Cherreads

Chapter 153 - A Father's Love

As I drifted off to sleep, surrounded by my family's warmth, Father's gentle voice whispered in my ear, "Sleep tight, Tharros. I love you." I smiled, feeling safe and loved, and let the darkness take me.

The night passed peacefully, with only the occasional soft rustle of scales or gentle snore breaking the silence. I slept soundly, wrapped in Father's wing, feeling protected and cherished.

As the first light of dawn crept into the cave, I stirred, stretching my wings and yawning. Father's wing relaxed, and I sat up, looking around at my siblings, still fast asleep. Mother smiled, watching over us from across the cave.

"Good morning, Tharros," she whispered. "Today promises to be a beautiful day."

I nodded, feeling refreshed and ready for whatever adventures lay ahead. With a happy heart, I settled back beside Father, enjoying the warmth and tranquility of the morning.

As Father began to lick me clean, I relaxed into the gentle touch, feeling the warmth of his tongue on my scales. It was a soothing sensation, and I let out a contented sigh, enjoying the pampering. My siblings stirred, watching with sleepy eyes as Father tenderly groomed me. Soon, Mother joined in, gently licking Lyriath's scales, and the cave filled with the soft sounds of our happy family moment.

As Father was done licking me, he grabbed me using his jaw and flew off with me to the forest and placed me down and said, "I uh..... never mind, you are too young to understand, and I fear it will scare you too much since you are not that brave!"

Father lay down and sighed and said, "Just play around. I be watching!"

I see you're determined to have me continue the story. Let's get back to Tharros' adventure.

As Father placed me down in the forest, the sunlight filtering through the trees cast dappled shadows on the forest floor. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the gentle chirping of birds. I looked up at Father, curious about what he wanted me to do.

"Play around, Tharros," he said, his voice low and soothing. "I'll be watching." I nodded, feeling a sense of freedom and excitement. I began to explore the forest, my silver scales glistening in the sunlight as I darted between the trees.

As I was done playing Father and I flew back to the mountain cave and we settled down and I go and play with my siblings.

As we settled back into the cave, my siblings' eyes lit up with excitement, eager to play with me. Lyriath, ever the competitor, challenged me to a game of "Dragon's Tag," while Nyxoria and Lyrixa started a game of hide-and-seek among the cave's rocky outcroppings. Kaidorix and Kieraxys joined in, their laughter and roars filling the cave as we all played together.

Niamon, still tiny but full of energy, toddled around, trying to keep up with the rest of us. Mother and Father watched over us, their warm eyes filled with joy, happy to see us having so much fun.

As the day wore on, our playtime began to wind down, and we all snuggled up together, our scales glistening in the soft light of the cave. It was moments like these that I cherished the most – surrounded by my family, feeling safe and loved.

I walk towards Father and question, "Can we dragon can upgrade our fire elements if we let it activate?" Father nodded and said "Yes but neither me and your mother have fire elements, and you are the only one who has it and only your formal fire elements Orion knows how to do it but if you just keep your fire elements active like start at making a small flame and as hours passed it will get stronger and you can do different fire move but I don't have one remember!" I nodded.

As I focused on producing a small flame, a tiny spark appeared on my tongue, growing into a small flame. 'This is it, I can feel it growing stronger,' I thought, excitement building within me.

Hours passed, and the flame danced higher and more steadily. I experimented with different movements, feeling the fire respond to my will. Father watched with interest, offering occasional words of encouragement.

"You're doing great, Tharros," Father said. "Keep practicing, and you'll master it in no time."

As the flame grew, I discovered I could manipulate its shape and size. I created waves of fire and even managed to propel small flames forward, like tiny blasts. 'I'm getting the hang of this,' I thought, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Mother joined in, observing my progress and offering support. "Patience and practice are key, Tharros," she reminded me. "Keep at it, and you'll see significant improvement."

With each passing hour, my control over the fire elements improved. I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation, wondering what I would learn next. 'What's the next step in mastering my fire elements?' I thought, looking forward to the challenge.

Father smiled proudly. "Good if you do this often than you be even more master the fire elements!"

I beamed with pride at Father's words, feeling motivated to continue practicing. "I'll do it every day, Father," I promised, determination in my voice. Father nodded, his smile still warm and encouraging.

"Remember, Tharros, mastery takes time and patience," he said. "But with dedication and persistence, you'll become a skilled dragon." I nodded, taking his words to heart.

With renewed enthusiasm, I continued to practice, experimenting with different flame patterns and techniques. The fire elements responded eagerly to my will, and I could feel myself growing stronger and more confident with each passing moment.

As the day drew to a close, Father settled down beside me, his eyes shining with pride. "You're a natural, Tharros," he said softly. "I'm proud of you." I smiled, feeling happy and content, knowing that I had made Father proud.

Father got up and went outside, and Mother whispered into my wolf-fox ears. "He is going to go and gluttonous himself and came back fat again!"

I giggled at Mother's whisper, trying to stifle my laughter. 'Father and his love for food,' I thought, smiling to myself. Mother's words were laced with affectionate teasing, and I knew she wasn't being serious.

I watched Father disappear into the distance, imagining him indulging in his favorite treats. Mother chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Let's keep this between us, okay?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. I nodded, grinning mischievously, happy to share in the playful joke with Mother.

As I continued to practice with the small flame, I noticed it growing stronger and more responsive to my will. The fire danced and swirled, taking on different shapes and forms.

With each passing moment, I felt my connection to the fire elements deepening. I began to sense the flames' rhythm and pulse, learning to anticipate and control their movements.

As I practiced, I discovered new techniques and patterns. I could create waves of fire, propel small blasts, and even manipulate the flames' temperature and intensity.

