By J. M. Allison
“Last call for Best in Show.” The tinny voice barked over the intercom.
Cody studied his appearance, straightening his tie and combing a hand through his hair. He blew out a breath and gathered his lead. Kneeling in front of the pen door he gave Ebony Magic’s Omniscience a stern look.
“No shenanigans, EMO. I need your best behavior. This is the State Fair Finals, not a little county show. We need a Best in Show win to prove Sporting class is just as good as the other classes. Got it?”
EMO flipped onto his back, using his black leathery wings to help him twist and wiggle. He’d swept every Sporting contest, but obedience wasn’t one of EMO’s strengths.
“I mean it, EMO.” Cody undid the clasp on the pen door and hooked the lead to his blue, gem-studded collar.
The little dragon gave a chirp and cocked his black head to one side, his rough pink tongue lolling out the side of his mouth. EMO shook his head, sending the perfectly styled mane of five minutes ago flopping over his yellow eyes.
Cody led EMO to the staging area. He sized up the competition as he adjusted the number curled around his arm. The Persephoneze and the Crested were the dragons to beat this year.
EMO gave several little huffs, his blue-black mane making little puffs up and down with each breath, as he chirped at the other dragons beside him.
“Welcome contestants for Best in Show at this year’s State Fair!” The announcer’s voice boomed over the arena. “The winners of the Elemental, Refined, Toy, Miniature, and Sporting classes.”
The winners filed into the ring. Cody blew out another breath then trotted EMO out before the audience. Cheers erupted as each dragon and handler paraded past the judges. Cody kept his focus straight ahead. EMO frolicked behind him.
One by one each handler positioned themselves and cued their dragon to pose. The fire dragon coiled its serpentine body into a triangular shape. Its red and orange scales shimmered with movement, making the dragon appear like a living flame.
The Persephoneze dragon hunkered back into a bow, white wings spread. She fanned the frill of feathers on her tail and at the back of her skull to display a beautiful array of blue, green, and purple. She reminded Cody of those fancy historical ladies playing coy.
The Crested perched atop a tall pedestal, typical for displaying all toy breeds. He struck a pose winding his long, lithe body around the top of the pillar, one delicate front paw extended. On the large Protection class dragons, the pose was intimidating and elegant. For the Toy Chinese Crested, with its long wild mane covering its head and neck, scaled body, and long puffball hair tufts on the end of its tail and all four feet, it appeared more comical.
The emerald wyvern craned her head back and spread her wings. Even as a miniature breed, she had an impressive five-foot wingspan.
Cody stood on his mark and commanded EMO to pose with wings spread and front legs clawing at the air. EMO tilted his head to one side then flipped onto his back and wiggled in the dirt. He trilled, requesting a belly rub, and stared up at Cody.
Cody gave the signal again. EMO clicked his teeth then jumped to his feet and dug in the dirt at Cody’s feet, throwing dirt in a five-foot radius as he spun, pounced, and dug.
Cody grimaced as the stocky judge waddled her way down the line, nodding approval as she passed the other contestants. Her brows knit then one penciled eyebrow arched high as she peered down her nose at EMO’s antics.
“Come on, EMO, work with me,” Cody whispered as he gave the command to pose again.
EMO paused in his play and glanced from Cody to the judge then back. He gave a sharp chirp then reared onto his hind legs. He twisted his body and lolled his tongue out the side of his mouth, one wing expanded overhead, as the other jutted out to side. Then he tipped over and rolled some more in the dirt.
Cody stifled a groan.
One by one each dragon was unclipped and sent on a lap around the ring, showing off their lines, conformation, and grace. Cody ground his teeth as each performed flawlessly and received a congratulatory smile as they returned to their positions. The judge signaled Cody’s turn and he reached for EMO’s clip.
“Just trot nicely once around the ring, show her you’re just as regal and classy as these other dragons.” Cody crossed his fingers before he undid the clasp. Then he gave the command to send EMO around the ring.
EMO looked up at Cody, his tail flicking back and forth. He eyed the judge.
Cody gave the signal again, and EMO wound himself around then between Cody’s legs.
“Please, EMO.” Cody repeated the command. EMO flopped at Cody’s feet and offered his belly for a rub. Cody hung his head as the judge pursed her lips and turned away.
“Thank you,” boomed the announcer’s voice, signaling the end of the competition. “Our State Fair Reserve Best in Show is”—a dramatic pause had the audience leaning forward in their seats—“theToy Chinese Crested.” A cheer erupted from the stands. “And our champion and this year’s Best in Show is”—the crowd held a collective breath—“the Refined Persephoneze. Congratulations everyone!”
Cody offered congratulations to the winners and led EMO back to his pen.
“I guess a few blue ribbons will have to do for this year.” Cody caressed the blue satin rosettes clipped to EMO’s pen and sighed.
EMO gave a low chirp and sat up, wings expanded, front paws held out in a perfect Sporting class pose. Cody smiled and brushed the curtain of hair away from EMO’s eyes.
“You’re right.” Cody scratched behind the dragon’s jaw. “You can’t win what you already have.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Loved this correlation to a dog show! And such a sweet conclusion! Very creative way you described each dragon. Excellent story!
Thank you! I watched several dog shows as inspiration while writing this story. Glad you enjoyed it.
saw it clearly iny mind’s eye and giggled at EMO’s shenanigans..
I’m glad the story made you smile. Thanks for reading.
Such a unique premise! I love EMO, he’s so cute.
Thanks! I based him on my own pup (a black chaweenie). Pretty sure he’s a mini dragon at heart!
I laughed at the Chinese Crested part. My childhood friends had that breed, and it was MEAN!!
Thanks for reading! Glad the story made you smile. 🙂