Cherreads

Chapter 124 - nightmare comfort

I woke up to the warmth of Father's wing still wrapped around me, the cave bathed in the soft, golden light of dawn. The fire had burned down to embers overnight, but Mother was already stirring, preparing for the day.

As I stretched, Father's wing relaxed, and I slipped out from under it, shaking off the sleep. The cave was quiet, except for the gentle sounds of my siblings stirring, and Niamon's soft coos as she babbled excitedly.

"Good morning, Tharros," Mother said, smiling as she handed me a chunk of raw meat. "Today's going to be a busy day. We need to hunt for more food."

I nodded, taking a bite of the meat. The taste was rich and savory, and I savored the flavor. I loved spending time with my family, and I was always eager to help with the hunt. Little did I know, today would bring its own set of adventures.

As I ate, Father stirred, his eyes opening lazily as he stretched his massive body. "Good morning, family," he rumbled, his voice low and soothing.

My siblings began to stir more actively now, Lyriath and Vyraxys arguing good-naturedly over who would get to accompany Father on the hunt. Nyxoria and Lyrixa chattered excitedly, eager to join in on the adventure. Kaidorix and Kieraxys were already standing by the cave entrance, looking out at the dawn-lit landscape, their eyes shining with anticipation.

Niamon, still babbling happily, toddled over to Mother, demanding attention and affection. Mother smiled, scooping up Niamon in her claws and showering her with kisses.

I finished my meal, feeling energized and ready for the day ahead. I stood up, shaking out my scales, and looked at Father. "I'm coming with you, Father," I said, my voice firm with determination.

Father smiled, his eyes gleaming with approval. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Tharros," he said, his voice filled with warmth.

Mother looks at Father, "Do not overeat again Aetherius! Or you will deal my scolding again and it won't be any nice!" Mother said.

Father teasing, "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, but I will make no promises, and we won't be too far from here!"

Mother shot Father a mock-stern look, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Don't think you're funny, Aetherius. I'm serious. You know what happened last time you overate and couldn't fly properly."

Father chuckled, his deep laughter echoing off the cave walls. "Oh, come on, Thyriatrix. You're still holding that against me?"

Mother's expression softened, and she smiled. "Maybe not holding it against you, but I'm not letting you forget it anytime soon."

The siblings laughed, enjoying the playful banter between our parents. I grinned, feeling happy to see them teasing each other like this. It was moments like these that made our little family feel so warm and loving.

Father smiled "alright alright whatever look we are only going that way, and that is it!"

Father gestured towards the valley below, his claw sweeping in a broad arc. "We'll be hunting in the valley today. Stay close and watch each other's backs."

The valley was a familiar hunting ground, teeming with prey. I nodded, already feeling a thrill of excitement at the prospect of the hunt. My siblings were chattering and nodding, eager to get started.

We spread our wings and flew off towards the direction.

The wind rushed past us as we soared through the skies, the valley unfolding below us like a vast, green canvas. The sun beat down on our scales, warming us as we flew. I felt alive, free, and exhilarated, the thrill of the hunt coursing through my veins.

Father led the way, his powerful wings beating steadily as he scanned the landscape below for signs of prey. My siblings and I followed close behind, our eyes scanning the ground for any movement.

Later, Father found a perfect place, a lake that looks more like a big circle and surrounded by land.

The lake's circular shape was striking, its calm waters reflecting the sky above like a mirror. The surrounding land was lush and green, with trees and vegetation growing right up to the water's edge.

Father circled above, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of prey. "This looks like a good spot," he said, his voice low and strategic. "Let's set up an ambush and see what we can catch."

As we landed, Father looked at us "Alright go get something big and bring it here! You can eat the prey that you caught, and if you can't eat it, all bring it here!" We all nodded.

With a burst of energy, my siblings and I took off, spreading out to hunt in different directions. The thrill of the hunt was on, and we were all eager to bring back a big catch.

I flew low over the ground, my senses on high alert, scanning for any sign of movement. The rush of the hunt was exhilarating, and I felt my heart pounding with excitement. Let's see what I could catch!

I wondered around the forest, looking something, and I found 1 deer alone.

I looked at my body, and I was a 10-meter tall hatchlings, so hiding in a bush is useless.

I assessed the situation, realizing that stealth wasn't an option given my size. Instead, I decided to use my speed and power to my advantage. I began to stalk the deer, moving quietly but quickly, trying to get into position for a swift and decisive strike.

The deer seemed oblivious to my presence, grazing peacefully. I crept closer, my muscles tensing, ready to pounce. With a burst of speed, I launched myself at the deer, jaws wide open.

The deer didn't stand a chance. My jaws closed around its neck, and with a swift, powerful motion, I ripped its head off. The deer collapsed, lifeless, and I felt a surge of satisfaction at having made a successful kill.

I picked up the deer carcass in my jaws and began to make my way back to the lake, eager to show off my catch to Father and the others. As I walked, I couldn't help but feel proud of my hunting skills, even at a young age.

As I approached the lake, I saw my family gathered near the water's edge, each of them proudly displaying their own catches. Lyriath had a large boar, while Vyraxys had caught a few smaller rabbits. Nyxoria and Lyrixa were working together to drag a massive elk back to the lake.

Father looked up, his eyes scanning my catch. "Ah, Tharros, looks like you've got a good one there," he said, his voice filled with approval. "Let's see what everyone else has caught and then we can decide how to divide up the meat."

The others began to gather around, admiring each other's catches and chatting excitedly about the hunt. I dropped the deer carcass at Father's claws, and he nodded in satisfaction. "Looks like we've got enough food for a while. Let's get started on cleaning and dividing the meat."