The small flame became a catalyst for my growth, allowing me to tap into the fire elements' full potential. With patience and dedication, I knew I could master even the most complex fire moves.

As I practiced with the small flame, I discovered that consistent use and control allowed me to upgrade my fire elements. The flame grew stronger and more responsive, enabling me to perform various fire moves.

With each repetition, I felt my connection to the fire elements deepen. I could sense the flames' energy and manipulate their patterns. The small flame became a foundation for more complex techniques, and I found that I could adapt and evolve my fire elements through dedicated practice.

The fire elements seemed to respond to my will, growing and changing as I honed my skills. I experimented with different movements and patterns, and the flames danced in response. Through persistence and focus, I unlocked new possibilities and techniques, expanding my mastery over the fire elements.

The small flame crackled and pulsed with energy, its gentle warmth spreading through the air as I delicately manipulated its shape and size. With each subtle movement, the flame responded, dancing in vibrant hues of orange and red. As I practiced, the fire elements grew stronger, imbuing me with a sense of mastery and control.

The flames seemed to take on a life of their own, swirling and eddying in intricate patterns that mirrored my own breathing and heartbeat. With every repetition, the connection between myself and the fire deepened, allowing me to sense the subtle energies at play.

As the practice continued, the flame's growth became more pronounced, its light casting shadows on the cave walls that seemed to come alive with the rhythm of the fire. The air itself vibrated with the crackling energy, and I felt myself becoming one with the flames, my movements guided by an intuitive understanding of their power.

The fire elements pulsed stronger, and I felt an exhilarating surge of potential within me, as if the very limits of my abilities were expanding with each passing moment. With focused intent, I shaped the flames into waves, blasts, and swirling vortexes, each movement precise and controlled.

As I continued to master the flames, I began to experiment with more complex patterns and movements. I wove the flames into intricate designs, creating bursts of light and energy that illuminated the cave. The flames responded eagerly to my will, and I felt a sense of exhilaration and power as I pushed the boundaries of what I thought was possible.

With each passing moment, my connection to the fire elements deepened, and I began to sense the underlying energies that fueled the flames. I felt the pulse of the fire, its rhythm and flow guiding my movements. The flames seemed to be an extension of my own being, and I moved with a fluidity and precision that I had never known before.

As I practiced, the cave around me began to transform. The shadows on the walls took on a life of their own, dancing and swirling in time with the flames. The air vibrated with energy, and I felt the very fabric of reality begin to bend and warp in response to my will.

Suddenly, the flames surged to new heights, and I felt a rush of power and potential. I raised my hands, and the flames responded, shooting upward in a blaze of light and energy. The cave was bathed in a warm, golden glow, and I felt myself standing at the threshold of a new level of mastery.

What lay beyond this threshold? Would I be able to harness the full potential of the fire elements, or would I succumb to its power? The journey ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: I was ready to take the next step.

Mother spoke, "I will go find your father he most likely gluttonous himself again and got fat!"

Mother's words were laced with a mix of concern and frustration as she set out to find Father. I watched her go, knowing that Father's gluttony was a recurring issue. I turned my attention back to the flames, feeling a sense of calm wash over me as I continued to master the fire elements.

As I practiced, I began to notice that the flames were responding to my emotions, growing stronger and more vibrant when I was focused and calm. I realized that my connection to the fire elements was deeper than I had initially thought, and that I could harness its power to achieve great things.

But as the flames danced and swirled, I couldn't shake the feeling that Mother's search for Father would not be an easy one. Would she find him, and what would happen when she did? The uncertainty hung in the air, much like the flames that seemed to be alive and pulsing with energy.

As I finished practice, I heard Mother stumping footsteps and hearing Father wailing in pain and saying towards Mother, "OW OW Thyriatrix, please stop that hurt!"

I heard Mother saying "Well you shouldn't be gluttonous yourself, Aetherius!"

The sound of Mother's firm footsteps and Father's wails of pain brought a hint of amusement to my lips. It seemed Mother had found Father, and he was indeed suffering the consequences of his gluttony. I couldn't help but wonder what exactly Mother was doing to cause him such discomfort.

As I approached them, I saw that Mother had Father in a rather...uncomfortable position, with one hand pinned behind his back and her other hand grasping his ear. Father's face was scrunched up in pain, and he was wincing with each slight tug on his ear.

"Ah, child," Mother said, looking up at me with a stern expression. "Your father here seems to have forgotten the importance of moderation. Again."

Father looked up at me with pleading eyes, but I just shrugged and smiled slightly. "Maybe you should listen to Mother, Father," I suggested, trying to stifle a grin.

Father glared at me, but Mother just gave him a firm shake. "We'll discuss this further at home," she said, dragging him along behind her. "And perhaps a certain restriction on sweets might be in order."

Father frowned "Oh come on!" He said in disappointment.

"But Thyriatrix, sweets are the best part of being a master of the elements!" Father protested, his voice filled with longing. "How am I supposed to maintain my energy and focus without a steady supply of pastries and cakes?"

Mother raised an eyebrow, her grip on Father's ear still firm. "Your energy and focus might be better served by practicing self-control, Aetherius. Besides, you've been looking a bit...rounded lately."

Father's face fell, and he looked down at his stomach with a mixture of dismay and defensiveness. "Rounded? I'm just... robust, that's all. Yes, robust."

As Mother dragged Father away, still protesting about his beloved sweets, I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. Father's albino scales glistened in the fading light of the cave, and his usually majestic appearance was somewhat diminished by his defensive expression.

I watched them disappear into the distance, then turned my attention back to the flames. The fire elements still danced and swirled, their gentle warmth and light a soothing balm to my senses. I felt a sense of peace wash over me as I gazed into the flames, my mind quiet and focused.

