Aurelia walked into the compound with Helen. Her eyes were wide with awe and the gleamed with happiness. It was more of a zoo than anything. Only it featured animals that would have been considered impossible to imagine in the 21st century.
In the 39th century, just as people had been able to harness magic with science. Similarly, they were able to create a horrifying cross between various animals, while mixing magic with science.
Her daze shattered when she heard a rhythmic tingling sound. She turned to look. Allen was being escorted by Smokey. She looked like a two-year-old, rattling her tail like a dog. Aurelia glared at Allen, to which he smirked.
Smokey noticed her and sped up her clumsy steps as she ran on tiny, purple, clawed legs. She started brushing the side of her head against Aurelia's leg.
She sighed and helplessly patted her horned head.
"I see you are trying hard to please me," she muttered under her breath.
"See?" Allen came and stood by Helen and putting his arm around her, "How much she likes you?"
Aurelia sighed, "So? Why are we here?"
"I say," Helen thoughtfully glanced at her, "Don't you want to know about the dangerous beasts found in the Strange Lands? And ways to protect them? That book of spells isn't enough."
"Also, you need some boost before you do your final practice," Allen added, "How long will you keep practising with the plastic props? And what's the probability that you will choose one of the specific weapons like Grandpa did?"
Aurelia sighed and pursed her lips. Then, she looked up at them, "So, what has Smokey to do with this?"
"See..." Allen closed the space between them and placed his hands on her shoulders, "As your brother, I should be the one to protect you. But I can't accompany you to the Strange Lands. Smokey will do that, on my behalf."
"Dragons are known to grow quickly. She will watch your back when there will be no one by your side. I promise she will," Allen continued.
Helen came by his side and pressed her palm on his shoulder, giving it a light squeeze. Then, she glanced at Aurelia, "He cares a lot about you, Lia."
Aurelia knew that well. She pursed her lips. Then, she said dryly, "I know."
Unexpectedly, Allen pulled her in for a hug. She raised her hand and patted his head, "I bless you that your enviously gorgeous wife gives birth to a child who will grow up to follow his or her aunt's footsteps."
"You!" Allen pulled back and looked at her with surprise and anger, "Are you, my biological sister?! You are giving headaches!"
"I am just stating the truth," Aurelia shrugged.
Helen chuckled, "Let's go!"
°°°
Various kinds of horrifying as well as cute looking creatures looked on curiously as the three of them with Smokey in tow, passed by. Smokey was so excited that she jangled her tail against every cage.
Among the first creatures that Aurelia noticed was a strange cross between a peacock and a rooster. It was called Peaster!
It had the head of a peacock, the red tie under the chin like that of a rooster. Its body was nothing unusual. But the feathers were a mess of peacock and rooster. Aurelia raised her eyebrows. Then, her eyes caught the attention of the description.
••PEASTER••
▪️SL Rank~ E ☆___
▪️Danger~ E+ ☆▪︎___
▪️Genera~ Monera Mystica
Description
> Peaster is an animal genetically crossed between a rooster and a peacock. The eggs are not carried by either animal. They are incubated through a special process. Peasters are rather peaceful animals. They attack only when provoked. They are known for their fast pace, sharp eyesight and deadly claws which posses the ability to kill a living person with a single blow.
Aurelia nodded lazily. It was not a bad idea to come here, after all. Her attention shattered when she heard the familiar rattling nearby. She turned her head to her side and her utmost surprise, saw Smokey climbing up the cage barrier and clinging to it. She frowned.
"What are you doing!?" she hisses, looking around. To her surprise, Allen and Helen were nowhere to be seen!
"Come down! Now!" she ordered angrily. Smokey shook her head.
"Come on!" Aurelis hissed again and smacked her head. Smokey froze in her place.
"Now don't give me those puppy eyes!" Aurelia tapped on her head. Suddenly, Smokey turned and smoke was fuming out of her nostrils. Aurelia squinted.
A growl reverberated from Smokey, prompting Aurelia to take a step back. Her heart skipped a beat. Smokey slowly slipped down the cage bars and progressed towards her with a predatory look in her eyes. Aurelia gulped.
"Sm... Smokey? What are you doing?" Aurelia backed away at her aggressive state. Suddenly, she lost her balance as she tripped on a piece of rock. She fell on her back with a thud. She tried to sit up as Smokey advanced with her predatory look.
Aurelia felt her heart stop when she saw Smokey pounce on her. Her back touched the ground without any effort and felt the weight on her chest and stomach. She closed her eyes thinking that her end was near. One second, two seconds, three and four seconds passed. Nothing happened.
A wet and ticklish feeling appeared on her left cheek. She opened an eye to check.
Smokey was licking her cheek with her mouth opened wide as if smiling. Aurelia flinched and sat up straight, ignoring the weight of Smokey. Smokey stopped and wrapped her tiny clawed arms around her neck.
Chuckles erupted nearby. Aurelia turned her head to see visitors chuckling. Allen and Helen were included. Aurelia glared before patting Smokey's head.
"Come on. Let's go," she said in a whisper, "You scared me."
Smoke pulled away and looked up at her as if saying, I didn't mean to.