I look around, and there are no signs of Kaidorix and Kieraxys, and Niamon. "Where are the rest of them?"

Lyrixa answered, "All 3 of them are still looking for more, so they will be here any second."

I nodded, feeling a bit concerned but also trusting that my siblings and little sister would be fine. "Alright, let's get started on preparing the meat then. We can always add to the pile if they bring back more."

Father began to expertly clean and dissect the deer, while the others helped with the other catches. I joined in, using my claws to skin and portion out the meat. The work was methodical and efficient, and soon we had a sizable pile of fresh meat ready for consumption.

Just as we were finishing up, Kaidorix and Kieraxys appeared on the horizon, flying towards us with Niamon perched happily on Kieraxys' back. "We're back!" Kaidorix called out, grinning from ear to ear. "And we've got some extra meat to add to the pile!"

As Kaidorix and Kieraxys landed, Niamon squealed with delight, waving her tiny claws in the air. Kieraxys chuckled and gently swung her off his back, setting her down on the ground. Niamon toddled over to the pile of meat, babbling excitedly and trying to climb up onto the pile.

Kaidorix and Kieraxys dropped their catches onto the pile, adding to the bounty. "Not bad for a couple of young hunters, huh?" Kaidorix said, grinning at Father.

Father smiled, inspecting the additional meat. "Indeed, you're both doing well. Let's get everything sorted and divided up."

With the additional meat, our pile grew even larger. We worked together to portion out the meat, making sure everyone had enough to eat. As we finished up, Father looked at us all with a satisfied expression. "Well done, everyone."

I giggled, knowing that Father wanted us to go hunting to feed his gluttony body. "Hey father, what are you wanting for? Eat!" I said.

Father's eyes lit up at my words, and he let out a hearty laugh. "Ah, Tharros, you know me too well. Indeed, I am looking forward to a feast. Let's dig in and enjoy the fruits of our labor."

He pounced on the pile of meat, his albino scales glistening in the sunlight as he began to devour the fresh flesh. The rest of us followed suit, tearing into the meat with gusto. The sound of ripping flesh and satisfied growls filled the air as we ate our fill.

As we ate, I couldn't help but tease Father a bit more. "You know, Father, you're going to eat us out of house and home one of these days." Father just chuckled and continued eating, his eyes shining with amusement.

I chuckled. "Do you want us to get more prey for you and this time even bigger?" Father nodded.

"Ah, now that's an idea I can get behind," Father said, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "Bigger prey would be wonderful. I'm thinking something like a giant aurochs or a massive bison. Something that would keep me satisfied for a while."

He rubbed his belly, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Yes, please, Tharros. Go out there and bring back something truly massive. I'll be counting on you."

I grinned, knowing that Father's appetite was insatiable. "Alright, Father. We'll go out and see what we can find. But don't say I didn't warn you when you're groaning under the weight of your own belly."

Pov Aetherius

The joy of being surrounded by such capable and loving children. They're always willing to go out and hunt for me, to make sure I'm well-fed and happy. I watched Tharros with a proud smile, knowing that he's taking on more responsibility and showing a keen understanding of our family's needs.

As I continued to eat, I couldn't help but think about how lucky I am to have such a wonderful family. They're always there for me, supporting me and providing for me. I may be a bit of a glutton, but they never seem to mind.

I glanced over at Tharros, who was still teasing me good-naturedly about my appetite. I chuckled, feeling grateful for his playful nature. He's going to make a fine leader one day, just like his mother.

For now, though, I'm just going to enjoy this feast and savor the taste of the fresh meat. Ah, bliss.

I thought to myself,'Thyriatrix will be so mad at me for overeating again.' I laughed.

The thought of Thyriatrix's scolding brought a mischievous grin to my face. I chuckled to myself, knowing that I'd probably hear about this later. But for now, I wasn't going to let that stop me from enjoying this delicious meal.

I took another big bite, savoring the flavors and textures. The thrill of possibly getting in trouble later only added to the pleasure of eating now. Ah, well, it would be worth it.

Pov Tharros

I watched Father with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. He was truly in his element, devouring the meat with gusto. I couldn't help but chuckle at his antics, knowing that Mother would indeed have a few choice words for him when she found out about his overeating.

As I continued to eat alongside Father, I couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with him. Despite his gluttony, he was a good parent and a loving one. And I knew that he'd always do his best to provide for us, even if it meant occasionally getting into trouble with Mother.

I smiled to myself, looking forward to seeing how this would all play out. Little did I know, this might just be the start of a bigger adventure.

I yelled "FATHER I GOT YOUR BIG PREY FOR YOU TO EAT!"

I led Father to the massive prey I had spotted earlier, a gigantic aurochs with impressive horns and a sturdy build. As we approached, Father's eyes grew wider with excitement.

"Ah, Tharros, you've outdone yourself this time!" Father exclaimed, his voice filled with anticipation. "This is exactly what I needed. Thank you, my son!"

With a swift and powerful motion, Father struck down the aurochs, and it fell to the ground with a thud. Father's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he began to feast on the massive creature.

As Father feasted on the aurochs, I watched with a sense of satisfaction, knowing that I had provided for him. The sound of tearing flesh and satisfied growls filled the air, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in my hunting skills.

After a while, Father slowed down his eating, his belly looking noticeably fuller. He let out a contented sigh and lay down next to the carcass, his eyes half-closed in satisfaction.

"Thank you, Tharros," Father said, his voice filled with gratitude. "You've truly earned your place as my son. I'm proud of you."

