The next morning, Mother returned from her investigation, her expression serious.
"Any news, my love?" Father asked, noticing the concern etched on her face.
Mother nodded. "The slime is indeed abundant this time of year, but I sensed something else nearby. A dark energy, one that feels connected to the Shadow Scale."
Father's grin faltered, and he looked at Mother with concern. "We need to be cautious, then."
I stirred under Father's wing, feeling a sense of unease. The Shadow Scale's presence was getting closer, and I wondered what dangers lay ahead.
Father lifted his wing and looked at me and winked, and he looked at Mother. "Me and Tharros will go out somewhere and we will be careful!"
Mother nodded "alright but I will watch you from the top of this mountain!" Father sighed.
"Fine, my love," Father said with a hint of resignation. "But promise me you'll stay safe up there."
Mother nodded, her eyes scanning the surrounding area. "I will. You just make sure to keep Tharros safe."
Father grinned. "Don't worry, I've got this."
With that, Father and I set off, leaving Mother to watch over us from the mountain top. As we walked, Father leaned down and whispered, "You know, Tharros, I think we're in for an adventure."
Mother stops Father. "What is the reason you 2 are going out for?"
Father nuzzled her "let just say that I uhhh..... never mind! Tharros, let go. Oh, how about you right on my back it been a while since you flying on my back!"
I grinned, excited at the prospect of flying on Father's back again. I scampered up onto his scaly back, settling into the familiar spot between his wings.
Father chuckled, feeling my weight settle in. "Hold tight, Tharros! We're going to have some fun!"
With a mighty roar, Father launched himself into the air, his wings beating powerful and strong. I laughed, feeling the wind rushing past me as we soared into the sky.
The wind whipped through my hair as we banked and turned, Father's wings tilting to catch the air currents just right. I felt free and exhilarated, the world spread out below us like a vast, green canvas.
As we flew towards the slime-filled area, Father's eyes shone with anticipation. I laughed, knowing that he was eager to indulge in his favorite snack.
"Not much longer, Father!" I teased, holding tight to his scales.
Father chuckled. "I'm counting on it, Tharros! Hold on tight, here we go!"
Father's flat stomach growled with hunger, a reminder that he had skipped dinner in anticipation of the slime feast. I grinned, knowing that he was in for a treat.
Father smiled "it actually not that far from our home in the mountain cave, so we will be arriving in 1 minute!"
I looked down, excited to see the slime-filled area up close. "I can see it already, Father! It's so... slimy!"
Father chuckled. "Yes, and soon it'll be filling my belly! Hold on tight, Tharros, we're starting our descent."
With a gentle swoop, Father began to descend, his wings beating slower as we glided towards the slime-covered ground. I felt my stomach drop slightly, but Father's strong wings kept me safe.
As we landed with a soft squelch, Father's eyes lit up with excitement. "Ah, we're here! And it looks like the slime is ripe for the picking."
I slid off Father's back, watching as he approached the slime with a hungry gleam in his eye. "Enjoy your snack, Father," I said, grinning.
Father grinned back, his tongue darting out to taste the slime. "Mmm... this is going to be good!"
Father, look at me. "Oh yeah, just asking you that these slime are know can make others belly bulged outward fast and big, and that is only 1 slime!" Father said.
Father's eyes sparkled with mischief as he looked at me and said, "Oh, that's just a minor detail, Tharros! A little bulge never hurt anyone... and I'm sure Mother will just love the new addition to my, ahem, silhouette."
He winked at me, and I couldn't help but laugh at his antics, knowing that he was already looking forward to the effects of eating the slime.
I look up at Father he is a 75-meter tall western dragon, and he can deal with eating the slime kinda fine.
I gazed up at Father's towering figure, his 75-meter tall frame dwarfing the surrounding landscape. Given his enormous size, I figured he could probably handle the slime's effects without too much trouble.
Father chuckled, seeming to read my thoughts. "You're right, Tharros. A little slime-induced bulge won't be too noticeable on me."
With a grin, he began to enjoy his snack, the slime oozing and squelching as he devoured it with gusto.
As Father ate, the slime's effects began to take hold, but true to his prediction, his massive size meant that the bulge wasn't as noticeable as it would be on a smaller creature. Still, I could see his belly expanding slightly, but he seemed to be enjoying himself too much to worry about it.
