As I stood watch, the night air filled with the scent of blooming flowers, I felt a sense of pride and responsibility wash over me.
I was the guardian of this family, and I would do everything in my power to keep them safe.
A faint rustling in the underbrush caught my attention, and I tensed, preparing to defend my family.
A small, furry creature emerged from the darkness, its eyes shining with a mischievous glint.
It darted forward, its tiny paws barely making a sound on the ground, and scurried up to Tharros.
The next day, it was now morning, and I folded my wings and nudged Tharros to wake up.
Tharros slowly opened his eyes, rubbing the sleep from them. He looked up at me with a hint of a smile, still a bit groggy from sleep. As he sat up, he stretched his wings, arching his back and extending his claws. He yawned, showing off his sharp teeth, and then looked around, taking in his surroundings.
The mysterious creature from the night before was nowhere to be seen, but Tharros's eyes sparkled with curiosity, as if he was wondering if it had all been a dream. I watched him, wondering what he would do next.
"Good morning," I said, trying to sound cheerful.
Tharros looked up at me, his expression softening. "Morning," he replied, his voice still husky from sleep.
As Tharros sat up, I smiled, watching my son's morning routine. His silver scales glistened in the morning light, and his wings unfolded lazily as he stretched. I nudged him gently, encouraging him to get moving.
"Time to start the day, Tharros," I said, my voice warm with affection.
Tharros rubbed the sleep from his eyes, yawned, and then looked up at me with a bright smile. "Good morning, Father," he said, his voice filled with energy.
I chuckled, ruffling his hair. "Good morning, son. Let's get some breakfast."
I smiled. "Let go hunting something big!"
Tharros chuckled. "What something that gave you a stomach ache again, you gluttony of a father!" I giggled.
As we walked towards the hunting grounds, the sun rose higher in the sky, casting a warm glow over the landscape. Tharros's eyes sparkled with excitement, and I could sense his eagerness for the hunt. I smiled, remembering the many times we'd shared such adventures together.
"Today, we're going for something bigger than a rabbit," I said, my voice filled with anticipation.
Tharros's grin grew wider. "Something like a deer?" he asked, his voice full of hope.
I chuckled. "Maybe even bigger than that."
The thrill of the hunt was in the air, and I could feel Tharros's anticipation building. We moved stealthily through the underbrush, our senses on high alert for any sign of prey. The forest was alive with the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the gentle breeze.
Suddenly, Tharros froze, his eyes locked on something in the distance. I followed his gaze, and my own eyes widened as I saw the massive creature grazing in the clearing. It was a beast unlike any we'd ever hunted before, with scales as black as coal and eyes that seemed to gleam with a fierce inner light.
Tharros question, "So let me guess, you are going to find a massive behemoth that is bigger than you?!" I nodded.
Tharros's eyes widened in surprise, and then a huge grin spread across his face. "You're crazy, Father!" he exclaimed, laughing. "But I love it!" He flexed his claws, excitement radiating from him. "Let's do this!"
Tharros's eyes sparkled with anticipation as he crouched low to the ground, his muscles tensed and ready to spring into action. I could see the thrill of the hunt coursing through him, and I felt a surge of pride and excitement as well. We'd been on many hunts together, but this one felt different. This one felt like a challenge, like a test of our skills and our bond.
"Stay close," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the sound of the wind rustling through the trees. "We don't know what we're up against."
Tharros nodded, his grin still plastered on his face. "Got it, Father," he whispered back, his eyes fixed intently on the massive creature in the distance.
We crept forward, our movements silent and stealthy, our senses on high alert for any sign of danger. The creature seemed oblivious to our presence, its attention focused on grazing on the lush vegetation. But I knew that could change in an instant.
As we drew closer, I could see the sheer size of the creature, its body massive and imposing. Its scales glistened in the sunlight, and its eyes seemed to gleam with a fierce inner light. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized just how formidable this creature was.
Tharros seemed to sense my hesitation, and he nudged me forward. "Let's do this, Father," he whispered, his voice full of confidence.
I nodded, and together we charged forward, our claws extended and our wings beating powerful. The creature's head snapped up, its eyes locking onto us with a fierce intensity. It let out a deafening roar, and the ground shook beneath our feet as it charged towards us.
I shot it with my ice bullet, and it died.