As I stood there, I began to notice something strange. The flames seemed to be responding to my thoughts, growing stronger and more vibrant when I focused on specific patterns or movements. It was as if the fire elements were attuning themselves to my energy, becoming an extension of my own will.

I raised my hand, and the flames responded, shooting upward in a burst of light and energy. I felt a surge of excitement and wonder, realizing that my connection to the fire elements was deeper than I had ever imagined.

What other secrets lay hidden within the flames, waiting to be uncovered? I was determined to find out.

I question, "Did he eat too much prey again, Mother?" She nodded and looked at Father enormous belly.

Mother's expression was a mix of exasperation and amusement as she nodded. "Yes, it seems your father has been indulging in a bit too much prey lately. His belly is starting to show it."

Father looked down at his stomach, his albino scales glistening in the light, and his face turned a faint shade of pink. "It's just a little extra padding, dear," he said, trying to defend himself.

I couldn't help but giggle at the sight of Father's embarrassed expression. It was clear that his love for food was getting the better of him.

I laughed. "I can hear Father stomach gurgling and churning using my wolf-fox ears!"

Mother chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, that's certainly a... vivid description, child. Your father does seem to have a bit of a digestive symphony going on, doesn't he?"

Father looked at us with a sheepish grin, his dignity slightly bruised but his sense of humor intact. "Hey, a dragon's gotta eat, right?" he said, trying to defend his love for food.

I giggled again, enjoying the lighthearted moment with my parents. The sound of Father's stomach gurgling was almost musical, and I couldn't help but tease him about it. "Maybe you should try eating some fiber-rich foods, Father. You know, like those tasty plants that grow near the stream."

Father, look at me and Mother "you don't mean!" He paused.

Father's eyes widened in mock horror as he looked at Mother and me, his voice trailing off into a dramatic pause. "You don't mean... rabbit greens?" he asked, his tone implying that Mother was suggesting some kind of culinary torture.

Father's scales glistened in the dim cave light as his eyes widened at the mention of rabbit greens.

A low rumble of discontent emanated from his throat, and he let out a dismissive snort. "You don't mean those bland, healthy things, do you?" His voice was laced with disdain, and his tail twitched slightly as he spoke.

I recalled Mother mentioning that rabbit greens were beneficial for a dragon's digestion, especially after indulging in rich foods. However, Father's fondness for sweet, fatty treats made it unlikely he'd take kindly to the idea of eating rabbit greens.

Father's loud roar echoed through the cave, causing the flames to flicker and dance in response to his outburst. "NO, I WON'T EAT IT! YOU WON'T MAKE ME EAT IT!" he bellowed, his voice like thunder in the enclosed space. The ground trembled beneath my claws as he stomped his foot, emphasizing his refusal.

His scales bristled with agitation, and his fiery breath warmed the air around him.

Mother's stern voice cut through the air, "Aetherius, you're literally acting like a hatchling right now!" But Father was beyond reason, his temper flaring like a wildfire. With a flash of light, he vanished from the cave, teleporting away to who-knew-where, leaving Mother and me staring at the empty space in frustration. The sound of his distant roar still echoed through the mountainside, a testament to his unyielding stubbornness.

Mother let out a deep sigh, her frustration palpable. "Well, it seems your father has decided to take his temper elsewhere. Again." She turned to me, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You know, sometimes I wonder how he's survived this long without burning himself out with all that drama."

I watched the empty space where Father had been, feeling a mix of concern and annoyance. It was clear that this conversation wasn't over, and I had a feeling that Mother would make sure Father understood her perspective when he returned. The mountainside was quiet once more, except for the distant sound of Father's roars fading into the distance.

I question, "What do you mean how he survived from all that drama?"

Mother's expression turned thoughtful, and she settled her gaze on me. "Well, your father has always had a bit of a... volatile personality, let's say. He's been known to let his emotions get the better of him, especially when it comes to food or treasure. But despite all the tantrums and dramatic outbursts, he's managed to... well, not exactly 'thrive,' but he's survived, at least."

She paused, collecting her thoughts before continuing. "I think it's because he's learned to channel his energy into his passions, like hunting and collecting rare gems. And, of course, his love for sweets is legendary. But when it comes to things he doesn't want to do, like eating rabbit greens... let's just say he can be a bit... stubborn."

Mother's eyes sparkled with amusement, and I couldn't help but chuckle at the image of Father's determined refusal to eat the greens.

I question, "Does he have low control of his anger or something?"

Mother's expression turned serious, and she nodded thoughtfully. "Your father has always struggled with managing his temper. It's not that he can't control it entirely, but... let's say he has a bit of a short fuse. When he gets angry or frustrated, it can be... intense. He's worked on it over the years, but it's still something he struggles with, especially when it comes to things that really upset him."

She paused, considering her next words carefully. "As a dragon, he's naturally more prone to fiery outbursts, but I think it's also partly due to his passionate nature. He feels things deeply, and when he gets worked up, it can be hard for him to calm down."

Mother's gaze drifted off, lost in thought for a moment. "But despite all that, he's a good dragon at heart. He just needs to learn to balance his emotions a bit better."

I smiled "Oh like and sometimes I'm a bit of a hothead. You know, the one can't control their anger!" Mother nodded.

Mother's eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled back at me. "Well, maybe a bit, dear. But you know how to calm down and think things through when you're upset. You don't usually let your emotions get the better of you like Father does." She chuckled softly. "I think you've learned a lot from watching him, actually – how not to let your temper rule your actions."

I grinned, feeling a bit self-satisfied. "Yeah, I guess I've had a good teacher in watching Father's... enthusiasm." Mother laughed, and we shared a warm moment, both of us knowing exactly what the other meant.