I smiled, feeling a warmth in my chest at Father's words. It was moments like these that made all the hunting and providing worth it. I settled down next to Father, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the sound of his contented breathing.

Suddenly, the rest of my younger siblings shouted, "HERE WE GO FATHER! HERE IS YOUR BIG MEALS!"

Father's eyes snapped open, and he sat up straight, his face lighting up with excitement. "Ah, more food? Bring it on, my young ones!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with anticipation.

The rest of my siblings came into view, each carrying or dragging a large catch. Lyriath was proudly holding up a massive fish, while Vyraxys and Nyxoria were dragging a large deer carcass between them. Lyrixa was carrying a pair of wild turkeys, and Kaidorix and Kieraxys were bringing up the rear with a large boar slung between them.

Niamon, the youngest, was toddling along beside them, babbling excitedly and waving a small rabbit in the air. Father's eyes grew wide as he took in the bounty before him, and he let out a hearty laugh. "Ah, my children, you truly know how to bring a feast to your old father!"

I use my earth element to summon a very large tree, so Father can lean back at it as he eats.

With a subtle gesture, a massive tree erupted from the ground, its trunk thick and sturdy, its branches stretching up towards the sky. The leaves rustled in the gentle breeze, providing a soothing canopy for Father to dine under.

Father's eyes lit up with delight as he leaned back against the trunk of the tree, a comfortable smile spreading across his face. "Ah, Tharros, you've thought of everything, as always," he said, his voice filled with appreciation.

As he began to feast on the bounty brought by my siblings, the atmosphere became even more festive, with everyone chatting and laughing as they worked together to prepare the meals. The sound of sizzling meat and happy chatter filled the air, creating a warm and welcoming scene.

As Father eating his belly expanded fast by him eating way too fast.

Father's belly began to expand at an alarming rate, his scales stretching to accommodate the rapid growth. His face turned a deep shade of pink, and his breathing became labored as he continued to devour the food with reckless abandon.

I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, knowing that Father's gluttony was going to catch up with him sooner or later. My siblings, however, seemed to be enjoying the spectacle, giggling and teasing Father good-naturedly about his expanding belly.

We all ran to get more for Father.

The hunt was on again! My siblings and I scattered in all directions, eager to bring back more food for Father's seemingly insatiable appetite. The forest echoed with our shouts and laughter as we chased after prey, determined to satisfy Father's hunger.

I sprinted through the underbrush, my senses on high alert as I tracked down a massive elk. With a swift strike, it fell to the ground, and I dragged it back to the gathering spot, where Father was still eating with gusto.

As I arrived, I saw that my siblings had already returned with their own catches, and the pile of food was growing exponentially. Father's eyes grew wide with excitement, and he dug in with renewed enthusiasm, his belly continuing to expand at an alarming rate.

And when Father finished eating his belly, it was so damn massive that my jaw dropped by the size.

Father's belly had ballooned to an absurd size, stretching his scales to their limits. It was now a gigantic, rounded mass that seemed to have a life of its own. I stared in awe, my jaw dropped in shock, as I struggled to comprehend how Father's body could possibly contain such a massive amount of food.

My siblings were similarly stunned, their eyes wide with amazement as they gazed at Father's enormous belly. Father himself looked rather pleased with himself, a contented smile spreading across his face as he leaned back against the tree, his massive belly jutting out in front of him.

As Father sat there, his massive belly seemed to be defying gravity, jutting out in front of him like a gigantic, scale-covered beach ball. Despite the absurdity of the situation, Father looked remarkably comfortable, his contented smile and relaxed posture suggesting that he was in a state of pure bliss.

I couldn't help but wonder how long it would take him to digest this massive meal. Would he be able to move from this spot for days? The thought brought a mixture of amusement and concern, but for now, I was just happy to have been a part of providing for him.

My siblings, meanwhile, were starting to get restless, whispering to each other and giggling about Father's predicament. Lyriath, ever the jokester, started making exaggerated guesses about how long it would take Father's belly to return to normal. "I bet it'll take a week!" he exclaimed, grinning mischievously.

I look at Father. "Would Mother be very mad at you again for overeating again?" Father, seem to remember that will happen if he went back to the mountain cave.

Father's expression changed from contentment to concern as he caught sight of my gaze. He looked down at his massive belly and then back at me, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Ah, yes... Mother," he said, his voice tinged with worry.

For a moment, he seemed lost in thought, probably imagining the scolding he would receive from Mother when she saw the state he was in. His grin faltered, and he let out a soft groan, "Thyriatrix is going to kill me..."

I giggled "well you the one who told us to hunt food for you to eat, so yeah, you can see who fault is that!"

Father chuckled, despite himself, and shook his head. "Fair point, Tharros. I suppose I have no one to blame but myself for this predicament."

He looked up at me with a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You're enjoying this, aren't you? Watching your old father squirm."

I grinned, unable to deny it. "Maybe a little."

Father laughed, a deep rumbling sound that caused his massive belly to jiggle. "Well, I suppose I deserved that," he said, still chuckling.

As we sat there, I couldn't help but notice that Father's belly seemed to be growing even larger, despite his having finished eating. It was as if his body was still absorbing the food at an alarming rate.

Suddenly, Father let out a low groan and shifted uncomfortably. "I think I might be in trouble here," he said, his voice strained.

I raised an eyebrow, concerned. "What do you mean, Father?"

Father gestured to his belly, which was now starting to glow with a faint, pinkish light. "I think I might be getting...food-locked," he said, his voice laced with worry.

Father, look at me. "Is your mother coming since you have does wolf-fox like ears so you can hear way farther away than anyone here!"