"Ah, this is the life," Father sighed contentedly, his belly rumbling with satisfaction. "Slime is definitely one of my favorite snacks."
I smiled, happy to see Father enjoying himself. Suddenly, I heard Mother's voice calling out from a distance...
"Aetherius! Aetherius, is that you?!" Mother's voice echoed across the landscape, her tone a mix of amusement and exasperation.
Father's grin faltered for a moment before he called out, "Ah, my love! I'm just enjoying a little snack! Nothing to worry about!"
I chuckled, knowing that Mother was likely looking at Father's slightly expanded belly and shaking her head.
Mother, take a deep breath. "I saw you from the far and see you 2 at the slime area and saw Aetherius eating 1 of them!" She looks at Father.
Father looked down at his belly, which had indeed expanded significantly, and chuckled sheepishly. "Well, maybe it was more than one slime..."
Mother raised an eyebrow. "Aetherius, your stomach is now roughly 20 meters in diameter. How many slimes did you eat?"
Father thought for a moment before grinning mischievously. "I lost count after five."
Father's eyes lit up with excitement as he caught another slime, his belly expanding even further. "Ooh, this one's particularly juicy!"
Mother's face turned red with exasperation. "Aetherius, stop eating the slimes! You're going to burst!"
Father just chuckled and continued eating, his belly growing larger and larger. I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation.
Father uses his ice elements to trap the slime in this area so he can eat them.
With a wave of his claw, Father summoned a blast of icy air, encasing the surrounding slimes in a thick layer of frost. The slimes let out a collective squeal as they were trapped.
Father grinned, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Now, where was I? Ah yes, dessert!"
Mother facepalmed, shaking her head. "This is going to be a long day."
As Father began to devour the frozen slimes, his belly continued to expand at an alarming rate. Mother sighed and walked over to me.
"Tharros, I'm starting to think we should just set up a slime-themed amusement park around Father when he's like this," she said, her voice laced with amusement and exasperation.
I chuckled, knowing that Father's antics often left us in humorous and chaotic situations. "Maybe we can call it 'Slime-palooza'?"
Mother smiled, shaking her head. "I think you're onto something there, Tharros."
I question, "And also why a park around father when he is like this?"
Mother gestured to Father, who was now a rather... substantial size, his belly having expanded to an impressive diameter. "Well, it's either that or we set up a perimeter fence to keep him contained. I don't think he can fit through the cave entrance anymore."
I giggled at the thought of Father trying to squeeze through the cave entrance, which was now dwarfed by his enormous size. "Yeah, that might be a good idea."
The slime was free from the frozen ice, but trapped in the icy walls surrounded them.
The slimes, now freed from the ice that had encased them, found themselves trapped within an icy enclosure. They slid and slithered around the frozen walls, unable to escape.
Father's eyes lit up with delight. "Ah, perfect! Now I can enjoy my slimy treats at leisure."
With a happy sigh, Father began to savor the slimes, his belly still impressively large, but no longer expanding at the same alarming rate.
As Father enjoyed his slimy feast, Mother and I watched with amusement, shaking our heads at his antics. The icy enclosure seemed to be working perfectly, keeping the slimes contained and allowing Father to indulge without any worries.
With a contented belch, Father leaned back, his belly still massive, but he looked utterly satisfied. "Ah, that was delicious. I think I'll take a little nap now."
Mother rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "I'll make sure to set up a comfortable spot for you, dear."
Father smiled. "No need, I'm fine." As Father massive belly slorsh floosh right and left and in multiple directions by the slime squirming inside his stomach.
The movement of the slimes inside Father's stomach created a mesmerizing display, with his belly rippling and bulging in various directions. It was almost as if the slimes were performing an aquatic ballet inside Father's abdomen.
Mother chuckled. "Well, I think it's safe to say that Father's got a slime party going on in there."
I giggled at the thought, and Father, still smiling, seemed utterly unbothered by the commotion in his stomach. "Just part of the digestive process, my dear."
Mother sighed. "I don't know if you will be able to fit in the cave entrance, but I'm going to drag you back home to the mountain cave again but outside!" Mother grabbed Father tail and dragged him.
With a swift motion, she started dragging Father across the ground, his belly bouncing and jiggling with each rough movement. Father's eyes snapped open, and he let out a pained yelp, and this cause the slime to squirm more actively.
