Chapter 62: A Moment of Peace

The team had arranged for a bus to transport them from the airport, and as they arrived, a crowd of curious onlookers swarmed the parking area. Hundreds of people had gathered, eager to catch a glimpse of the enigmatic dragon that had captured the world's attention. Some rushed forward to take selfies, while others, less enamored, screamed in terror.

Among the throng, children emerged, seemingly undaunted by the spectacle. They, in their innocence, approached Darann, treating her like a revered knight rather than a fearsome beast. Together, they acted as her protectors, freeing the airport from the chaos that had erupted.

Darann decided to put her newfound celebrity status to good use. She embraced her role and began to interact with the crowd. The police had to step in to control the swelling masses, but not before some lucky fans secured autographs, and one even requested a clay imprint of her claw.

With a gentle smile, Darann redirected their attention. "You know," she said, "at the ranch, they sell wyrm souvenirs. It's a great way to support wildlife." And with that, she started to sing and chirp, captivating the crowd.

Several days later, a music hit was released, featuring a remix that incorporated her chirps. Darann had inadvertently become a sensation, not just as a creature of awe but also as a musical muse.

As an artist, Darann took a moment to acknowledge her adoring fans, then leaped into the air, flapping her colossal wings as she followed the bus. It was a two-hour journey through rocky roads until they reached their destination—a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains, a sprawling forest of towering trees, and breathtaking hills, a true wilderness paradise.

For Darann, it felt like paradise. The warm climate, geysers, hot lakes, and boiling water caves were all a delight, and the skies teemed with beautiful creatures. She couldn't resist the urge to ascend a rocky peak, where tourists and campers gazed in awe as the gigantic dragon soared overhead.

Settling atop the rocky summit, Darann drew in a deep breath and let out a resounding roar that echoed through the valley. It was a sound akin to a volcanic eruption just before the pyroclastic effect, its shockwave felt for a hundred kilometers. Every creature in the park and its surroundings now knew who ruled this domain.

After her powerful declaration, Darann vented her frustrations and anger, expelling fire in a circle around her in the sky. Some witnesses, baffled, called the fire department, believing a volcanic eruption was imminent. The park organizers had to release a statement explaining that it was a natural instinct for a dragon to proclaim its territory with a mighty roar.

Arriving at the ranch, stress and frustration released, Darann channeled her energies into helping arrange the barn and hangar. With her size, the task was effortless, and the buildings were quickly transformed.

Darann's creative touch extended to the barn's interior, which she painted in red and white, reminiscent of a country concert. A big mat and a TV projector adorned the hall, with sofas and chairs for friends and visitors to enjoy. In the center, a fire pit and an enormous BBQ grill were set up, surrounded by crates filled with various supplies she had ordered online.

Another, even larger hall was designated for the public and visitors to interact with their favorite mascots. The park's opening was delayed by three weeks to allow Darann time to rest and heal her emotional wounds, plagued as she was by haunting nightmares.

When the park finally opened its doors, it reached maximum capacity every day for two months. Disney World even expressed interest in having her as an attraction, but Darann politely declined, stating it would be considered later.

The ranch was now fully operational, and Darann, having rested and recuperated, could contemplate the future. Her children remained with her at the ranch, assisting with tasks that required delicate handling, given her immense size. Her wife managed administrative duties, correspondence, and the necessary authorizations for visiting.

One significant challenge emerged—the overwhelming demand from people worldwide who wanted to visit and take selfies. Diplomatic tensions mounted as countries vied to have their own wyrm, surpassing even the popularity of the panda. It was a situation that often tested Darann's patience and brought back unpleasant memories.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

The ranch's management was entrusted to Mariette, a Belgian woman who had married a U.S. veteran pilot named Bill. Together, they had moved to Montana, where they assumed their roles as managers of Wyrm's Ranch. Darann had covertly invested in the stock market, amassing millions of dollars, and the park's revenue skyrocketed. Darann had even flown to survey hiking trails, turning it into a profitable endeavor.

With share actions in her name, she became an official owner of the park. The management was a joint effort between her family and Mariette, creating a harmonious balance.