I looked at Father, and he nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, I can hear Mother coming. She's still a ways off, but I can pick up the sound of her footsteps."

Father's eyes narrowed, and he listened intently, his wolf-fox like ears perked up. After a moment, he nodded again. "She's getting closer. We should probably get ready."

I grinned mischievously, knowing that Father was in for a scolding. "Don't worry, Father. I'm sure Mother will be... understanding."

Father shot me a dry look, and I could tell he wasn't buying it. He knew he was in trouble.

Father questioned, "How close is she now?"

Father's ears twitched as he listened intently to the sounds of Mother's approach. After a moment, he replied, "She's about... 800 meters away. I can hear the rustling of leaves and the sound of her footsteps getting closer."

Father's expression turned anxious, and he glanced at his massive belly. "I think I need to... prepare myself for this."

I chuckled, knowing that Mother's reaction would not be pleasant. "Good luck, Father."

Father, try to get up, but couldn't and I giggled. "Look like you have to deal in a sitting position and lean into a tree like this!" I said softly.

Father grunted, trying to push himself up, but his massive belly made it impossible. He huffed and puffed, but ultimately failed to rise from his seat.

I giggled again, unable to help myself. "Look like you have to deal in a sitting position and lean into a tree like this!" I said softly, trying to stifle my laughter.

Father shot me a sheepish glance, his face reddening slightly. He leaned back against the tree, resigned to his fate. "I suppose you're right," he said, his voice laced with amusement and embarrassment.

As Father leaned back against the tree, I couldn't help but notice the mixture of embarrassment and resignation on his face. He looked like he was bracing himself for Mother's arrival. The rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs grew louder, and I could sense Father's tension increasing. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm himself down.

Suddenly, Mother emerged from the underbrush, her light green scales catching the dappled sunlight filtering through the forest canopy. She took one look at Father's massive belly and her expression changed from calm to shocked.

The forest around us fell silent, as if the trees themselves were waiting to see how Mother would react to Father's predicament.

Father smiled, nervous. "So Hey, uhhh, please don't hit me!" He said.

Mother's eyes widened in shock, and then her expression turned stern. She stalked towards Father, her tail swishing behind her. "Aetherius, what have you done now?" she asked, her voice firm but controlled.

Father's nervous smile faltered, and he held up his hands in a placating gesture. "I, uh, maybe just had a little too much to eat?" he ventured, his voice rising at the end like a question.

Mother stopped in front of him, her eyes fixed on his massive belly. "A little too much to eat?" she repeated, her voice dripping with incredulity.

Father smiled. "Please don't hate me more, but I ask the little ones to get as many big foods so I can eat it!"

Mother's expression turned incredulous, and she threw up her hands. "You asked the little ones to hunt for food for you to gorge on? Aetherius, how could you be so irresponsible?"

Father's smile faltered, and he looked down, his ears folding back in embarrassment. "I just really love food, Thyriatrix..."

Mother sighed, shaking her head. "I swear, sometimes I don't know what to do with you."

As Mother scolded Father, the rest of us watched with varying degrees of amusement and concern. Lyriath and Vyraxys were trying to stifle their giggles, while Nyxoria and Lyrixa looked on with wide eyes, unsure of what to make of the situation.

Meanwhile, Kaidorix and Kieraxys were playing with Niamon, completely oblivious to the tension between Mother and Father. They were chasing each other around the clearing, laughing and shouting, while Niamon toddled after them, babbling excitedly.

The scene was chaotic, but it was also strangely endearing. Despite the scolding, it was clear that Mother loved Father dearly, and that we all loved each other.

As Mother continued to lecture Father, he looked up at her with a sheepish expression, his eyes shining with affection. "I'm sorry, Thyriatrix," he said, his voice sincere. "I promise to be more careful in the future."

Mother raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "See that you are," she said, but her voice was softening.

Mother looks at Father massive belly, "and I know that you will overeat again! Mark my word, Aetherius!" She yelled.

Father winced at Mother's words, his massive belly jiggling slightly as he shifted uncomfortably. "I-I'll try my best, Thyriatrix," he stammered, his eyes wide with a mix of fear and apology.

Mother's expression softened slightly at Father's contrite expression, but her voice remained firm. "You'd better," she said, shaking her head. "Now, let's get you cleaned up and figure out how to get you back to normal."

As Mother began to fuss over Father's massive belly, I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. Despite the scolding, it was clear that Mother loved Father dearly, and that she would do whatever it took to take care of him.

Father smiled, "and beside you know that the food doesn't turn into fat, most of them turn into muscle and you and I are the only one who knows how it work!" Mother nodded.

Father's smile grew wider as he leaned back against the tree, his massive belly rising and falling with each breath. "Exactly, my love," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye. "And you know that my... unique physiology makes me rather... formidable."

Mother rolled her eyes good-naturedly, but a hint of a smile played on her lips. "Yes, dear, you're a formidable dragon, with a belly to match."

The two of them shared a warm glance, and for a moment, the tension in the clearing dissipated. It was clear that despite Father's overeating, Mother loved him unconditionally, and that their bond was strong enough to withstand even the most absurd of situations.

Mother looks at us "let get back home to the mountain cave, and Aetherius, I will drag your tail!"

Father began rejecting the idea "Thyriatrix no please it hurt a lot!" But Mother shook her head.

Mother's expression turned stern, and she reached out to grab Father's tail. "Don't be ridiculous, Aetherius," she said, her voice firm. "You're coming with me, and you're going to learn to control your appetite."

Father let out a pitiful wail as Mother began to drag him along, his massive belly bouncing and jiggling with each step. "Thyriatrix, mercy!" he cried, trying to dig his claws into the ground to resist.