I look at Mother "Oh so the one time I burned my little brother Lyriath alive because he scared me a few years ago back is a calm way to control my anger?" I said.

Mother's expression changed instantly, her eyes widening in surprise and concern. "Ah, well... perhaps 'calm' might not be the best word to describe that particular incident, dear." She cleared her throat, choosing her words carefully. "That was... an accident, and you've learned from it. You've been working on controlling your temper and your fire-breathing, and you've made progress." Mother's tone turned gentle. "We all have moments we regret, but it's how we grow from them that matters."

I sighed. "I do often get angry and uhhh.... I guess I end up in a different Father temper!" Mother couldn't deny all my past anger issues and just nodded slightly.

Mother's nod was a small acknowledgment of the truth in my words. She didn't need to say anything more; the look in her eyes conveyed her understanding and concern. After a moment of silence, she spoke softly, "It's okay to get angry, but learning to manage that anger is important. Maybe we can work on some strategies together?" Her voice was gentle, offering support rather than judgment.

Mother sighed. "I going to go and look for him before he ruptured again from overeating!"

Mother looked at me and question, "Can you hear him using your wolf-fox ears?"

I tilted my head, focusing my ears on the sounds outside the cave. After a moment, I nodded. "Yeah, I think I can hear him. It sounds like he's... enjoying himself, judging by the rustling and snuffling noises. And there's a faint sound of wrappers being torn open." I looked at Mother with a knowing glint in my eye. "Sounds like he's found a stash of sweets somewhere."

I smiled "or meat or prey in that matter!" Mother nodded.

Mother's expression was a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Yes, or meat or prey, indeed. Your father's appetite knows no bounds, whether it's sweets or a freshly caught deer." She chuckled softly. "Let's hope he doesn't overindulge too much this time. I'd rather not have to deal with the aftermath of a stomachache-induced tantrum." Mother flew off to get Father again.

As Mother flew off, I watched her disappear into the distance, hoping she'd catch up to Father before things got out of hand. I settled back into the cave, waiting for their return. The silence was a welcome respite, and I used the opportunity to tidy up the space, making sure everything was in order for when Father inevitably came back, possibly with a newfound appetite for something else.

As I tidied up the cave, I couldn't help but think about Father's latest outburst. It was nothing new, but it still concerned me. I made sure to put the more fragile items out of reach, just in case Father's return was accompanied by another bout of enthusiasm.

The cave was quiet, with only the occasional sound of rocks shifting or the distant rumble of thunder outside breaking the silence. I worked methodically, putting things in their proper places and making sure the space was organized.

As I finished up, I heard the sound of wings beating in the distance, growing louder with each passing moment. Mother's voice carried on the wind, followed by Father's grumbling. It seemed Mother had found him, and he wasn't exactly thrilled about it.

The sound of their approach grew louder, and I smiled to myself, knowing that the drama was far from over. I settled in, ready to see what other adventures the day might bring.

I ran to the cave entrance knowing we lived in a mountain cave, which means Mother is dragging him while climbing up the mountain.

I rushed to the cave entrance, my eyes scanning the mountain slope below. Sure enough, I saw Mother flying towards the cave, Father clutched tightly in her claws. He was struggling and squirming, his wings flapping wildly as he tried to break free. Mother's determined expression told me she wasn't letting go until she had him safely back in the cave.

As they drew closer, Father's protests grew louder, echoing off the mountain walls. I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, knowing that Mother would eventually wear him down. She landed gracefully at the cave entrance, Father still struggling in her grasp.

"Let me go! I don't want to go back!" Father bellowed, his voice carrying across the mountain. Mother just gave him a stern look and dragged him into the cave, not letting go until they were both inside.

I go outside to see, I stepped outside the cave entrance, looking down the mountain slope to see if there were any signs of what Father had been up to. The air was crisp and clean, with a hint of the scent of nearby flora. I sniffed the air, trying to pick up any clues.

As I looked around, I noticed a trail of discarded wrappers and debris leading up to the cave entrance. It seemed Father's snacking spree had been quite extensive. I shook my head, smiling wryly to myself. Only Father could manage to leave a trail like that.

I gazed out at the breathtaking view, the mountains stretching out as far as the eye could see. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape. It was moments like these that I loved, peaceful and serene, with the drama of Father's antics temporarily forgotten.

I walk towards Father with a big smile on my face and wag my tail.

I approached Father with a big grin spreading across my face, my tail wagging enthusiastically behind me. Father, still looking a bit disgruntled from his earlier struggles with Mother, couldn't help but crack a smile as he saw my infectious enthusiasm.

"Looks like you had quite the adventure, huh?" I teased, my eyes sparkling with amusement.

Father's scowl softened slightly, and he let out a gruff chuckle. "You have no idea, kiddo," he muttered, shaking his head. Mother shot him a look, and he quickly added, "I mean, it was just a little snack run. Nothing out of the ordinary."

I chuckled, knowing full well that Father's "snack runs" often ended in chaos. But I loved him for it – his unpredictability was part of what made life with him so exciting.

I question, "Does your stomach hurt when I give a sight touch of my claw?" Father answered "yes but as long nobody touches it!"

Father winced slightly at my gentle touch, his eyes widening in warning. "Yes, but like I said, it's best not to touch it for now."

Mother intervened, her voice firm but gentle. "Tharros, maybe you should let Father rest for a bit. He seems to have overindulged... again." I nodded understandingly, keeping a watchful eye on Father as he settled in, looking rather sheepish.

As we entered the cave entrance, Mother let go Father tail and looked at his even enormous belly and sighed.