The creature let out a deafening roar as the ice bullet struck it with precision, its body freezing solid in an instant. The ground shook beneath our feet as it collapsed, its massive form crashing to the ground with a resounding thud. Tharros's eyes widened in awe as he stared at the creature, his mouth hanging open in amazement.
"Whoa," Tharros breathed, his voice barely above a whisper. "That was incredible, Father!"
I smiled, feeling a sense of pride and satisfaction at having taken down such a formidable creature. "Not bad for an old man, huh?" I said, grinning at Tharros.
Tharros chuckled and playfully rolled his eyes. "You're not old, Father," he said, his voice filled with amusement. "You're just...experienced."
I laughed, feeling a warmth in my chest at Tharros's words. We stood there for a moment, admiring our handiwork, before Tharros spoke up again.
"So, what do we do with it now?" he asked, his eyes shining with curiosity.
I thought for a moment, considering our options. We could leave it here, but that would be a waste of a valuable resource. We could try to take it back to our lair, but that would be a difficult task.
As I pondered, Tharros's eyes lit up with excitement. "I know!" he exclaimed. "Let's take it back to the lair and show it to the others!"
I smiled, feeling a sense of excitement at the prospect of sharing our triumph with the rest of the family. "That's a great idea, Tharros," I said, nodding my head in approval. "Let's get to work."
Tharros sighed. "You're going to eat it for yourself and get a stomach ache again?" I nodded.
Pov Tharros
I shook my head, laughing. "You're right, Father. You always get the worst stomach aches from eating too much." I teased, trying to hide my own grin. "Maybe you should share it with the others this time."
Father chuckled and started eating it as much as possible.
I watched in amusement as Father devoured the creature, his eyes shining with delight. He was in his element, savoring every bite of the massive meal. I couldn't help but laugh at the sight, knowing that he'd likely be clutching his stomach in agony later.
As he ate, I took the opportunity to explore the surrounding area, searching for any other signs of interest. The forest was quiet, the only sounds being Father's contented chewing and the distant calls of birds. I wandered a bit, taking in the sights and sounds, before returning to Father's side.
He was still eating, his pace showing no signs of slowing. I shook my head, chuckling to myself. Only Father could eat with such reckless abandon.
As I stood there, I noticed the small, furry creature from the previous night watching us from a nearby tree. Its eyes shone with curiosity, and it seemed to be studying Father's eating habits with great interest. I smiled to myself, wondering what the creature made of Father's voracious appetite.
The creature's gaze flicked to me, and for a moment, our eyes met. I felt a strange sense of connection, as if the creature was trying to communicate with me. But then, it darted away, disappearing into the foliage.
I turned my attention back to Father, who was now lying on the ground, his belly bulging. He let out a contented sigh, his eyes closing in satisfaction.
"Father, maybe you should slow down," I said, trying to stifle a laugh.
But he just groaned, his eyes still closed. "Too late for that, Tharros. I'm already in food coma heaven."
I question "wait, was that creatures?! Was still alive this whole time?!"
I stared at the spot where the creature had disappeared, my mind racing with questions. How had it survived our hunt? And why had it been watching us? I turned to Father, who was still lying on the ground, oblivious to my concerns.
"Father, wake up," I said, nudging him gently. "We need to talk about that creature."
Father groggily opened his eyes, a look of confusion on his face. "What creature?"
"The one that was watching us," I replied, my voice low and urgent. "It was alive, Father. And it was watching us the whole time."
Father question, "What? the one I just shot an ice bullet and eating it meat?"
I stared at Father in confusion. "No, Father. Not the one you ate. A small, furry creature. It was watching us from a tree, and then it darted away."
Father's expression changed from confusion to surprise. "A small, furry creature? I didn't see anything like that."
I frowned, trying to process what was happening. "It was definitely there, Father. I'm sure of it."
Father sat up, his eyes scanning the surrounding area. "Let's take a look around, see if we can find any signs of it."
Father, look at me, "and by look around, I mean you since I'm dealing a massive stomach ache, and I don't know if I can get up!" He grunted in pain.
I couldn't help but laugh at Father's predicament. "Serves you right," I said with a grin. "You should have paced yourself."
I chuckled and began to search the area, my eyes scanning the ground and trees for any sign of the mysterious creature. As I searched, I couldn't help but think about the creature's strange behavior. Why had it been watching us? And what did it want?