But Mother was relentless, pulling him along with a strength that belied her slender frame. The rest of us watched with amusement, laughing and teasing Father as we followed behind.

"Ha! You should have thought of that before you ate all those extra meals, Father!" Lyriath called out, chuckling.

"Yeah, and maybe you'll learn to listen to Mother for once!" Vyraxys added, grinning.

Father massive belly began to jiggle and sway and wobbled and bounced as Mother dragged his tail and Father wailing in pain.

The sight was almost comical, with Father's massive belly jiggling and swaying like a giant water balloon. Mother's grip on his tail remained firm, and she pulled him along with a determined stride.

As Father was dragged along, his wails turned into pitiful yelps, and his massive body bounced and jiggled in time with Mother's strides. The rest of us couldn't help but burst out laughing at the absurdity of the situation.

Even the trees seemed to be shaking with mirth, their leaves rustling and whispering to each other as we passed by. The sound of Father's wails and the jiggling of his belly echoed through the forest, a ridiculous symphony that left us all in stitches.

I look at Father. "It OK, it won't be that far!" I try to calm him down.

Father's wails subsided slightly at my words, and he looked up at me with pleading eyes. "R-really, Tharros?" he stammered, his voice still shaking with discomfort.

I nodded sympathetically, trying to reassure him. "Yes, Father, the mountain cave is just a short distance away. You'll be there before you know it."

Father's gaze lingered on me, and for a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of hope in his eyes. But then Mother gave his tail another tug, and he let out a fresh wail, his belly jiggling wildly as he stumbled along.

I look at Mother, who is gripping his tail using her jawan. She grips it tightly.

Mother's jaws held Father's tail in a firm grip, her teeth digging gently but firmly into the scales. Father's eyes went wide as he felt the pressure, and he let out another pained yelp.

Despite the firm grip, Mother's expression was more amused than angry. She seemed to be enjoying the upper hand in this situation, and her eyes sparkled with mirth as she pulled Father along.

As she dragged him forward, Father's massive body continued to jiggle and bounce, his belly swaying precariously with each step. The sight was so ridiculous that even Mother couldn't help but chuckle, her grip on Father's tail tightening slightly as she tried to stifle her laughter.

As we entered the cave entrance, Mother let go of his tail and let out a loud sighed.

As Mother released her grip on Father's tail, he let out a sigh of relief, his massive body sagging slightly as he rubbed his sore tail. "Ah, thank you, Thyriatrix," he said, his voice still a bit strained.

Mother shot him a stern look, but her eyes sparkled with amusement. "Don't think you're off the hook that easily, Aetherius," she said, wagging her finger at him. "We'll be discussing your eating habits further, and finding ways to get you back in shape."

Father nodded sheepishly, knowing he was in for a lecture. But as he looked around at the familiar comforts of the cave, he seemed to relax a bit, his massive belly rising and falling with a contented sigh.

Mother sighed. "We just have to wait long since you can turn the fat into muscle, and your belly will go back to normal!" Father nodded and gently rubbed his massive belly.

Father's massive belly jiggled slightly as he rubbed it, a look of hope on his face. "Yes, my love," he said, his voice filled with determination. "I'll be back to my normal self in no time."

Mother smiled softly, her expression gentle. "I know you will, Aetherius," she said, her voice filled with affection. "You always bounce back."

As they spoke, the rest of us settled in around them, comfortable in the familiar surroundings of the cave. It was clear that despite Father's overeating, our family was strong and supportive, and we would face whatever challenges came our way together.

Kieraxys began to play Father massive belly a bit.

Kieraxys giggled as he poked and prodded Father's massive belly, watching in delight as it jiggled and wobbled. Father chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he let Kieraxys play.

"Hey, little one," Father said, his voice rumbling deep within his chest. "You want to play with Father's belly, huh?"

Kieraxys nodded enthusiastically, his copper scales glinting in the dim light of the cave. He continued to poke and prod Father's belly, laughing as it jiggled and bounced. Father laughed along with him, enjoying the playful attention from his young son.

Father, feel the pain "Alright that is enough!" But all of us join in and play around with Father massive belly and Mother just watch.

The cave erupted into a fit of giggles and laughter as all of us joined in, poking and prodding Father's massive belly. Father's initial protests were quickly drowned out by our playful shouts and chuckles.

Lyriath and Vyraxys were tickling Father's sides, making him laugh and squirm. Nyxoria and Lyrixa were gently poking his belly, watching in delight as it jiggled. Kaidorix was bouncing up and down on Father's lap, making his belly wobble even more. And Kieraxys was still poking and prodding, his eyes shining with excitement.

Mother watched the commotion with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She seemed to be enjoying the sight of our family bonding over Father's... unique situation.

As we continued to play, Father's massive belly became the focal point of our attention, jiggling and wobbling with every touch. Father himself was laughing and grinning, happy to be the center of our playful attention.

Father welling in pain as we play his belly, his belly jiggling and wobbling and bouncing.

Father's face contorted in a mix of laughter and discomfort as we continued to play with his belly. "Ow, ow, ow! Careful, kids!" he pleaded, trying to protect his sensitive belly from our poking and prodding.

But we just laughed and continued to play, our fingers wiggling and poking at his belly with glee. The jiggling and wobbling of his belly seemed to be mesmerizing, and we couldn't get enough of it.

Despite his discomfort, Father couldn't help but chuckle along with us, his laughter rumbling deep within his chest. He seemed to be enjoying the playful attention, even if it was a bit painful at times.

