The day of the trip arrived faster than Angel expected. Standing in front of the mirror, he adjusted his hoodie, trying to calm the nervous energy buzzing in his chest. This wasn’t just any trip; it felt like a huge step forward. He hadn’t been out in a while. His mind flashed back to the conversation with his family—how they had encouraged him, believing this could be good for him. He wasn’t entirely convinced, but he was willing to give it a try.
“Angel, you ready?” His mother’s voice called from downstairs.
“Yeah, Momma, give me a minute!” Angel replied, taking one last look in the mirror, blowing kisses to himself and winking before leaving. He grabbed his bag, slung it over his shoulder, and headed down to where his family was waiting.
His grandfather, Earl, was already by the door, cane in hand. “You all set, son?”
Angel nodded. “Yeah, I’m good. I know you wanna go, but... I’ll take lots of pictures and videos for you.”
“When I get enough money, I’ll be right behind you,” Earl replied with a grin.
Angel smirked and hugged his grandfather. “You’re crazy, Grandpa, as always. Imma miss you, bro.”
“You too, Angel,” Earl said, his voice softening.
His grandmother, Regina, gave him a once-over, her eyes filled with both pride and worry. “You’ve got everything you need? Don’t want you calling us saying you forgot something.”
Angel chuckled. “I’m good, Grandma. I’m a big boy. I’ll be fine.”
His mother, Maya, stepped forward, pulling him into a tight hug. “Take care of yourself, Angel. No more trouble. And try to have some fun, okay?”
“I’ll try—ain’t makin’ no promises, though,” Angel said, squeezing her back before pulling away. She playfully hit him on the shoulder.
“I mean it!” Maya said firmly.
His grandfather clapped him on the shoulder. “Remember what we talked about—keep an open mind, and don’t be afraid to look deep inside yourself. You might just find something worthwhile in there.”
“I will, Grandpa,” Angel said, feeling a surge of determination. He wasn’t sure what to expect, but he was ready to find out.
With a final wave, Angel headed out the door and made his way to the bus stop, where his friends were waiting. The morning air was crisp, with a hint of autumn in the breeze. As he approached, he saw Gabriel leaning against the bus shelter, arms crossed and a grin on his face.
“Look who decided to show up,” Gabriel teased, punching Angel lightly on the shoulder. “Thought you might bail on us.”
“Nah, bro,” Angel replied with a smirk. “I said I’d go. I got some shit to fix, so I’m here.”
Selena, sitting on the bench nearby, looked up from her phone. “I heard they’re trying to call you crazy, Angel. I don’t want you locked up, aight? Keep your head in the game, Niño.”
“Girl, please, I got this. This is for my family,” Angel said, though he couldn’t ignore the flicker of uncertainty in his gut.
Khalil walked up with a smirk. “This should be interesting. If anything tries to eat us, I’m throwing Gabriel at it first.”
Gabriel rolled his eyes. “Don’t make me kick your ass.”
Mary Jane joined in with a laugh. “I’m just here for you guys. You look like you need support.” She winked at Angel, who frowned and turned away.
Michael and Asha arrived last, and the group was finally complete. As they all boarded the bus, the atmosphere was a mix of anticipation and anxiety. They were a tight-knit crew, forged by the trials of juvenile hall, and now they were stuck together like glue. It was good to have some friends to relax with.
The bus ride was long, taking them away from the familiar sights of the city and into uncharted territory. Angel frowned as it reminded him of the state prison. The one he was going to next if he couldn’t get his act straight. He shook off the feeling of fear and sadness as they continued. The roads narrowed, flanked by thick forests and jagged mountains. But the real surprise came when the bus reached the coast and rolled onto a massive ferry. The journey didn’t end there.
The ferry carried them across a wide expanse of ocean, the horizon endless and empty until a shadow began to emerge in the distance—a landmass, larger and more imposing than Angel could have imagined.
“Wait, is this Asia?” Khalil asked aloud, just as confused as Angel.
“Bro, how we gonna get to Asia that fast in a bus? Man, use some common sense,” Angel shot back.
Khalil shrugged. “What is it then since you got it all locked down?”
“This is no ordinary island,” the driver explained, “but a man-made continent, an artificial marvel constructed far from the reach of civilization.”
They all looked at each other in unison.
“Did he just say man-made continent?” Michael whispered.
“Welcome to The Sanctuary of Fire!” the driver exclaimed.
The Sanctuary of Fire loomed ahead, an isolated fortress of nature, built to house the world’s most extraordinary creatures. The ferry docked at a sleek, futuristic port, where armed guards and advanced security systems ensured that the Sanctuary remained untouched by the outside world. The air was different here—fresher, wilder, as if the very environment had been designed to keep the creatures comfortable but the visitors on edge.
As Angel and his friends disembarked, they were met by Ms. Greene, the tall, no-nonsense tour guide who had been assigned to them. She greeted them with a curt nod, her eyes scanning the group as if assessing their troublemaking levels. She knew what they were, and such people shouldn’t be rewarded with a pleasure this fine. That was her opinion. Angel could see it written all over her face as she sneered at him.