After a few minutes of searching, I found a small trail of footprints leading into the nearby underbrush. I followed the trail, curious about where it would lead. The footprints were light and quick, and they seemed to be heading towards a nearby clearing. I approached the clearing cautiously, wondering what I would find.
As I entered the clearing, I was struck by its tranquility. A small pond reflected the sunlight, creating a dappled pattern on the surrounding rocks. And in the center of the clearing, sitting on a rock, was the small, furry creature.
It looked up at me, its eyes locking onto mine, and I felt a strange sense of calm wash over me. The creature didn't seem afraid, and it didn't seem aggressive. It simply looked at me, as if waiting for me to make a move.
I took a step forward, my eyes fixed on the creature. It didn't flinch, didn't move. It just kept looking at me, its eyes seeming to bore into my very soul.
Suddenly, the creature spoke, its voice high-pitched and melodious. "You're different," it said. "Most predators don't follow tracks."
I looked around to see where that voice was coming from.
The voice seemed to be coming from the creature itself. I stared at it in amazement, my mind struggling to process what was happening. A talking creature? That was unheard of.
The creature hopped off the rock and approached me, its movements fluid and graceful. "I am called Lumin," it said, its voice still high-pitched and melodious. "And you are?"
I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. But something about Lumin's calm demeanor put me at ease. "I'm Tharros," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "And my father is... well, he's dealing with a stomach ache right now."
Lumin's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Ah, a stomach ache, you say? I think I know just the cause of that." It chuckled, its voice like music. "Your father seems like quite the character."
I couldn't help but laugh. "That's one way to put it," I said, smiling. "He's definitely... enthusiastic when it comes to food."
Lumin nodded, its ears twitching with interest. "I've been watching you two from afar. You're quite the pair."
I felt a shiver run down my spine. "You've been watching us?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
Lumin nodded again, its expression serious. "Yes, I have. And I think we need to talk."
I question "about what?!"
Lumin's expression turned grave, its eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made me feel like it was seeing right through me. "About the balance of nature in these woods," it said, its voice low and serious. "About the creatures that live here, and the ones that don't."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as Lumin's words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. "What do you mean?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.
Lumin's gaze didn't waver. "I mean that your father's... appetite, shall we say, has consequences. Consequences that ripple through the ecosystem, affecting creatures like me, and the balance of nature in these woods."
I question, "What kind of consequences?!"
Lumin's expression turned somber, its voice taking on a cautionary tone. "The kind that can disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Your father's eating habits are not just a matter of personal preference, Tharros. They have a ripple effect, impacting the populations of creatures that live in these woods."
I felt a pang of guilt, thinking about Father's voracious appetite. "What kind of impact?" I pressed, wanting to understand the full extent of the consequences.
Lumin's eyes seemed to cloud over, as if it was recalling a painful memory. "Some species are already showing signs of decline. The forest is a complex web of relationships, and when one thread is pulled, the entire fabric can be affected."
I sighed, "So let me guess they can be endangered species?" The lumin nodded.
Lumin's nod was solemn, its expression grave. "Yes, Tharros. Some of the creatures that call these woods home are already on the brink of extinction. And if your father's eating habits continue unchecked, it could push them over the edge."
I felt a weight settle in my stomach, the reality of the situation sinking in. I had always known that Father's appetite was voracious, but I had never stopped to consider the consequences.
"What can we do?" I asked, feeling a sense of responsibility wash over me.
Lumin's eyes seemed to bore into mine, as if searching for something. "I think your father needs to understand the impact of his actions. And I think you might be the one to help him see that."
I sighed "Oh do you think that my mother didn't try that?!"
The lumin question "What do you mean?"
I rubbed my temples, feeling a familiar frustration well up inside me. "My mother has been trying to get Father to control his appetite for years," I said, my voice laced with exasperation. "But it's like he's addicted or something. He knows it's a problem, but he just can't seem to stop."
Lumin's expression turned thoughtful, its eyes narrowing as it considered my words. "I see," it said finally. "Well, perhaps we need to try a different approach, then. Something that will make your father understand the consequences of his actions in a more... visceral way."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. "What did you have in mind?"
The lumin looked at me and said, "How about I join with you to talk to him, and you said he is dealing with a stomach ache again?!" I nodded.
"Yes, he is now lying on the ground!" I said, and my silver scales shining from the bright sunlight.
Lumin's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Perfect," it said, a mischievous glint in its eye. "Let's go have a chat with your father, shall we?"