The slimes inside Father's stomach seemed to be enjoying the ride, squirming and thrashing about with increased vigor. Father's belly jiggled and bounced with each rough movement, causing him to yelp in discomfort.
"Ah, careful, my love! A bit gentler, if you please!" Father pleaded, his eyes wide with alarm.
Mother just chuckled and continued dragging him, her grip on his tail unyielding. "You're lucky I'm not dragging you by the ears, Aetherius."
As Mother dragged Father across the ground, the slimes inside his stomach continued to squirm and thrash about, causing his belly to jiggle and bounce in every direction. Father's face contorted in discomfort, his eyes wide with alarm.
"Ow, ow, ow! Easy does it, my love! You're going to make me...Ah, no, no, no!" Father's warnings were cut short as a particularly vigorous squirm from the slimes caused his belly to jostle and bounce in a most unsettling manner.
I couldn't help but laugh at the spectacle, holding my sides as I watched Mother drag Father across the landscape.
I walked side with Father. "Can I stand on top of your belly, Father?" I gave puppy dog eyes and used my wolf-fox like ears to fold back.
Father's eyes widened in alarm as he looked down at me. "Tharros, I don't think that's a good idea! The slimes inside me are moving around quite a bit, and it's not exactly... stable up there."
However, seeing my pleading expression, he hesitated, and Mother chimed in, "Oh, let him try, Aetherius. It might be entertaining."
Father shrugged, and I quickly scampered up onto his belly, holding onto the scales for balance as the slimes beneath me continued to squirm and shift.
I gently patted his belly, and I squirm even more, but I am gripping his albino scales belly tight.
The slimes inside Father's stomach seemed to respond to my touch, squirming and thrashing about with even greater enthusiasm. Father's belly rippled and jiggled beneath me, and I held tight, laughing with glee.
"Whoa, Tharros! You're bringing out the acrobats in there!" Father exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
I giggled and continued to pat his belly, enjoying the sensation of the slimes squirming beneath me.
As I continued to pat Father's belly, the slimes seemed to become even more energetic, causing Father's stomach to jiggle and bounce in a lively rhythm. Father chuckled, clearly enjoying the sensation.
Mother, still dragging Father along, smiled over at us. "You two are quite the pair. I'm starting to think we should get Father a slime-themed carnival act."
I laughed, holding tight to Father's scales as the slimes continued their acrobatic display. Father grinned, his eyes shining with amusement. "I'd be a natural, don't you think?"
Mother sighed. "Just be quiet and have fun as Tharros patted your belly Aetherius!" Father nodded slightly.
Father's eyes lit up with delight as I continued to pat his belly, the slimes inside him responding with increased enthusiasm. He let out a happy sigh, his massive belly jiggling and rippling beneath me.
"Ah, this is... actually quite enjoyable," Father said, a goofy grin spreading across his face.
I giggled, patting his belly with renewed vigor, causing the slimes to squirm and thrash about even more wildly.
I question "wait how many slime did you eat?"
Father's grin faltered for a moment as he thought back. "Um... well, I'm not entirely sure. I lost count after... uh... twenty or thirty?"
Mother chimed in, her voice dry. "Try forty-seven, Aetherius. I was keeping count."
Father's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, really? Well, that would explain the... enthusiastic... digestive display, wouldn't it?"
I question, "Is slime taking long to be digested?" Father nodded.
"Ah, yes. Slimes are quite... resilient, let's say. They take a while to digest, especially in large quantities." Father's belly jiggled in agreement, the slimes inside him still squirming and thrashing about.
Mother added, "Which is why we're going to have to find ways to entertain you for the next few days, Aetherius. Until the slimes are fully digested, at least."
As we arrive back home to the mountain cave and father won't be fitting in the cave entrance.
Mother looked up at the cave entrance, then at Father's massive belly. "Well, it looks like we'll have to set up camp outside for the next few days, Aetherius. You won't be fitting through the entrance in your... current state."
Father nodded glumly, his belly jiggling with the movement. "I suppose you're right. I'll just have to enjoy the view from out here."
I giggled, still patting Father's belly, enjoying the sensation of the slimes squirming beneath me.
I look at Mother. "Can I stay here with Father?!"