“Welcome to The Sanctuary of Fire,” Ms. Greene announced, her voice steady and authoritative. “This facility is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Built on a private, man-made continent, we are completely self-sufficient and isolated from the rest of the world. Here, you’ll encounter creatures that have been extinct for millions of years, as well as hybrids that have never existed before. But remember, this is not a zoo—it’s a sanctuary, a place where these animals are protected and studied. Your safety, and theirs, is our top priority. So I will not tolerate an ounce of trouble out of any of you.”
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“What’s that supposed to mean?” Khalil muttered.
“I think it means she doesn’t like us, dude,” Gabriel whispered back.
“It means I have my eyes on you, that’s what it means. Now follow me,” Ms. Greene snapped.
Khalil, still muttering under his breath, said, “I know she wasn’t talkin’ to me, she was talkin’ to you. She better not be talkin’ to me. Decrepit old witch.”
Gabriel threw his arm around Khalil’s neck playfully. “Come on, be nice. She’s only your future wife.” They began to shove and fight, laughing as they did.
Angel felt a shiver of anticipation as they passed through the towering gates of the Sanctuary. The landscape beyond was vast and varied—dense forests, sprawling savannahs, and towering mountains, all meticulously designed to recreate the habitats of the creatures within. It was a place where nature and science intersected, where the past and future collided in ways that both fascinated and unnerved him. He could see why his grandfather wanted to go so badly. He loved this kind of stuff.
As they walked, Ms. Greene pointed out various enclosures, each one housing different species. The creatures were extraordinary—saber-toothed tigers, woolly mammoths, and even a towering brachiosaurus, its long neck reaching up to the blue sky above, barricaded by an AI-generated dome that used nanoparticles to keep the air clear and in perfect condition. But what captured Angel’s attention were the hybrids—creatures that defied explanation. There was a lion-eagle mix, its wingspan massive as it soared above them, and a snake-lizard hybrid that slithered through the underbrush with unnerving speed.
But the one creature that Angel couldn’t stop thinking about was the wolf-dragon hybrid he had heard about. As they approached its enclosure, his heart began to race.
The group reached a large enclosure set apart from the others, surrounded by reinforced steel and thick glass. The sign outside read, “Lycanis Draconis—Wolf-Dragon Hybrid.” Angel’s breath caught in his throat.
“This is one of our most unique and dangerous creatures,” Ms. Greene announced, stopping in front of the enclosure. “The Lycanis Draconis is a blend of ancient wolf DNA with the more mythical elements of dragon lore. It’s highly intelligent, incredibly strong, and has a temperament to match. We advise all visitors to keep their distance.”
Angel pressed closer to the glass, peering inside. The enclosure was vast, designed to mimic a mountainous terrain with rocky outcrops and dense forests. At first, he didn’t see anything, just the trees swaying in the artificial breeze and the distant sound of water flowing. But then, movement caught his eye.
The wolf-dragon emerged from the shadows, its sleek, muscular form moving with predatory grace. Its fur was a deep, smoky gray, with scales glint
ing beneath the surface, catching the light in a way that made them shimmer like molten silver. Large wings were folded neatly against its back, and its eyes—brilliant, fiery amber—seemed to pierce through the glass, locking onto Angel’s gaze.
Angel’s heart pounded in his chest as he stared at the creature. There was something mesmerizing about it, something that resonated deep within him. It was like looking into a mirror, seeing a reflection of his own untamed spirit.
“Angel,” Gabriel’s voice broke through his thoughts. “You okay, man?”
“Yeah,” Angel replied, though he couldn’t tear his eyes away from the wolf-dragon. “I’m good.”
The creature let out a low, rumbling growl, the sound reverberating through the enclosure. Angel felt a shiver run down his spine. He could feel the power radiating from it, a force of nature that refused to be contained.
Ms. Greene continued with her explanation, but Angel barely heard her. His focus was entirely on the wolf-dragon, his mind racing with thoughts and questions. There was something about this creature that called to him, something that made him feel alive in a way he hadn’t in a long time.
After their eye-opening tour at the Sanctuary of Fire, Angel and his friends were taken to a futuristic city called Freefall, a marvel of modern architecture with towering skyscrapers and neon lights. The atmosphere was electric, with hover cars zipping through the sky and digital billboards flashing vibrant colors. It was a city that seemed straight out of a science fiction novel, a place where technology and imagination blended seamlessly.
The hotel they checked into was one of the most luxurious in the city, a towering pillar of glass and steel with panoramic views of the skyline. Inside, the lobby was sleek and modern, complete with a holographic receptionist who guided them through check-in. The group couldn’t help but be amazed by the sheer luxury and technological advancements around them.
Once they had settled into their rooms, they gathered in a spacious lounge on one of the upper floors, the floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city below. As the sun set, casting a golden hue over the skyline, they sat together, taking it all in.
"Man, this city is crazy," Khalil said, his voice calm but carrying an edge as he leaned back in his chair. "Feels like we’re in the future or somethin’."
Gabriel grinned as he looked out the window. "It’s like something out of a dream, right? I can’t believe we’re here!"