I stop and walk towards my father face "you deserve it, you know that, right?" I said.

Father's eyes met mine, and he looked up at me with a mixture of amusement and sheepishness. "I suppose I do," he said, his voice laced with a hint of guilt.

I smiled slightly, my expression softening. "You've been eating a bit too much, Father," I said gently.

Father nodded, his face falling into a contrite expression. "I know, Tharros. I'll try to do better."

I nodded, satisfied with his response. "Good, Father. We just want you to be happy and healthy."

Father welling "Please stop! Ow ow ow ow ow ow!" He yelp in pain and discomfort.

I watched as my younger siblings stopped teasing Father's belly, and they all looked up at him with concern. Vyraxys said, "Sorry, Father. We didn't mean to hurt you that much." Father breathed a sigh of relief as the kids backed away, his belly still jiggling slightly from the poking and prodding. He rubbed his belly gently, wincing in discomfort.

Mother stepped in, her expression stern but gentle. "Alright, kids. Let's give Father some space. He needs to rest his belly." The kids all nodded, backing away from Father and giving him some room. Father lay down on the cave floor, his massive belly rising and falling with each ragged breath, and let out a soft groan.

I stood there, observing the scene with a mix of amusement and concern. It was clear that Father's overeating had caught up with him, and he needed some time to recover.

Kieraxys, look at me. "Hey Tharros, since you have those wolf-fox like ears, can you hear what is going on in Father stomach?" I nodded slightly.

I smiled slightly and focused my attention on Father's stomach. After a moment, I nodded. "It sounds like... rumbling and churning. Like a big storm brewing in there."

Kieraxys's eyes widened with interest. "Whoa, really? What's happening in there?"

I listened more closely, my wolf-fox like ears perked up. "I think it's just his food digesting. It's a bit...unsettled, but it should calm down soon."

Kieraxys nodded, seeming to accept my diagnosis. "I see. Poor Father."

Father sighed "alright alright I get it, but can you guys leave me alone?"

I look at Father with my puppy dog eyes and my ears folded back. "Can't I stay with you, Father?" Father couldn't reject my puppy dog eyes, so he nodded.

Father's expression softened as he looked at me, and he nodded. "Alright, Tharros. You can stay with me."

I smiled slightly and sat down beside him, my eyes fixed on his face. Father wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close as he lay on the cave floor.

The rest of the siblings nodded and began to disperse, leaving Father and me alone. Mother watched us with a warm smile before turning to help the younger ones settle down.

As the cave grew quieter, Father let out a contented sigh and closed his eyes, his arm still wrapped around me. I leaned against him, feeling a sense of comfort and companionship.

Father patted his belly, and it jiggled and bounced like something you can have fun bouncing.

The sight was quite amusing, and I couldn't help but giggle slightly at the sight of Father's belly jiggling and bouncing. Father chuckled along with me, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Despite the discomfort, he seemed to be in a relatively good mood, and the gentle bouncing of his belly seemed to be almost... soothing. I reached out and gently poked Father's belly, making it jiggle again, and Father let out a mock-growl, pretending to be annoyed.

Father spoke "Tharros stop you are not helping at all it just hurt!"

I stopped poking Father's belly and looked up at him with a sheepish expression. "Sorry, Father," I said, trying to look as apologetic as possible.

Father smiled slightly, despite his discomfort, and ruffled my hair with his hand. "It's okay, kiddo. Just give me some space and let my belly settle down, okay?"

I nodded, feeling a bit contrite, and leaned against Father's side, being careful not to put any pressure on his belly. Father wrapped his arm around me, holding me close as we sat there in comfortable silence.

As we rested, I could feel Father's warmth and the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. It was soothing, and I felt my own tension ease as I leaned against him.

After a while, Father spoke up, his voice low and rumbling. "You know, Tharros, I think I might need to cut back on the feasts for a while. My belly's been paying the price lately."

I looked up at him, my eyes sparkling with amusement. "Yeah, maybe that's a good idea, Father."

I snap Father belly, and he let out a grunted in pain.

"Ow, Tharros! That wasn't nice!" Father exclaimed, his voice laced with mock annoyance and real discomfort. "I thought we agreed you wouldn't do that anymore."

I looked up at him with a mischievous glint in my eye, trying to gauge his reaction. Father's expression was a mix of pain and amusement, and I could tell he was trying not to laugh.

"Sorry, Father," I said, not sounding very sorry at all. "I just couldn't resist."

Father tried to get up to in a sitting position and he did it.

With a bit of effort, Father managed to sit up, his massive belly shifting slightly as he moved. He let out a soft grunt, adjusting his position to get comfortable.

As he sat there, he looked at me with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "You little scamp, Tharros. You're going to be the death of me yet."

I grinned, feeling a bit pleased with myself. Father's teasing was a sign that he was feeling better, and I was happy to see him in a lighter mood.

I gently patted Father's massive scales belly, and it jiggled and bounced a little.

Father let out a mock-warning growl, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Tharros, don't even think about it. No more poking or prodding, okay?"

I chuckled and continued to gently pat his belly, trying not to make it jiggle too much. Father's scales glistened in the dim cave light, and his belly was warm to the touch.

Despite his grumbling, Father didn't pull away, seeming to enjoy the gentle touch. He even cracked a small smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

As I continued to gently pat Father's belly, he let out a contented sigh, his eyes closing in relaxation. The gentle motion seemed to be soothing him, and his massive body began to unwind.

I smiled, watching Father's expression soften. It was nice to see him relax, especially after the earlier teasing. I leaned against him, feeling the warmth of his scales and the gentle rise and fall of his chest.

