McGyvor, the head of WWF, was overflowing with excitement as he addressed his team. "Now we'll conduct some tests because we have a living dinosaur Wyrm. We must protect it and ensure its safety, but traditional methods won't suffice. We'll attempt to place it in a private park, closely monitored. We've confirmed it's trained, and we'll watch over it like hawks until we're certain it won't pose a threat to humans."
Heater, ever inquisitive, asked, "How should we proceed?"
"You'll ride it," McGyvor replied.
In the days that followed, it became apparent that the cafeteria needed to provide an extra-large portion for the dragon in the daily menu. The dragon had a strong aversion to animal food, instead preferring the snacks and gourmet treats within its reach. While it appeared lazy within the enclosure, it was, in reality, quite active. It dabbled in stock options on the market to increase its wealth in offshore accounts, secretly building a fortune.
As he appeared lethargic in the enclosure, the dragon was engaged in a flurry of activity. He scanned the internet, compiled data, and hacked into secure systems. He had access to confidential information about their projects, which afforded him an edge.
One day, it was time for a playtest. Heater placed various objects before the dragon, ranging from simple items to sophisticated unloaded weapons. She also presented boxes with latches containing sweets and treats. In typical animal behavior, most creatures would break objects and opt for the sweets hidden within.
There were also art supplies, a block of paper, and some paint. The dragon, however, exhibited a level of sophistication that defied the norms of an animal. It unlocked the boxes, deftly opened latches, and extracted chocolates. It even managed to open a can of beer without causing a mess.
Finally, the dragon extended its clawed hand toward Heater, who hesitantly allowed it to touch her hand. The dragon then gently guided her closer to its snout and licked her hand, displaying a surprising level of affection.
The observers in the control room watched in awe as tension in the enclosure dissipated. Heater, initially terrified, began to bond with the dragon. Tentatively, she climbed onto the dragon's back as it invited her for a ride. The dragon helped her with its wings, and together they circled the enclosure.
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"Would you like a ride?" Heater asked, and the dragon purred in response.
The dragon pointed to the door and then to the ceiling, indicating the secret they shared. Heater was bewildered, "Can you communicate like a deaf person?" The dragon responded with three fingers, indicating that this was not enough.
Heater exclaimed, "Oh, you understand me!" The dragon nodded and gestured for her to keep their communication secret.
As Heater left the enclosure, the dragon turned its back to the surveillance cameras, mimicking ape-like movements to preserve their clandestine bond. It was a prisoner by choice, seeking to build a connection with the Wildlife Protection Agency in the hope that humans would come to trust it.
The following morning, Heater entered the enclosure with Mc Gyvor. "Yes, I assure you, he is gentle and friendly. He poses no danger," she told Mc Gyvor.
Heater approached the dragon, saluting it. In response, the dragon nodded in acknowledgment. She brought two beverages, one Coke and one water, and the dragon chose the Coke. It licked her in gratitude, and she patted its snout affectionately.
Mc Gyvor was taken aback by the dragon's reactions. He extended his hand, and the dragon responded by extending a clawed hand in return. Mc Gyvor was dumbfounded as he experienced a connection with the creature he had never imagined.
"Good, good," the dragon communicated through gestures. It was clear that the dragon had established an emotional connection with Heater and Mc Gyvor.
Mc Gyvor struggled to comprehend the situation. "Do you understand everything we say?" he inquired.
The dragon nodded.
"This is the most incredible discovery in the world," Mc Gyvor exclaimed as he turned to leave.
However, the dragon surprised Mc Gyvor by seizing his shoulder gently. It placed a finger to its snout, gesturing to keep their secret. Mc Gyvor understood and acknowledged the creature's intelligence.
"I understand. You are even smarter than I thought," Mc Gyvor admitted.
The dragon then led Mc Gyvor to a chessboard and nodded, indicating that it wanted to play. The two engaged in a game, but the dragon swiftly outmaneuvered Mc Gyvor, achieving checkmate within just four moves.
Disappointed by the lack of a challenge, the dragon expressed its feelings, and Heater playfully taunted Mc Gyvor, saying, "You've been defeated by animals."
The dragon, feeling misunderstood and lonely, looked into Heater's eyes, tears forming.
Heater realized her mistake and apologized, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."
Mc Gyvor contemplated the situation. "Now, we have an even greater ethical dilemma."
The dragon's existence challenged the boundaries of the known world, presenting a complex challenge for the Wildlife Protection Agency. They were faced with a profound question: What did it mean to be human, and could a sentient creature like the dragon be considered one of them?