The morning sunlight streaming into the cave woke Father up, and he stretched his wings, feeling a bit stiff from the slimes' overnight antics. I was still snuggled up against his belly, fast asleep.
As Father moved, the slimes inside him stirred, and he winced slightly. But he couldn't help smiling at the peaceful expression on my face.
Just then, the rest of the family started to wake up, and the cave erupted into a chorus of yawns, stretches, and cheerful chatter. Mother smiled at Father and me, her eyes shining with warmth.
"Good morning, sleepyheads," she said, her voice gentle.
The morning chaos had begun, and Father was ready to face it head-on, slimes and all. How would you like the story to proceed?
I tap Father belly and the slime squirming actively.
Father let out a mock-pained yelp as the slimes inside him squirmed and jiggled in response to my tapping. "Oh, kiddo, you're going to be the death of me!" he exclaimed, laughing.
The rest of the family burst out laughing at Father's antics, and Mother chuckled, shaking her head. "Aetherius, you're such a drama king," she said with a smile.
I giggled and tapped Father's belly again, just for good measure. Father pretended to stumble backward, clutching his belly in mock agony. "The slimes are rebelling!" he cried, making the kids laugh even harder.
I tap his belly again and the slime squirming violently that it gave Father pain.
Father's expression changed from playful to genuinely pained as the slimes squirmed violently inside him. "Ow, okay, kiddo, that's enough," he said, wincing. "Daddy's tummy is a bit too sensitive for that right now."
He gently grasped my hands to stop me from tapping again, his eyes squinting slightly in discomfort. Mother intervened, scooping me up in her arms. "Let's give Daddy a break, sweetie. We don't want to make him feel worse."
Father took a deep breath, trying to calm the slimes down. "Thanks, Thyriatrix. I think I need a bit of a slime-soothing moment." He smiled weakly, appreciating her understanding.
I try to wiggle myself out to go back towards Father again.
Mother held me securely, laughing. "No, no, little one. Daddy needs some space from the slime-stirring right now." She distracted me with a playful bounce, making me giggle.
Father smiled weakly, relieved that Mother was intervening. "Thanks, Thyriatrix. I think I can handle the slimes better if I'm not... squirming myself into a frenzy," he said, wincing slightly.
The other kids watched with amusement, chuckling at Father's predicament. Lyriath chimed in, "Yeah, Dad, maybe take a slime-break?" The family laughed, and Father shook his head good-naturedly.
Lyriath, look at Mother. "Can I go outside for an hour? I won't be far."
Mother looked at Lyriath and nodded. "Just be careful and stay within sight of the cave entrance, okay? And don't go exploring without telling me first."
Lyriath grinned and nodded. "Got it, Mother. Thanks!" He turned to Father, who was still wincing slightly from the slimes. "Feel better soon, Dad."
With a quick wave, Lyriath headed out of the cave, his navy-blue and blood-red scales glinting in the sunlight.
My wolf-fox like ears folded back in disappointment that Mother didn't let me go.
Mother smiled softly and gave me a gentle hug. "It's not that I don't trust you, little one," she said. "But Daddy's slimes are being a bit unpredictable today, and I need to keep an eye on him. Maybe later, okay?"
I pouted slightly, but Mother's warm smile and hug made me feel a bit better. I snuggled into her chest, watching Father as he took slow, deep breaths, trying to calm the slimes inside him.
As Mother held me, Father continued to breathe deeply, trying to soothe the slimes. The other kids were chatting and playing nearby, while Kieraxys and Niamon were busy exploring a nearby rock crevice.
Suddenly, Father's eyes lit up with an idea. "I think I need some fresh air," he said, carefully getting up. "Who wants to join me for a short walk outside?"
The kids all cheered, excited for an adventure. Mother smiled and handed me over to Father, who carefully positioned me on his shoulder. "Let's go, kiddo. Maybe the fresh air will help calm these pesky slimes."
Together, the family strolled out of the cave, enjoying the warm sunlight and the gentle breeze.
As they walked, the siblings chattered excitedly about what they might see or do outside. Tharros asked Father about the different types of plants they were passing, and Father happily explained the various species. Meanwhile, I gazed out at the scenery, fascinated by the way the sunlight filtered through the trees. Father's slimes seemed to be calming down, and he was breathing more easily.
As they strolled along, they came across a small clearing filled with wildflowers. Nyxoria squealed with delight, rushing over to investigate the colorful blooms. "Look, everyone! Flowers!"
The other siblings followed, and soon the clearing was filled with the sound of laughter and chatter. Father smiled, watching his little ones play, and feeling grateful for this moment of peace. The slimes, too, seemed to be enjoying the calm atmosphere, and Father's discomfort began to fade.
The slime squirming again.
Father winced slightly as the slimes inside him started squirming again. "Oh, not again," he muttered, trying to breathe through the discomfort.
I looked up at him with concern, noticing his expression. "Daddy okay?" I asked, my voice soft.
Father smiled weakly and nodded. "I'm fine, kiddo. Just need to... recalibrate the slimes, I think." He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm them down.
The siblings continued to play in the clearing, oblivious to Father's brief discomfort. Mother kept a watchful eye on them, ready to intervene if needed.
I looked up at Father with concern, noticing his expression. "Father okay?" I asked, my voice soft.
Father smiled weakly and nodded. "I'm fine, little one. Just need to... calm down the slimes, I think." He took a few deep breaths, trying to soothe them.
