. The aroma grew stronger before the ferocious beast saw its feed thrown into the edge of the sunlight circle.
“This stuff is putrid. What a disgusting diet this one has.” The assistant scoffed while holding their nose.
“Stop squealing, you’re the one who agreed to handle the feed.” A female voice responded dryly.
“Yes ma’am! Sorry, ma’am…”
“At ease, have you finished the second fill yet?”
“Not yet, ma’am, I’m working on it now, ma’am.”
“I said at ease, but please try and hurry before it gets impatient and goes to the door.”
“Okay, my apologies ma’am- I mean Alice.” The assistant replied as he started mixing the required ingredients.
“List the ingredients for me please.” The doctor asked his assistant as he walked into the kitchen.
“Yes sir, right away sir.”
“Oh and include the herbs, not just the meat.”
“The meats used are Yak, Buck, Lamb, Bison, Salmon, Oyster, and Hawk. The herbs used are cilantro, thyme, and basil.
“Very good, and have you finished the mixture?”
“Yes sir.” The assistant lifted the bowl from the counter and hastily walked to the unlatched door.
“Leave the bowl in there for its dessert, it seems to like metal.” The woman added before she opened the door.
“Gotcha!” The assistant yelled over the sound of clanking metal against a large root.
The little girl woke up suddenly, she was wide awake quickly as she rubbed her head.
“Ow… what the heck?”
She looked around to find what she had bumped her head-on. It happened to be the beam above her bed that she forgot was there before she woke up completely.
Then it hit her, “That was an amazing dream! Oh if only we had fluffy dragons, but nope, all we have are polar bears. The dragon must’ve been studied in that lab for centuries… It was just a blind bird in a cage.