Mother smiled, looking at me with a warm expression. "Of course, Tharros. You can keep Father company while I go gather some food and supplies. Just be careful, okay?"
I nodded enthusiastically, happy to spend time with Father. Mother handed me a small bag with some snacks and water, and then set off towards the cave entrance.
As she disappeared into the cave, I settled in for a fun afternoon with Father, patting his belly and watching the slimes squirm and play beneath his skin.
I smiled. "This is fun, Father!" I kept patting his belly as the slime kept squirming inside Father belly.
Father chuckled, his belly jiggling with the movement. "I'm glad you're enjoying it, Tharros. Just be careful not to make the slimes too excited, or things might get... messy."
I giggled, but continued to pat his belly, the slimes responding with even more vigorous squirming. Father winced slightly, but a warm smile remained on his face.
"I'm happy to spend time with you, kiddo," Father said, his voice filled with affection. "Even if I am a bit... slime-ridden at the moment."
I look at Father. "Let me guess you'll eat a lot of slime in the future?"
Father chuckled and nodded. "Of course, and it seems you are having fun with it, and may be I will eat more in the future!"
Father's eyes twinkled with amusement as he nodded. "You could say that. Slimes are quite... nutritious, and I have a bit of a taste for them. Plus, it's always fun to see you enjoy yourself, even if it's at my expense."
I grinned, feeling happy that Father was in a good mood despite the discomfort. "I'll make sure to bring the slimes to the next meal, Father!"
Father laughed, his belly jiggling even more. "I appreciate that, Tharros. You're a good son."
Father giggled "Tharros can you get off of my belly so I can roll back my 4 legs back to the ground?" I nodded and jumped down.
Father uses as much strength as he can roll over, but when his belly touches the ground me and Father notice that his legs can't reach the ground.
Father belly was so massive that he could reach his legs back to the ground. I burst out laughing out loud.
Father's face contorted in a mix of surprise and amusement as he realized his belly was too big to allow him to roll onto his legs. I couldn't help but burst out laughing at the sight of Father's predicament.
"Ha! Well, I guess I'm stuck like this for now!" Father chuckled, his belly jiggling with the movement.
I laughed even harder, holding my sides as I looked at Father's upside-down position. "You look like a giant, slimy turtle, Father!"
Father grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, I suppose that's one way to describe it. Guess I'll just have to wait for the slimes to digest before I can move around properly again."
I patted Father belly again and the slime squirming widely.
Father let out a delighted laugh, his belly jiggling and rippling with the movement. "Oh, Tharros, you're really bringing out the acrobats in there today!"
The slimes seemed to respond to my touch, squirming and thrashing about with even greater enthusiasm. Father's eyes sparkled with amusement, and he chuckled, clearly enjoying the sensation despite the inconvenience.
I giggled, happy to be entertaining Father, and continued to pat his belly, eliciting even more slimy acrobatics.
As I continued to pat Father's belly, the slimes' antics became even more energetic. Father's laughter grew louder, and his belly shook with mirth. I couldn't help but laugh along with him, enjoying the silly moment we were sharing.
Suddenly, a particularly vigorous slime squirm caused Father's belly to judder and shake in a way that sent both of us into fits of giggles. "Oh, Tharros, I think you're going to be the death of me... or at least my dignity!" Father chuckled, his eyes shining with amusement.
Just then, Mother emerged from the cave, a basket of freshly gathered herbs slung over her arm. She raised an eyebrow at the sight of Father lying on his back, his belly jiggling wildly.
"Ah, I see you're enjoying Tharros' company, Aetherius," she said with a smile.
Father chuckled, still shaking with laughter. "Enjoying might be an understatement, Thyriatrix. I'm not sure if I'll ever regain my dignity."
Mother laughed and set down the basket. "Well, at least you're having fun. I'll go get some water and we can make a nice soup to help with the digestion."
As Mother walked off, I continued to pat Father's belly, eliciting even more slimy acrobatics. The sound of our laughter echoed through the valley, attracting the attention of my siblings, who began to emerge from the cave, curious about the commotion.
And we heard Mother saying, "And have fun sleeping while you can't reach your leg to the ground!"
Father yelled "Hey I can still sleep at my side!"
Mother chuckled and shook her head. "I'm sure you can, dear. Just be careful not to roll over onto your back again."
Father grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'll try my best, but no promises."