For a moment, everything felt peaceful, and I was grateful for this quiet moment with Father.

Father sighed "alright I think I should go lean down my back at that stone wall, but I have to walk there!" I quickly moved out of Father's way, watching as he carefully got up from his sitting position and began to walk towards the stone wall of the mountain cave. His massive body moved slowly, his four legs steadying himself as he walked.

As he reached the stone wall, Father leaned his back against it, letting out a soft sigh of relief. He closed his eyes, seeming to enjoy the support of the wall against his back.

I watched him, feeling a bit concerned about his discomfort, but also happy to see him finding a way to rest comfortably.

I stood beside Father, keeping a watchful eye on him as he leaned against the stone wall. His eyes remained closed, and his chest rose and fell with slow, relaxed breaths.

After a moment, Father's expression smoothed out, and his massive body seemed to sag slightly, as if the weight of his belly was finally supported. I reached out and gently touched his scales, offering silent companionship.

Father's eyes flickered open, and he looked down at me with a soft smile. "Thanks for staying with me, Tharros. I think I'm okay now."

Father grabbed using his claws and placed me at his somewhere between his chest and massive belly and stroking me gently.

I felt Father's gentle claws wrap around me, and he lifted me up, placing me snugly against his warm scales, somewhere between his chest and belly. As he stroked me gently with a claw, I felt a deep sense of comfort and security.

The gentle motion was soothing, and I closed my eyes, letting out a contented sigh. Father's warmth and gentle touch seemed to melt away any tension, and I felt my eyelids growing heavy.

"Sleep if you want, Tharros," Father's soft voice rumbled above me. "I'm feeling better now."

Pov Aetherius

As I gently stroked Tharros with a claw, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. My young one was safe and warm against my scales, and the gentle motion seemed to be soothing us both.

I looked down at Tharros, watching as his eyes grew heavy and his breathing slowed. He was a gentle soul, and I was grateful to have him by my side.

As I continued to stroke him, I felt my own discomfort begin to ease. The support of the stone wall behind me and the warmth of Tharros against my scales were just what I needed.

For a moment, everything felt right with the world.

Tharros began to fall asleep, and I gently placed him back down near me.

Tharros began to fall asleep, and I gently placed him back down near me.

As I watched Tharros sleep, I let out a soft sigh, feeling my own body relax against the stone wall. The cave was quiet, except for the occasional sound of dripping water echoing off the walls. I closed my eyes, letting the stillness wash over me.

The gentle rhythm of Tharros's breathing and the sound of dripping water created a soothing melody that seemed to lull the entire cave into a peaceful slumber. I felt my own eyelids growing heavy, and my breathing slowed to match Tharros's gentle rhythm.

As I rested there, I became aware of the subtle sounds of the cave: the soft rustle of scales as Tharros shifted in his sleep, the distant rumble of a waterfall, and the faint whisper of wind through the cave's entrance.

The stillness was almost palpable, a living, breathing entity that wrapped itself around us, holding us close in its quiet embrace.

I gently wrapped my tail around him.

My tail curled protectively around Tharros, holding him close as he slept. The gentle wrap of my tail seemed to provide him with an added sense of security, and he snuggled in closer, his breathing remaining steady and calm.

As I held him, I felt a deep sense of love and protection wash over me. Being a father to Tharros and my other children was a joy and a responsibility I took very seriously.

With Tharros safe and sound beside me, I let my eyes drift closed once more, feeling the weight of my own exhaustion begin to catch up with me.

I smiled, thinking to myself, "Usually, he always sleeps under my wing, and this is the first time he slept while curled up by my tail." It was a small moment, but it warmed my heart to see Tharros find comfort in a new way.

I rubbed my massive belly gently up and down while dealing digested my meals.

The gentle motion of my belly as I rubbed it helped stimulate digestion, and I felt my body slowly processing the meals I'd eaten. The warmth of the cave and the comfort of having Tharros nearby added to the soothing sensation.

As I continued to rub my belly, I let out a contented rumble, feeling my digestive system hum along smoothly. It was a simple pleasure, but one that brought me a sense of satisfaction and well-being.

The cave's quiet atmosphere and the warmth of the moment seemed to wrap around me like a gentle blanket, and I felt my eyelids growing heavy once more.

I shook my head to stay a wake a bit.

The slight jolt of shaking my head helped to momentarily chase away the creeping drowsiness. I didn't want to fall asleep just yet, enjoying the peaceful moment with Tharros too much.

I gazed down at Tharros, who was still sleeping soundly, wrapped safely in the curve of my tail. My eyes lingered on his peaceful face, and I smiled softly, feeling grateful for this quiet time together.

For a little while longer, I'd stay awake and savor this serene moment with my young one.

Tharros gently grips my tail and hugs it tight not letting go.

I felt Tharros's small hands wrap tightly around my tail, holding on with a gentle but firm grip. He didn't stir or wake up fully, but instead seemed to be holding onto me in his sleep.

My heart swelled with affection at the tender gesture. I smiled softly, feeling a deep sense of connection to my young one.

Gently, I adjusted my position slightly to make sure Tharros was comfortable, being careful not to disturb his grip on my tail.

I thought to myself,'I wonder what he dreamed about?'

Pov Tharros

I look at Father dead body, and I thought,'Calm down, this is just a dream, just another nightmare!' I try to calm myself down.

Panic began to rise within me as I gazed at Father's lifeless body. My mind screamed in horror, but I forced myself to take a deep breath and think clearly. I repeated the words to myself, "This is just a dream, just another nightmare."