Mother's eyes widened as she gazed at Father's belly, which had grown even more enormous from his snacking spree. She let out a deep sigh, her expression a mix of exasperation and amusement. "Aetherius, really?" she said, shaking her head. Father looked down at his belly, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "What? I got a little carried away," he admitted, his voice laced with apology. I chuckled, knowing that "a little carried away" was an understatement.

Mother tap Father enormous belly and Father roar in pain by the pressure.

Mother tapped Father's enormous belly, and he let out a pained roar, wincing at the pressure. "Ow! Thyriatrix, gentle!" he protested, clutching his belly protectively. Mother raised an eyebrow, her expression stern but amused. "You should've thought of that before you ate half the mountain's worth of food," she said dryly. I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Father, usually so full of energy, now doubled over in discomfort.

Father let out a sheepish burp and defended himself, "Okay, okay, I only ate 3% of the prey population in this forest!" Mother raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "That's supposed to make me feel better?" she asked dryly. Father looked up at her with a hopeful expression. "Well, I didn't eat the whole forest, did I?" he said, trying to justify his actions. I chuckled at his attempt to rationalize his overeating.

Father competent "Thyriatrix, your little blue eyes look beautiful!" Mother looked at Father in anger and tap Father belly and send painful shockwaves.

Mother looks at Father with death glare and said "don't think a simple competent will get you out of this situation!"

Father's attempt at flattery was met with Mother's wrath. "Don't think a simple compliment will get you out of this situation!" she warned, her eyes flashing with annoyance. Father winced, still clutching his belly, as Mother's tap sent shockwaves of pain through his overstuffed stomach. I watched, trying to stifle a grin, as Father's face contorted in discomfort. "I... I was just trying to make amends," he muttered, looking up at Mother with a sheepish expression. Mother's glare only intensified, her arms crossed over her chest. "You'll be making amends for a while, Aetherius."

Mother left, and I walked towards Father, and Father, who is lying down on his side, looked at a bit scared "Tharros do not touch my belly right now, please!" I nuzzled his front leg.

I gently nuzzled Father's front leg, trying not to make any sudden movements that might trigger another bout of discomfort. Father let out a sigh of relief, his tense expression easing slightly as he stroked my scales with a gentle claw. "Thanks, Tharros. You're a good son," he whispered, his voice laced with gratitude. I nuzzled his leg again, trying to comfort him as he lay there, his belly still throbbing from Mother's tap. Despite the chaos he often caused, I couldn't help but feel a soft spot for Father's vulnerable moments like these.

Pov Aetherius

I lay on my side, my belly throbbing in protest as I gazed up at Tharros. He seemed to sense my discomfort, and his gentle nuzzle against my front leg was a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves. I stroked his scales, feeling a deep affection for my son's empathetic nature. "Thanks, Tharros," I whispered, trying to convey just how much his gentle gesture meant to me. Thyriatrix's warning glare still lingered in my mind, and I knew I had a long road to recovery ahead of me – or at least, a long road to regaining her good graces.

I wailing, "OW OW OW OW OW OW! My belly still hurt from all those tapping!" Tharros wolf-fox ears folded from the side.

I continued to wail, clutching my belly in agony as the pain from Mother's tapping lingered. "OW OW OW OW OW OW! My belly still hurts!" I cried out, my voice echoing through the cave. Tharros's wolf-fox ears folded back in sympathy, and he looked at me with concern, his eyes filled with a mix of amusement and worry. He gently nuzzled me again, trying to calm me down, but I was beyond consolation. "Maybe you should've thought of that before eating half the mountain's worth of food," Tharros said softly, echoing Mother's words earlier. I glared at him, still wincing in pain, but unable to argue with the truth.

I looked at the stone wall and sighed. "This going to hurt a lot!" I said and dragged my body to the stone wall and wailing in pain.

I groaned and dragged my body towards the stone wall, wailing in pain as my belly bumped against the rough surface. "Ow, ow, ow... this is torture!" I exclaimed, using the wall for support as I slowly made my way along it. Tharros followed me, his ears still folded back in concern, and his eyes fixed on me with a mixture of amusement and worry. "Father, maybe you should take it easy for a while," he suggested, trying to guide me towards a more comfortable position. But I was determined to make the most of my misery, milking the drama for all it was worth.

Tharros wimpper in worried from my pain.

Tharros's face scrunched up in worry as he watched me wince in pain, his eyes filled with concern. He whimpered softly, his tail twitching anxiously as he hovered beside me. "Father, maybe I can get Mother to help you?" he suggested, his voice trembling slightly. I managed a weak smile, despite my discomfort, and reached out to gently reassure him. "It's okay, Tharros. I'll be fine. Just... just give me a minute," I said, trying to sound calmer than I felt. Tharros nodded, still looking worried, but stayed by my side, offering silent support.

Tharros touched my belly, and it sent powerful painful shockwaves and I try my best to not look like I'm in so much pain or else he will just cry.

I gritted my teeth, trying to stifle a yelp of pain as Tharros's touch sent shockwaves through my sensitive belly. I forced a weak smile onto my face, attempting to downplay the agony, but it was a struggle to keep my expression neutral. Tharros looked up at me with concern etched on his face, and I knew I had to keep my cool, or he'd start worrying even more. I took a deep breath, trying to relax, and managed to say, "It's okay, Tharros. I'm fine." My voice was a bit strained, but I hoped he'd buy it.

Tharros jabing my enormous belly multiple times.

I yelped in surprise and pain as Tharros poked my belly multiple times, each jab sending shockwaves of agony through my overstuffed stomach. "Ow! Tharros, stop it! That's not funny!" I exclaimed, trying to protect my belly with my claws. Tharros giggled, his eyes sparkling with mischief, and continued to poke and prod my sensitive belly, clearly enjoying the reaction he was getting from me. I glared at him, trying to look stern, but it was hard to maintain when he looked so adorable and playful.