Selena, unable to contain her excitement, hopped up from her seat and twirled around the room. "This place is lit! I swear, I’m about to take a hovercar for a spin and see what this city’s got!"
Asha, sitting quietly in the corner, offered a small smile. "It’s really beautiful… I’ve never seen anything like it before."
Michael leaned back with a smirk. "It’s dope, for sure. But I’m more interested in what’s under the surface— all this kindness and luxury, there’s always something they’re not telling us."
MJ, playful and full of life, nudged Michael with a grin. "Come on, Mike, don’t be so dark, man. We’re here to have fun, not uncover some secret conspiracy!"
"They got dinosaurs and everything here, man," Khalil added with a chuckle. "It’s almost like they ain’t seen the movie Jurassic Park."
"I’m just wondering how they made such a big continent," Asha mused, her voice soft yet curious. "It seems impossible to create something like this in the middle of the ocean."
Gabriel nodded in agreement. "That’s a point."
Khalil shrugged. "A point I don’t really care about."
Angel, who had been deep in thought, finally spoke up, his tone light yet confident. "That wolf-dragon thing… Did any of y’all feel like it was watchin’ us like some creepy-ass lonely man?"
The group burst into laughter, the tension easing with Angel’s comedic spin on the situation. But beneath the humor, there was a sharpness in Angel’s eyes. He was actually serious.
"Yeah," Michael said slowly, his cool demeanor giving way to a more thoughtful expression. "It was like it knew something about us like it was sizing us up."
"It was more than just sizing us up," MJ added, her tone serious but still playful. "It felt like it was trying to figure out Angel. Or Angel was trying to figure out it."
They all laughed again, and Angel couldn’t help but join in, though the encounter with the wolf-dragon still lingered in his mind.
"Real talk, though, y’all," Angel said, his voice turning serious again. "I guess it was more than me who noticed that, then?"
The others nodded in agreement.
"That thing seems like it has some serious intelligence," Angel continued. "But it’s just an animal. I’m sure it’s just intrigued, seeing a bro from the hood for the first time."
Khalil noticed the shift in Angel’s tone and gave him a nod of approval. "I see you, Angel. I mean, we from juvie, we not ‘sposed to be enjoying this, are we? Like when we are gonna have some real fun instead of playing around with some dumb-ass animals?"
Angel shrugged, looking away, his confidence waning. "Naw, man. That’s okay."
"What, bro, are you scared?" Khalil challenged, a teasing edge to his voice.
"Khalil! I said no, aight."
Khalil smirked. "You a coward, bro."
The room grew quiet as the two stared at each other intensely.
"I gotta stay straight for my family, bro. I ain’t got time to bullshit with yo ass, man. I just wanna stay outta trouble, aight? You should too. And if that makes me a coward, so be it!"
Khalil leaned back, giving in with a nod. "Aight. Aight, bro."
The tension in the room dissipated, and Selena, never one to dwell on seriousness for too long, broke the silence. "We here to pout or what? What y’all cryin’ for?"
Angel smiled. "Ain’t nobody poutin’. I’m sorry if you was, though."
"Boy, please, that’s y’all’s husband and wife argument. It ain’t got nothin’ to do with me," Selena shot back, her playful tone earning more laughs from the group.
Khalil shook his head, laughing. "Girl, you betta check yo self."
The room erupted in laughter again, the earlier tension forgotten. Asha, her voice soft and hesitant, spoke up. "I think you’re right, though, Angel. We are trying to better our lives, not ruin them."
Gabriel nodded. "Yeah, I also think Angel’s right. We should try to stay out of trouble. I mean, I, for one, like this place, and I want to prove myself as well. That maybe we are more than a menace to society. I mean, we’ve grown up, haven’t we?"
Asha smiled at Gabriel's words. "Yeah, I mean, do we want to be criminals for the rest of our lives? We might have children one day. What will they think?"
Khalil, slightly blushing, looked down, playing with the short braids that hung from the top of his head. He had always sort of liked Asha, so if she said it, he would listen, at least for now.
"You right," Khalil admitted. "I don’t know what I was thinkin’."
"Maybe there’s more to this trip than we think," Selena said thoughtfully. "I mean, our rep is on the line."
The room once again grew quiet as they all were left to their thoughts of the future.
Michael chuckled, shaking his head as he broke the silence. "Man, you guys are getting deep over some creatures."
"Maybe," Angel said, his voice thoughtful but with a hint of humor, "but yo ass the one calling it deep." Khalil started to laugh. "Like didn’t nobody even use that word but you, so I guess you think this trip real deep, bro, the animal shit and all."
Everyone burst into laughter again, the mood lightening even further.
Michael placed one hand over his face as he laughed, a little embarrassed. As they settled into the cozy lounge, the city’s lights flickering on outside, the conversation shifted to lighter topics—what they planned to do in the city, what kind of food they wanted to try, and how they were going to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime trip.
As the night wore on, they eventually made their way back to their rooms, excited and curious about what the next day would bring. But Angel couldn’t shake the feeling that his encounter with this trip was just the beginning of something much bigger.