I led the way, with Lumin trotting alongside me. As we approached my father, I could see that he was indeed lying on the ground, clutching his stomach in discomfort.
Lumin's expression turned serious as we reached my father's side. "Ah, Mr. Scale," it said, its voice dripping with concern. "It seems you're experiencing some... digestive issues."
My father's eyes flickered open, and he glared up at us. "What do you want, kid?" he growled, his voice strained with discomfort. "Can't you see I'm trying to... ah... digest my breakfast?"
Father saw a lumin, and he uses his ice bullet to kill it, and he did.
I stared and was shocked. "FATHER WHAT THE HECK!" I yelled
Father seemed to not understand "what? Was that lumin about to attack you?" He asks.
I stared at Father, incredulous. "No, it wasn't going to attack me! It was trying to talk to us, to warn us about the consequences of your actions!" I exclaimed, my voice rising in anger and shock.
Father looked confused, then his expression changed to one of defensiveness. "I thought it was a threat, okay? I didn't know it was just a... a talking creature."
Lumin's lifeless body lay on the ground, and I felt a surge of grief and anger. "You didn't even give it a chance to explain," I said, my voice shaking with emotion. "You just killed it, without even thinking."
My eyes blazed with anger and sadness as I stared at Father's albino scales, gleaming in the sunlight. "You didn't have to kill it, Father," he said, his voice trembling. "Lumin was trying to help us."
father's expression softened slightly, but he still looked defensive. "I was protecting us, Tharros. I didn't know what it was capable of."
Father, look at the lumin now dead body "look you know, I am not kind of a dragon that will not hesitate to protect it own hatchling!" He said.
I gazed at Lumin's lifeless body, feeling a pang of sorrow and regret. My father's words still lingered in the air, and I couldn't help but feel frustrated. "I know you were trying to protect me, Father," I said, my voice shaking with emotion. "But sometimes, protection means listening and understanding, not just attacking."
My father's eyes locked onto mine, his albino scales glistening in the sunlight. For a moment, I saw a glimmer of uncertainty in his gaze, and I dared to hope that he might finally listen. But then, his expression hardened again, and he said, "You're just a hatchling, Tharros. You don't understand the dangers of the world."
I felt a surge of defiance at his words. Didn't he know that I was growing up, that I could understand more than he thought? I wanted to shout it out, to prove to him that I wasn't just a naive hatchling. But something held me back, and I stood there, seething with frustration and sadness.
Father sighed. "So can I eat the lumin dead body now?!" Father asked.
My eyes widened in horror as I stared at Father, my mind reeling at his suggestion. "No, Father, you can't eat it!" I exclaimed, my voice rising in disgust. "Lumin was trying to help us, and you killed it. The least we can do is give it some dignity in death."
Father's expression turned puzzled, as if he couldn't understand why I was so opposed to the idea. "But it's just a creature, Tharros," he said, his voice matter-of-fact. "It's not like it was a friend or something."
I felt a surge of anger at his callousness. "It was a thinking, talking creature, Father," I said, my voice firm. "It had thoughts and feelings, just like us. Eating it would be... wrong."
Father's gaze narrowed, and I could see the stubbornness in his eyes. I knew I was in for a long argument.
Father sighed. "Look, I know I did eat a lot of food today that my stomach is hurting, but why not? I've a snack!" Father, try to get up but couldn't by his large bulging belly.
I watched as Father struggled to get up, his massive belly getting in the way. It was a comical sight, but I couldn't muster up a laugh. I was still too upset about Lumin's death and Father's willingness to eat it.
"Father, you're not even listening to me," I said, exasperated. "This isn't about your hunger or your stomach. It's about respect and compassion. Lumin was trying to help us, and you killed it without even thinking."
Father grunted, still trying to maneuver himself into a more comfortable position. "I'll listen later, Tharros. Right now, I need to... digest."
Suddenly, a lumin dead body was dragged by an unknown entity, and it was brought to Father, and he devoured it without a bite since the lumin was small. Father didn't have to chew it.
I stared in horror as Father swallowed the lumin's body whole, his eyes closing in satisfaction. The sound of his swallowing was loud and unsettling, and I felt a wave of nausea wash over me.
"Father..." I trailed off, not knowing what to say. His actions seemed so primal, so devoid of thought or compassion. I felt a pang of sadness for Lumin, and a sense of disconnection from my father.