My enormous belly jiggling and wobbling from Tharros touch.

My enormous belly jiggled and wobbled violently with each of Tharros's pokes and prods, sending waves of discomfort through my body. I winced and gasped, trying to catch my breath as the motion seemed to set off a chain reaction of aches and pains. Tharros laughed and continued to tease me, his fingers dancing across my belly with a light touch that belied the intense discomfort he was causing. I glared at him, but my stern expression faltered as I couldn't help but chuckle at his antics.

Pov Tharros

I giggled uncontrollably as Father's enormous belly jiggled and wobbled beneath my touch. His face contorted in a mix of pain and amusement, and I couldn't help but tease him further. I poked and prodded his belly again, watching as the waves of motion rippled through his flesh. Father's eyes darted towards me, a mock-stern expression on his face, but I could see the laughter lurking behind his gaze. "Tharros, you little scamp," he chuckled, trying to catch his breath. I grinned mischievously, knowing I'd won this round of our playful battle.

My wolf-fox ears perked up again, and I give another poke and prod.

Father's belly jiggled once more, and he let out a dramatic groan, clutching his stomach as if I'd mortally wounded him. I chuckled, my wolf-fox ears still perked up, and gave him another poke, watching with glee as his eyes widened in mock agony. "Tharros, you're going to be the death of me!" he exclaimed, his voice dripping with melodrama. I grinned, feeling triumphant, and prepared to deliver the final blow – another poke, another jab, another wave of belly-induced hilarity.

Father roar so loud that my wolf-fox ears ringing up I stop and begin to cry in tears.

Father's loud roar startled me, and my wolf-fox ears rang from the sudden blast of sound. I stopped poking his belly and took a step back, my eyes welling up with tears. I hadn't meant to hurt him that much. "Waaahhh...!" I wailed, my voice trembling as I began to cry. Father's expression immediately softened, and he reached out to comfort me, his massive belly still jiggling with the aftershocks of my pokes. "Oh, Tharros, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you," he said, his voice gentle as he pulled me into a warm hug.

But I keep crying. Father knows the best option is to me be under his wing since it gave me comfort and safety and calm, but knowing that he has to roll and lay on his belly first will give him nightmare pain.

I continued to sob, my tears falling onto Father's chest as he tried to comfort me.

He looked down at me with concern, knowing that the best way to calm me down was to wrap me in his wings. However, the thought of rolling onto his belly to do so made him wince in anticipation of the pain.

He hesitated, weighing his options carefully, before deciding that my comfort was worth the temporary discomfort. With a deep breath, Father slowly began to roll onto his side, his face scrunched up in preparation for the pain.

As he finally managed to maneuver himself into the correct position, he gently wrapped his wings around me, enveloping me in a warm, safe space. I felt a wave of calm wash over me as I snuggled into the familiar comfort of his wings.

"It's okay, Tharros," Father whispered softly, his voice muffled slightly by the wing that wrapped around us. "I've got you. You're safe."

I sniffled and clung to him, feeling a sense of peace wash over me as the warmth and security of his wings soothed my tears away. The pain in Father's belly seemed to fade into the background as he held me close, happy to see me calm down.

As I calmed down, Father held me close, enjoying the warmth and comfort of the moment despite the lingering discomfort in his belly. He knew it was worth it to see me smile again.

I stopped crying but gave a soft wimpper, Father's wings wrapped tightly around me, holding me close as I gave a soft whimper. He gently stroked my back, his touch soothing and comforting. "Shh, Tharros, it's okay," he whispered, his voice low and gentle. "You're safe now. I'm here for you."

I nuzzled deeper into the warmth of his wings, feeling the softness of his feathers and the warmth of his body. The scent of him was familiar and comforting, and I felt my whimpers slowly subside as I relaxed into his embrace.

Father held me close, enjoying the closeness and feeling grateful that I was calming down. He knew that sometimes, all I needed was a little comfort and security, and he was happy to provide that for me. As I settled into his wings, he began to softly hum a gentle tune, the vibrations of his voice rumbling through his chest and soothing me further.

I snuggled Father belly, and Father's screamed in pain but put his claws on his jaw, stopping his scream, knowing that I'll go back crying again.

I snuggled into Father's belly, unaware of the pain I was causing. Father's face contorted in agony as my touch sent shockwaves through his sensitive stomach. He let out a silent scream, his eyes widening in pain, and quickly covered his mouth with his claws to stifle the sound.

He held perfectly still, his claws pressed tightly against his jaw, as he struggled to endure the discomfort. His eyes darted towards me, worried that I'd notice his distress and start crying again. Father took slow, deep breaths, trying to calm himself down, and managed to maintain a neutral expression, all while silently begging for the pain to subside.

Pov Aetherius

I thought to myself 'damn that was painful as hell when Tharros snuggled his body at my sensitive stomach'

I gritted my teeth, still feeling the aftershocks of pain as Tharros snuggled into my belly.

'Damn, that was painful as hell,' I thought to myself, wincing internally at the memory of the shockwaves that ran through my sensitive stomach.

I forced a calm expression onto my face, not wanting to alarm Tharros, and carefully adjusted my position to minimize the discomfort.

As I sat there, I couldn't help but replay the moment when Tharros's touch had sent waves of pain through my stomach.

My mind lingered on the pain, and I took a deep breath, focusing on the warmth of Tharros's body against mine.

I tried to push the pain to the back of my mind, prioritizing Tharros's comfort over my own discomfort.

With a gentle touch, I wrapped my wings around Tharros, holding him close and shielding him from any potential harm.