I tried to focus on the sensation of my surroundings, attempting to ground myself in reality. But the image of Father's still form lingered, refusing to fade away. I felt a lump form in my throat as I thought of Father being gone, even if it was just a dream.

I took another deep breath and reminded myself that Father was safe, that he was alive and well beside me in the cave. The thought brought me a measure of comfort, and I slowly began to calm down. But the memory of the dream lingered, leaving me with a sense of unease.

I look around and see that same shadowwolf that has been haunting my dream ever since I was 1 day old.

The shadowwolf's presence seemed to fill the dream landscape, its dark form looming over me with an aura of menace. Its eyes glowed like embers, fixed intently on me with an unblinking stare.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as the shadowwolf took a step closer, its movements eerily silent. I tried to move, to run or defend myself, but my body felt heavy and unresponsive.

The shadowwolf's gaze seemed to bore into my very soul, and I felt a surge of fear and desperation. I knew I had to wake up, to escape this nightmare, but the shadowwolf's presence seemed to anchor me to this dream world.

The Shadowwolf jump scared me, and I woke up. I looked around, and I saw Father still lean on the stone wall mountain cave and his massive bulging belly, and I was curled up by his tail, and he noticed I woke up.

"Ah, how was your short nap, Tharros!" He asked, and I began to cry and whimper.

I couldn't stop crying and whimpering as Father pulled me into a warm hug. His soft, rumbling voice asked, "What's wrong, little one? Was it a bad dream?"

I buried my face in Father's scales, feeling safe and protected in his arms, but the images from the dream still lingered. I sobbed uncontrollably, my small body shaking with each ragged breath.

Father's gentle stroking on my back was soothing, but I couldn't calm down. I clung to him tightly, my tears soaking into his scales as I continued to cry, the fear and panic from the dream still fresh in my mind.

I let out a loud cried and Father grabbed me and placed me between his chest and massive belly and stroking me.

As Father's warm, gentle hands enveloped me, I felt a slight sense of comfort wash over me, but my loud cries continued to echo through the cave. The soft pressure of his belly against my side and the gentle stroking on my back were soothing, yet my sobs persisted.

"Shh, shh, it's okay, little one," Father's deep, rumbling voice tried to calm me, but I was beyond consolation, my cries still pouring out as I clung to him.

I kept crying and looking at Father.

Father's warm, concerned eyes met mine, filled with a deep affection and worry. He continued to stroke my back and hold me close, his gentle touch a balm to my frazzled nerves.

As I looked up at him, I saw the gentle smile on his face, and his eyes crinkled at the corners as he gazed back at me. "It's okay, Tharros," he whispered softly, his voice a soothing melody that seemed to calm the storm inside me, but my cries still persisted.

Father sighed. "Did you dream about my dead body again and that shadowwolf?" I nodded still crying.

Father's expression softened further, and he pulled me closer, holding me tightly against his warm body. "Shh, it's okay, little one. I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere," he whispered, his voice full of reassurance.

He continued to stroke my back, his touch gentle and soothing. "You're safe with me, Tharros. I'll always protect you." His words were a comforting balm to my scared heart, but my tears still flowed.

I continued to cry, the fear and panic from the dream still gripping me tightly. Father's words and gentle touch were comforting, but they didn't seem to be calming me down. I was still shaken, and my tears flowed freely.

Father held me close, his massive body a shield around me, protecting me from the world. His gentle strokes on my back were soothing, but I couldn't shake off the image of the shadowwolf and Father's lifeless body.

"Shh, Tharros, you're safe," Father whispered again, but his words didn't seem to penetrate the fog of fear that clouded my mind. I clung to him tightly, desperate for the security and comfort of his presence, but my cries persisted.

Father smiled. "I should go lay back down on the ground."

Father sighed again. "My massive bulging belly is going to hurt a lot, but I don't have a choice."

I sniffled, still clinging to Father as he slowly began to lay down on the ground. His massive body sank into a comfortable position, and he gently settled me against his side.

As Father lay down, his belly did indeed look uncomfortable, but he didn't complain. Instead, he wrapped a claw around me, holding me close as we settled in together.

The cave was quiet once more, except for the occasional sound of dripping water echoing off the walls. Father's gentle breathing was a soothing sound, and I felt my own eyelids growing heavy as I lay there, still sniffling occasionally.

Father gently placed me under my wings to calm down.

As Father tucked me in under his wing, I felt a sense of security and warmth envelop me. The soft, leathery texture of his wing wrapped around me, shielding me from the outside world.

I nestled deeper into the warmth, feeling my tears slow to a stop. Father's gentle breathing and the warmth of his body seeped into me, calming my frazzled nerves.

For a moment, the nightmare seemed to fade away, replaced by the comforting presence of Father's love and protection.

Father sighed. "Is OK, Tharros Father is here and alive it OK, stop crying, please I lay down on the ground despite the pain in my massive bulging belly for you to stop crying and calm down!"

I looked up at Father's gentle face, his eyes filled with concern and love. His words were soft and reassuring, and I felt a pang of guilt for worrying him.

I sniffled one last time, trying to calm down. Father's efforts to comfort me, despite his own discomfort, touched my heart. I took a deep breath, trying to slow my racing thoughts.

"Okay, Father," I whispered, my voice still shaking slightly. I nestled closer to him, feeling grateful for his love and presence.

Father smiled softly, relief washing over his face as I calmed down. He wrapped his claw around me, holding me close.

"I'm glad you're feeling better, Tharros," he whispered, his voice full of warmth. "Get some rest, little one. I'm here for you."

With Father's words, I felt my eyelids growing heavy, and I drifted off to sleep, surrounded by his warmth and love.

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