As Mother walked off, I settled in beside Father, still patting his belly. The slimes seemed to be calming down a bit, and Father's laughter began to subside.
The rest of my siblings gathered around, curious about Father's predicament. Lyriath, the second eldest, asked, "Father, how long will it take for the slimes to digest?"
Father thought for a moment before responding, "A few days, I'd say. But don't worry, I'll be fine. It's just a bit... inconvenient."
Father, go and roll on his side.
With a bit of effort, Father managed to roll onto his side, his massive belly swaying with the movement. He let out a relieved sigh as he settled into the new position.
"Ah, that's much better," Father said, a hint of relief in his voice. "I think I'll be able to rest for a bit now."
As Father closed his eyes, I continued to sit beside him, watching over him as he drifted off to sleep. My siblings began to disperse, returning to their various activities, while Mother kept a watchful eye from a distance, occasionally checking on Father's condition.
I look at Father sleeping and not even open his eyes. Father said, "And Tharros, yes, you can sleep under my wing, but this time on my belly!" I smiled widely and licked his face and wagged my tail
Father sighed and opened his eyes "look it not like you will be sleeping inside the cave without my wing company you and let serious I can't remember when you are not sleeping under my wing by the way!" I nodded.
Father's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, reaching out to gently ruffle my silver scales. "You're such a clingy kid, Tharros. I love it."
I nuzzled his face, enjoying the affectionate gesture. Father chuckled and wrapped a wing around me, pulling me closer to his belly.
"Alright, alright. You can sleep on my belly. Just don't make the slimes too restless, okay?"
I nodded, snuggling into the warmth of Father's belly. As his wing wrapped around me, I felt a sense of security and comfort, and I drifted off to sleep, lulled by the sound of Father's gentle breathing.
As I slept, Father's gentle humming vibrated through his belly, a soothing sound that seemed to match the rhythm of his breathing. The slimes inside him seemed to have calmed down, and his belly rose and fell with a peaceful motion.
Mother watched over us from a distance, a warm smile on her face. She knew how much Father loved having me close, and she was happy to see us bonding like this.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the valley, Father's humming grew softer, and his breathing deepened. I was nestled safely in the warmth of his belly, surrounded by his love and protection, and I slept soundly, feeling grateful for this special bond we shared.
As night began to fall, the valley grew quieter, with only the occasional hooting of nocturnal creatures breaking the silence. Father's gentle snores harmonized with the sounds of the night, and I slept deeply, wrapped in the warmth and security of his belly.
Mother settled down beside us, her light green scales glistening in the moonlight. She gently wrapped a wing around Father's massive body, ensuring he was comfortable and secure.
As the night wore on, the family slept peacefully, surrounded by the serene beauty of the valley. The bond between us was strong, and in that moment, all was right with the world.
Father's deep, rumbling voice began to sing the gentle melody of "Aetherius' Lullaby". His voice vibrated through his belly, where I was nestled, and I felt the soothing vibrations as he sang:
"In twilight's hush, where shadows play
The stars appear, to guide the way
Sleep tight, my child, may dreams be kind
May the moon's soft light, forever shine"
As Father's voice sang the familiar words, I felt my eyelids growing heavy, and my breathing slowed to match the rhythm of his song. The slimes in his belly seemed to calm down even further, and his belly rose and fell with a peaceful motion.
Father continued singing, his voice growing softer and more gentle with each verse. I felt safe and protected in his presence, and the lullaby washed over me like a warm, comforting blanket.
"In darkness deep, where fears may roam
The heart's warm light, will guide you home
Sleep tight, my child, may dreams be kind
May the moon's soft light, forever shine"
As the song came to an end, I was already fast asleep, lulled by Father's soothing voice and the gentle vibrations of his belly. Father's wings wrapped around me, holding me close, and I slept soundly, surrounded by his love and protection.
As the night wore on, Father's gentle snores harmonized with the sound of my peaceful breathing. Mother watched over us with a warm smile, grateful to see her family so content. The valley was bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, and the world seemed at peace.
In the stillness of the night, I slept wrapped in Father's love, surrounded by the warmth and security of his presence. It was a moment of perfect tranquility, a reminder of the deep bond that tied our family together.
And so, I slept, lulled by the rhythm of Father's heartbeat, safe in the knowledge that I was loved and protected. The end.