In that moment, I knew that Tharros's well-being was all that mattered, and I was willing to endure the pain for his sake.

Pov Tharros

I look at Father, nuzzling his left front leg.

As I nuzzled Father's left front leg, I could see the faintest hint of tension in his face, a subtle tightening of his jaw that suggested he was still in discomfort.

But Father's eyes, warm and gentle, met mine, and he offered me a soft smile, his expression calming as he looked at me.

He reached out with a wing, gently stroking my head and back, his touch soothing and comforting.

Father whispered softly, his voice a gentle rumble that vibrated through his chest, "Hey there, little one,"

I felt safe and protected in Father's presence, and I leaned into his touch, enjoying the warmth and comfort of his wings wrapped around me.

Father's wings enveloped me in a warm, safe space, and I felt my eyelids growing heavy as the warmth and security washed over me.

In that moment, everything felt right with the world, and I knew that Father would always be there to protect and care for me.

I question in worried, "Are you going to rupture again, Father?" I look at his still enormous belly.

Father's expression turned serious, and he looked down at his belly, his eyes lingering on the still-swollen area.

Father hesitate, "I'm not sure, Tharros," he admitted, his voice measured and cautious. "The healing process is taking longer than I expected, and I don't want to take any risks that might make it worse."

He gently placed a hand on his belly, his touch gentle as he assessed the situation.

"But don't worry, little one," he reassured me, his voice softening. "I'll be careful. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure I'm okay, for your sake as much as mine."

Father's eyes met mine, filled with a deep concern and determination.

"We'll get through this together, Tharros," he promised, his voice firm and resolute. "I'll make sure we're both safe and healthy."

Father smiled. "You know I have a strong stomach, and you also have a strong stomach like me, only you only you don't gluttonous yourself!" I nodded.

Father chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement, "That's true, Tharros," he said, his voice filled with pride. "You get your strong stomach from me, and I'm glad you're learning to appreciate good food without overdoing it."

He leaned in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone.

"Although, I have to say, poking and prodding at my belly might not be the most...gentle...thing to do, especially when it's still healing," he teased, his eyes sparkling with playful reprimand.

Father's expression softened, and he smiled at me.

"But I know you didn't mean any harm, little one," he said, his voice warm and forgiving. "And I'm just glad we're having a good time together."

I smiled. "Like that time, you forced overfeed me in the past!" Father frowned "Hey I have no longer done that to you since you almost ruptured!"

I giggled at the memory, and Father's expression turned mock-defensive, "Hey, that was one time, okay?" he protested, his voice rising in a playful whine. "And I said I was sorry, didn't I? You almost rupturing was a huge wake-up call for me."

He shook his head, a hint of a smile still on his face, "Let's just say I've learned my lesson about overfeeding you," he said, his voice dry.

I laughed, knowing Father was still a bit sensitive about the whole thing, "I'm just teasing, Father," I said, my voice soothing. "I know you didn't mean to hurt me."

I giggled. "One time you mean when I was about 1 or 2 years old yeah, I'm sure you didn't just keep do in that!" I teased, and Father know I was right.

Father's expression faltered, and he looked away, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Okay, okay, maybe it wasn't just one time," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

He glanced back at me, his eyes sparkling with amusement and a hint of embarrassment. "Let's just say I've had to learn the hard way to gauge your eating habits," he said, chuckling.

Father shook his head, laughing. "I guess I just got a little carried away with wanting to see you happy and full," he said, his voice filled with affection.

I giggled, knowing Father's guilty conscience was well-deserved, I nuzzled at his enormous and sensitive belly.

Father's eyes widened in alarm as I nuzzled his belly, and he let out a soft hiss of pain.

he warned, his voice low and cautious, "Tharros, gentle!"

He placed a gentle hand on my head, trying to guide me away from his sensitive stomach.

he reminded me, his eyes serious, "I'm still healing, remember?"

But despite the warning, Father's expression softened as he looked at me, his eyes filled with warmth and affection.

Father, take a deep breath, "I know you're just playing, little one," he said, his voice gentle. "But let's be careful, okay?"

Father growled, and I touched his snout with my claw, and my father heart seemed to melted from my sudden touch.

Father's growl faltered, and his expression softened as I touched his snout with my claw.

He looked at me, his eyes melting with affection, and his gruff demeanor gave way to a gentle smile, "You're a sneaky one, aren't you?" he said, his voice low and rumbling, filled with amusement.

Father's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, and he leaned into my touch, enjoying the gentle contact.

In that moment, his discomfort and pain seemed to fade away, replaced by the warmth and love he felt for me.

I smiled "this mean I get to use your enormous belly as a pillow again!"

Father's eyes widened in alarm, and he let out a mock-terrified expression, "Oh no, no, no, Tharros!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with playful panic.

He gently but firmly shook his head, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"My belly is still recovering, remember?" he reminded me, his voice stern but affectionate.

Father's expression softened, and he smiled at me.

"But I'll let you use my shoulder or arm as a pillow, deal?" he offered, his voice gentle.

I look at him. "I'm 11 meter tall hatchlings!" Father frowned, "and I'm a 77-meter tall adult dragon!"

I grinned mischievously, knowing that my size didn't necessarily mean I had to be gentle.

"That just means I can be more careful," I said, my voice filled with determination.

Father raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced, "Careful?" he repeated, his voice skeptical. "You're a powerful young dragon, Tharros, but my belly is still healing. Let's not take any risks, okay?"

He looked at me sternly, but his eyes sparkled with warmth and affection, "I want to make sure you're safe, and I'm safe," he said, his voice gentle but firm.

As Father spoke, I could see the concern in his eyes, a mix of worry and love that made me feel both understood and cautioned.