Days passed peacefully, and for a long while, Darann was content. She created a special seat on her back for her children, and they embarked on camping trips in the wilderness. They reveled in the experience, with Cathy's hair billowing in the wind as campers below marveled at the sight of children riding their colossal father.

One night, they decided not to return to the ranch. Darann had her phone and radio with her, and her wings served as makeshift tents. They hunted wild boar and prepared a mountaintop barbecue, microwaving vegetables with her fiery breath. Her son jokingly called her a "flying kitchen."

Their holiday passed without incident, and Darann personally escorted her children to the airport when they expressed a desire to experience flying like planes. The tower controllers affectionately nicknamed her the "Jurassic plane."

In the vicinity, there stood an abandoned church where Darann faithfully attended services, even though it was usually deserted. However, as word of her presence spread, the church began to fill to capacity, and they had to erect a temporary circus roof outside to accommodate the crowds.

Every person wanted to see her and take a selfie. She had become a global attraction. Some amusement parks even began to complain about her popularity. One day, a commando group attempted to kidnap her—an incident that Darann found more amusing than terrifying.

In the mountains, she decided to hunt for her meals, her diet transitioning from processed food to more natural fare. She spotted a plump wild boar and prepared herself to savor the hunt. But before she could pounce, two metal filaments attached to poles leaped at her, delivering a powerful electric shock.

As electricity coursed through her, Darann smiled and savored the experience. She had discovered a new source of sustenance—sparks and lightning from storms. Storm-chasing became a thrilling game for her, akin to catching lightning bolts. She documented her adventures with a GoPro and shared them with the Weather Channel and National Geographic, earning a tidy sum.

On one unfortunate day, she fell into a trap. Feigning unconsciousness, she waited until her captors emerged from their hiding spots. With swift efficiency, she shredded the net and apprehended the would-be kidnappers, dropping them off at the local sheriff's station.

Electrocuted and devoid of criminal activity, the park under her watch was now free from wrongdoing. The local sheriff playfully teased her, asking if she wanted to take over his job. Darann humorously accepted the offer, writing "Done!" in the dirt with a smiley face.

Their peaceful days continued, and as Christmas approached, preparations for a grand celebration were underway. Darann, ever the gracious host, organized a massive feast, and reservations were quickly filled.

Amid the festivities, Darann held a private party with family and friends who had been part of her extraordinary journey. The Jackals tribe and even Viper, along with some of her children who had been poke-monsterized, joined the gathering, creating chaos in the hangar as they engaged in wild revelry. Blood was spilled, but it was the result of Fenrir's colossal size. Fortunately, the human section remained unscathed, although those without poke-monsters were understandably terrified.

Amidst the revelry, Kent, a more somber figure, expressed his concerns to Darann. "Do you see the size of your friends?" he asked, genuinely worried.

Darann, knowing what he meant, reassured him, "Yes, I've allowed them to bulk up a bit, but they're harmless, aren't they?"

Kent, anxiety evident, replied, "It's not just their size; they're like living tanks. You could take on a small army or even a country with them."

Darann, always quick with humor, responded, "You know, even before I was a wyrm, I was a mad scientist. I could have built robots to take over the world! HAHAHAHA."

Kent, alarmed by her jest, inquired, "What kind of robots are we talking about here?" He recalled the Monstrotank and the confiscated video footage.

Darann, finding mirth in the situation, replied, "Megatron and Optimus Prime, of course, and the Autobots! HAHAHAHAHA. You know, with a wind-up key in their backs. HAHAHAHA. But really, why would I want to conquer the world? Managing a farm and enjoying my fans is a full-time job. Conquering the world sounds exhausting. HAHAHA."

Kent wasn't convinced. "I'm not so sure."

Seeing the tension in Kent's face, Darann decided to ease the mood. "Kent, it's Christmas. Let's set aside the topic of robots for now. We can discuss it after the party. I'm tired, and I want everyone to enjoy the present moment. You should too. Tomorrow isn't ours to control. And, we have a big pie waiting for us. Okay?"

Kent, appeased by her words, relented with a simple, "Okay."