Father opened his eyes, looking pleased with himself. "Ah, that hit the spot," he said, his voice contented. "I feel a bit better now."
I turned away, unable to look at him. I didn't know how to bridge the gap between us, or how to make him understand the value of life and compassion.
I heard Father grunted in pain "well look like my stomach ache increases!"
I turned back to Father, a mixture of emotions swirling inside me. Seeing him clutch his stomach in discomfort, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of "I told you so." But that was quickly replaced by concern for his well-being.
"Father, maybe this is what Lumin was trying to warn us about," I said, my voice softening slightly. "Maybe your eating habits are causing more harm than good."
Father's face scrunched up in pain, but he didn't respond. Instead, he lay back down, his massive body sprawled out on the ground, looking miserable.
Father sighed. "If you are trying to say that, I am causing the creature to be endangered! You know that your mother did try that!" I nodded.
I nodded, remembering the conversations my mother had with Father about his eating habits. "Yes, Father, I know. But maybe it's time to listen to her, and to Lumin, and to me. Maybe it's time to think about the impact your actions have on the world around you."
Father's expression turned thoughtful, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. But then, his face contorted in pain again, and he groaned, clutching his stomach.
Father looked unsure. "I don't think I will stop, and I don't think I will!" he said, and my hope faded away very fast.
I felt a pang of disappointment and frustration. I had hoped that Father would finally listen and change his ways, but it seemed like he was too entrenched in his habits.
"But why not, Father?" I asked, trying to understand his perspective. "What's driving you to keep eating like this, even when it hurts you and harms others?"
Father's expression turned stubborn, and he looked away, refusing to meet my gaze. "I just like the way it tastes," he muttered, his voice barely audible.
I sighed, feeling like I was hitting a brick wall. "Taste?" I repeated, incredulous. "Is taste really worth hurting yourself and others? Worth killing creatures like Lumin?"
Father's gaze snapped back to mine, a flash of defensiveness in his eyes. "You're just a hatchling, Tharros," he said, his voice rising. "You don't understand the things that I understand."
I shook my head, feeling a sense of sadness wash over me. It seemed like we were going to keep having this same argument, with neither of us willing to budge.
I look at Father large bulged belly, and Father is lying on the ground. "You are still having a stomach ache, right?" I question, and Father nodded.
I grin. "Good." I gave a big kick at Father Belly, and he roar in pain.
Father looked at me in anger. "Tharros! What the hell!" He yelled.
I stood my ground, my heart racing with a mix of fear and defiance. "You deserved it, Father," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "You're always eating and eating, without thinking about the consequences. You're hurting yourself and others."
Father's face turned red with anger, and he struggled to sit up, his massive belly jiggling with the movement. "How dare you!" he thundered, his voice echoing through the air. "I'll teach you a lesson, you ungrateful hatchling!"
Father released his sleeping gas, and my eyes were getting really sleepy.
I tried to fight it, but my eyelids grew heavy, and my legs felt like lead. I stumbled backwards, my vision blurring. "Father...no..." I mumbled, my voice slurred.
The last thing I remembered was Father's angry face, before everything went dark and I collapsed to the ground.
Pov Aetherius
I watched from a distance, my eyes fixed on the scene unfolding between my son Tharros and myself. Tharros's frustration and desperation were palpable, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for having to resort to my sleeping gas.
As the gas took effect, Tharros stumbled and fell into my arms. I caught him securely, holding him close as he drifted off to sleep. "I'm sorry it had to come to this, son," I whispered, my voice barely audible. I gently lifted him and carried him to his bed, hoping that a good rest would clear the air between us.
I sighed "well let wait until my stomach feels a lot better!"
I lay on the forest floor, my stomach still protesting from Tharros's kick.
I let out a deep breath, feeling a mix of exhaustion and relief wash over me.
The anger had dissipated, replaced by a sense of concern for my son's well-being. I glanced over at Tharros, who was still unconscious from the sleeping gas.
I hoped he would understand my ways eventually. For now, I just lay there, waiting for my stomach to feel better, and my body to recover from the ordeal.
The forest sounds around me were a soothing balm, and I closed my eyes, letting the peacefulness wash over me.
I gently grabbed Tharros with my jaw and placed him on my chest.
As Tharros lay on my chest, I felt a sense of paternal instinct wash over me. Despite our disagreement, I couldn't help but feel protective of my son.