I nodded, acknowledging Father's concerns, and he smiled softly, seeming to relax a little.

The moment hung between us, filled with understanding and the unspoken promise to be careful with each other.

With a gentle touch, Father guided me to sit beside him, and we sat there in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company.

In that quiet moment, I felt a deep connection to Father, a bond strengthened by our shared understanding and mutual care.

The silence was soothing, a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful moments are the ones we share without words.

As we sat together, the world around us seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of our companionship and the gentle rhythm of our breathing.

In this peaceful space, Father's healing seemed to progress, his pain easing as our bond deepened.

And I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together as a family.

As night rose, we all went to sleep, and suddenly, father slipped to the lay down side, but father's still fast a sleep, and since his wing was not wrapped around me, I decided to sleep on his enormous belly.

I carefully positioned myself on Father's belly, trying not to disturb him as he slept, The warmth of his body and the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he breathed were soothing, and I felt my eyelids growing heavy.

As I settled in, I listened to Father's steady heartbeat, finding comfort in the familiar sound.

Despite the initial concern about his injury, Father seemed to be resting comfortably, and I felt grateful for the opportunity to be close to him.

As I drifted off to sleep, I was aware of Father's presence, feeling safe and protected in his company.

My body relaxed, and I let out a soft sigh, feeling the warmth and security of being near Father.

In the stillness of the night, with Father's gentle breathing as a lullaby, I fell asleep, surrounded by the peacefulness of the moment.

I gently use my claws to wrap myself on his wing, Father stirred slightly as I wrapped myself around his wing, but he didn't wake up.

He shifted slightly to accommodate my weight, and his wing relaxed into a more comfortable position, cradling me gently.

As I settled in, Father's steady breathing continued, a soothing sound that lulled me into a deeper sleep.

The warmth of his body and the security of being wrapped around his wing made me feel safe and content, and I slept peacefully, surrounded by Father's presence.

In the darkness, Father's gentle movements and soft breathing were the only sounds, a reminder that he was there, watching over me even in his sleep.

I went into a peaceful sleep.

Pov Aetherius

I winced, feeling so much pain and weight on something laying on my enormous belly, and I remember Tharros saying he wanted to use my belly as a pillow.

I tried to shift my position, hoping to alleviate the discomfort, but the weight on my belly remained. 'Tharros, you little scamp,' I thought to myself, a mix of amusement and annoyance warring for dominance.

I gently tried to move him to a more comfortable position, not wanting to wake him up.

As I shifted, I winced again, feeling the pain in my stomach, 'I guess I'll just have to endure it for now,' I thought, deciding to let Tharros sleep, hoping that the discomfort would subside once I got more rest.

Despite the pain, I smiled softly, feeling grateful for the closeness with my child.

I wrapped my wing around him more securely, making sure he was safe, and let out a gentle sigh, trying to relax and get some rest.

I look at Tharros, who is sleeping and smiles at my little strong wolf pup boy.

I gazed lovingly at Tharros, my heart swelling with affection as I took in the peaceful expression on his face. 'My little wolf pup,' I thought, smiling at the nickname that suited him so well, thanks to those adorable wolf-fox like ears of his.

I gently stroked his scales with a claw, feeling a deep sense of connection and love for my child.

As I looked at Tharros, I felt grateful for the moments we shared, and I couldn't help but think about how much he meant to me.

My eyes lingered on his face, taking in the soft features and the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he breathed.

In that moment, I felt a sense of contentment, knowing that Tharros was safe and happy in my presence.

The term "wolf pup" had become a special nickname between us, a reminder of the unique bond we shared.

With a gentle touch, I continued to watch over Tharros, feeling grateful for the opportunity to be his father, I would kill or torture if someone dared to hurt him or attack him.

My expression turned fierce, and my eyes flashed with a protective intensity.

The thought of anyone harming Tharros sparked a deep-seated instinct to defend him at all costs.

I would stop at nothing to ensure his safety and well-being, and anyone who dared to threaten him would face my full wrath.

As a father, my love for Tharros knew no bounds, and my protective instincts were always on high alert, ready to defend him from any harm.

In that moment, I felt a powerful surge of determination, knowing that I would do everything in my power to keep Tharros safe and protected.

As I looked at Tharros, still sleeping peacefully, my fierce expression softened, replaced by a gentle smile.

My protective instincts remained on high alert, but they were tempered by the knowledge that Tharros was safe in this moment.

I wrapped my wing around him more securely, holding him close as I continued to watch over him.

The warmth of his body and the sound of his gentle breathing were a balm to my soul, reassuring me that he was okay.

In that quiet moment, I felt a deep sense of connection to Tharros, a bond that went beyond words.

I knew that I would always be there for him, to protect him, to guide him, and to love him with every fiber of my being.

As I drifted off to sleep, Tharros still wrapped in my wing, I felt a sense of peace wash over me, knowing that we were together and safe.

Despite the pain in my enormous sensitive belly from Tharros laying on it as a pillow, I managed to go to sleep.

The discomfort was still present, but my love for Tharros and the comfort of having him close by my side helped me push through the pain.

As I slept, I was vaguely aware of Tharros's gentle movements and the warmth of his body on my belly.

Despite the pain, I felt a sense of contentment, knowing that Tharros was safe and happy.

My body managed to find a way to relax, and I slipped into a deep sleep, my love for Tharros overpowering the discomfort.

The pain was still there, but it was no match for the deep affection I had for my child.

As the night wore on, our peaceful slumber continued, with Tharros shifting slightly to get more comfortable on my belly.

Despite the occasional twitch of pain, I remained asleep, and my body and mind attuned to Tharros's presence.

The darkness of the night slowly gave way to the first hints of dawn, and the sky outside began to lighten.

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