I wrapped a claw gently around him, holding him secure, and let out a gentle rumble, a soothing sound that I hoped would calm him as he slept.
The forest around us was quiet, the only sound being the gentle rustling of leaves and the soft rise and fall of our chests as we breathed.
I closed my eyes, letting the peacefulness of the moment wash over me, and let myself drift into a light doze, Tharros safe and sound on my chest.
Hours passed, and my stomach slowly felt better, and my belly was back from a flat muscler.
I got up and grabbed Tharros with my jaw and flew back to the mountain cave.
The wind rushed past us as I soared through the skies, Tharros still unconscious in my jaw. I banked and turned, heading towards the familiar shape of our mountain cave.
As I landed on the ledge, I gently placed Tharros on the ground, and he stirred, slowly coming to.
He looked up at me with bleary eyes, still disoriented from the sleeping gas.
I watched him, waiting for him to regain his full awareness, and wondering what new arguments or discussions the day would bring.
Tharros rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the lingering effects of the gas. As his gaze focused on me, his expression shifted from confusion to annoyance. "Father," he muttered, his voice still groggy. "What happened?"
I settled down beside him, my albino scales glistening in the sunlight. "You know exactly what happened, Tharros," I said, my voice calm. "You pushed me too far, and I had to take measures to protect myself."
Tharros's gaze dropped, and he looked away, his silver scales glinting with a hint of defiance. "I'm sorry, Father," he said, though his tone didn't quite match his words. "But you can't keep eating like that. It's not good for you or for us."
I sighed, knowing this conversation was far from over. "Let's talk about this later, Tharros. Your mother will want to know what's going on, and I don't want to have this argument again in front of the others."
Tharros's ears, with their wolf-fox like features, folded back in disappointment, and his eyes clouded over. I could see the frustration and concern etched on his face, and I knew he wasn't going to let this go easily.
"Father, please listen to me," Tharros said, his voice taking on a more urgent tone. "I'm worried about you. You're not taking care of yourself, and it's affecting all of us."
I looked at my son, seeing the genuine concern in his eyes, and for a moment, my resolve wavered. Maybe it was time to listen to his concerns and consider making some changes.
I sighed. "I know you are worried and concerned about me, Tharros! You literally have a very strong bond towards me!" Tharros nodded.
"Yes, Father, I do," Tharros said, his voice filled with conviction. "You're my father, and I want to see you happy and healthy. I don't want to lose you because of your eating habits."
I looked at Tharros, feeling a mix of emotions. His words struck a chord within me, and I realized that maybe it was time to take his concerns seriously. "Tharros, I'll think about what you're saying," I said, trying to sound sincere. "I promise."
I gently perked up Tharros wolf-fox like ears back up, but they went back folded back.
Tharros's wolf-fox like ears, which I had gently perked up, immediately folded back down again, still bristling with disappointment. I chuckled softly, amused by his stubbornness.
"Okay, okay," I said, smiling. "I get it. You're not convinced yet. But I mean it, Tharros. I'll really think about what you're saying and try to make some changes."
Tharros's ears remained folded, but I could see a glimmer of hope in his eyes. He was willing to give me another chance, but he was still wary.
I sighed and lay down and licked his silver scales gently.
Tharros's ears perked up slightly at the gentle gesture, and he looked at me with a mix of surprise and softening. For a moment, the tension between us dissipated, replaced by a sense of warmth and connection.
He didn't pull away as I continued to lick his scales, and I could feel his body relax slightly under my touch. It was moments like these that reminded me of the strong bond we shared, and I cherished the quiet intimacy.
Pov Tharros
I felt a surge of surprise as Father's tongue gently licked my scales, the rough texture sending a shiver down my spine. For a moment, my frustration and worry melted away, replaced by a sense of comfort and security.
I looked down at Father, seeing the concern etched on his face, and my heart softened. Maybe, just maybe, he was starting to understand where I was coming from. I hoped that this moment of tenderness would be the start of something more – a new beginning, where we could work together to find a better way.
As I gazed at Father, I felt a sense of hope rising within me. Perhaps, this time, things would be different.
I reached out with a claw, hesitantly touching Father's albino scales. He didn't flinch, instead, he leaned into my touch, his eyes closing in a moment of vulnerability.
In that instant, I saw beyond the strong, imposing figure I often clashed with, and glimpsed the parent who had cared for me, nurtured me, and loved me unconditionally.
My heart swelled with emotion, and I felt a deep sense of connection to Father.
I wanted to help him, to support him, and to find a way to make his life better. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but in this moment, I felt a sense of determination wash over me.
I would do whatever it took to help Father, to make him see that there was a better way, and to be there for him every step of the way.
Father smiled, seeing my own claws make contact with his albino scales.
The warmth in his eyes deepened as he smiled, and I could feel the tension in his body ease. He leaned into my touch, his scales glistening in the soft light of the cave. For a moment, we just sat there, connected in a way that went beyond words.
"Tharros," he whispered, his voice low and gentle. "I'm glad we're okay."
I nodded, my ears perking up slightly at the soft tone in his voice. Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something new, something better.
Father chuckled. "Just know you'll always be my little strong boy!"
I rolled my eyes good-naturedly, feeling a warmth spread through my chest at the affectionate teasing. "I'm not little, Father," I said, trying to sound stern but failing to hide the hint of a smile.
Father's laughter echoed through the cave, and I couldn't help but join in, the sound of our shared amusement filling the space between us. In this moment, everything felt right with the world.
Father smiled. "You're literally 7 years old and 10 meters tall, by the way!"
I chuckled, shaking my head. "That's not the point, Father. I'm still not little."
Father's smile grew wider, and he ruffled my silver scales with a claw. "You're right, Tharros. You're growing up to be a strong and capable young dragon. I'm proud of you."
I felt a surge of pride at his words, my chest swelling with happiness. Maybe being called "little" wasn't so bad after all, if it came with praise like that.
I wagged my tail in happiness.
The motion sent a small tremor through the cave, and Father laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Easy there, Tharros," he said, holding up a claw to steady himself. "You're going to knock something over."
I grinned, still wagging my tail, feeling carefree and joyful. Father's amusement only fueled my enthusiasm, and I couldn't help but spin around in a circle, my tail swishing wildly behind me.
Father chuckled. "With your wolf-fox like ears and a tail wagging, you literally look like a wolf pup!" He laughed.
I stopped spinning, my ears folding back in embarrassment, but I couldn't help but laugh along with Father. "Hey, that's not fair!" I protested, trying to sound indignant.
Father's laughter grew louder, and he doubled over, holding his stomach. "I'm sorry, Tharros, but you just look so adorable!"
I couldn't stay mad, and soon I was laughing along with him, my tail still wagging slightly as I shook my head. "You're just teasing me, Father," I said, grinning.
As we laughed together, the cave echoed with the sound of our joy, and I felt a deep connection to Father. Our playful moment was a welcome respite from the tension that had built up between us earlier.
When our laughter finally died down, Father smiled at me, his eyes shining with warmth. "I'm sorry, Tharros," he said, his voice still laced with amusement. "I promise I won't tease you too much."
I grinned, feeling happy and content. "You'd better not, Father," I said, trying to sound stern but failing miserably.
Father chuckled again, and then his expression turned serious. "You know, Tharros, I think we should go find your mother. She's probably wondering where we are."
I nodded, feeling a sense of responsibility. "Yeah, let's go. I'm sure she's worried."
Father stood up, and I followed suit, my tail still wagging slightly. Together, we walked out of the cave, the bright sunlight greeting us as we emerged into the day.
As we stepped out into the sunlight, I squinted slightly, my eyes adjusting to the brightness. Father, however, seemed unaffected, his albino scales glistening in the light. We walked side by side, our footsteps echoing off the mountain rocks.
"Where do you think Mother is?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.
Father thought for a moment. "I think she might be with the younger ones, teaching them something or playing with them. Let's check the clearing near the stream."
I nodded, and we set off in the direction of the clearing. As we walked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. Maybe we'd get to see some of my siblings' antics, or watch Mother teach them something new.
As we walked towards the clearing, the warm sunlight and gentle breeze filled the air.
Father and I moved in comfortable silence, our earlier tension forgotten in the face of our shared laughter and moment of connection.
I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope that things would be different from now on, that we could work together to find a better way.
With a newfound sense of understanding, we approached the clearing, ready to rejoin Mother and the rest of our family.
The sound of growled and playful roars grew louder, and I smiled, anticipating the joy that awaited us.
And with that, our journey together as a family would continue, filled with love, laughter, and perhaps a few more adventures.