The others continued to play in the clearing, oblivious to Father's brief discomfort. Mother kept a watchful eye on us all, ready to intervene if needed.
I reached up and gently patted Father's chest, trying to offer what comfort I could. "Want me to help, Father?" I asked, my eyes locked on his.
I looked up at Father with my big, pleading puppy dog eyes, and he couldn't help but chuckle. "No, Tharros, you are not tapping my belly again!" he said, trying to sound firm.
But I just gazed up at him with an irresistible expression, and Father's resolve melted away. He sighed, resigned, and said, "Fine, but gentle tapping, okay?" I grinned, knowing I'd won, and gently tapped Father's belly, trying to help calm the slimes.
But the slime just squirming even more Father winced in pain. "I think I should lay down on this flowers"
Father's face contorted in discomfort as the slimes continued to squirm and writhe inside him. "I think I need to lie down," he said, wincing. "This flower patch looks soft enough."
He carefully lowered himself onto the wildflowers, trying to find a comfortable position that would help calm the slimes. I watched with concern, not sure what to do to help.
Mother came over to sit beside him, gently stroking his scales. "Let me help you relax," she said softly. "Maybe I can calm the slimes down for you."
As Mother stroked Father's scales, she began to hum a soft melody. The vibrations from her humming seemed to resonate with the slimes, and they gradually began to calm down. Father's face slowly relaxed, and he let out a sigh of relief.
I watched in amazement as Mother's gentle touch and soothing humming seemed to work wonders on the slimes. The other siblings gathered around, curious about what was happening. Nyxoria asked, "Mom, how do you do that?"
Mother smiled and continued humming, her hands moving in gentle patterns over Father's scales. "It's just something I've learned over time," she said. "Sometimes, the slimes just need a little bit of calm energy to settle down." I patted Father snout.
Father's eyes flickered open, and he gave me a weak smile. His snout twitched slightly as I patted it, and he seemed to relax a bit more. "Thanks, Tharros," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Mother continued to hum and stroke his scales, her movements gentle and soothing. The slimes inside him seemed to be calming down, and Father's breathing slowed. The wildflowers beneath him seemed to be a soothing balm, and the warm sunlight added to the peaceful atmosphere.
As the moments passed, Father's eyes drifted closed again, and he let out a soft sigh. The slimes' squirming had subsided, and he seemed to be resting more comfortably.
Father sighed and looked at his bulging belly filled with slime. "I hope the slime gets digested in a few hours or tomorrow!"
I giggled at Father's hopeful expression, and Mother chuckled softly. "I'm sure it'll work itself out, dear," she said, her hands still stroking his scales in a soothing rhythm.
The other siblings were watching with interest, and Nyxoria asked, "Do you think the slimes will make Dad's belly bigger?"
Father smiled wryly. "I hope not," he said, his voice still a bit strained. "I'm not sure I could handle being any more... lumpy."
We all laughed at the thought, and Mother smiled. "We'll just have to wait and see," she said. "But for now, let's just enjoy the sunshine and fresh air."
As we lounged in the wildflowers, the warm sunlight and gentle breeze seemed to wash away Father's discomfort. Kieraxys, who had been quietly observing, suddenly giggled and said, "Daddy's tummy is going to be a slime house!"
Niamon, who was sitting nearby, cooed and babbled in agreement, waving her little claws in the air. Nyxoria chuckled and playfully teased Kieraxys, "Maybe the slimes will make Daddy's tummy into a big slime castle!"
I smiled and joined in, "With towers and moats and slime-filled gardens!" Father laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and Mother smiled, her hands never stopping their soothing strokes.
The flowers around us seemed to sway in time with our laughter, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming wildflowers. For a moment, Father's slime-filled belly was forgotten, and we were just a family enjoying each other's company in the sunshine.
As the laughter died down, Father's expression turned thoughtful. "You know, a slime castle might not be so bad," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Maybe I can even use the slimes to build a moat."
Nyxoria's eyes lit up. "And we can have slime-filled dragons guarding the castle!" she exclaimed. Kieraxys clapped his hands, and Niamon babbled excitedly, waving her claws again.
I grinned, enjoying the imaginative game. "And Father can be the king of the slime castle," I said. Mother smiled, her hands continuing to stroke Father's scales.
The wildflowers seemed to be enjoying our company, swaying gently in the breeze as we chatted and laughed together. The warm sunlight cast a happy glow over our little family gathering, and for a moment, everything felt perfectly right with the world.
Father sighed. "Ok I'm not join the play!" Father's sigh was accompanied by a wry smile. "I think I'll pass on joining the play," he said, his voice still a bit strained from the slimes. "I'll just stick to being the slime castle's... foundation, for now."
We all chuckled at his joke, and Mother gave him a gentle pat on the scales. "You're doing just fine, dear," she said. "Just rest and let the slimes work themselves out."
As Father rested, the rest of us continued to play and imagine the slime castle. Nyxoria started to build a miniature castle using nearby rocks and flowers, while Kieraxys and I watched with interest. Niamon toddled around, picking up small flowers and adding them to Nyxoria's castle.
Mother kept a watchful eye on us, making sure we didn't get too carried away. She smiled at Father, who was watching us with a relaxed expression. "It's nice to see the kids having fun," she said.
Father nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yes, it's lovely. I'm just happy to be here with all of you." The warm sunlight and gentle breeze seemed to be soothing his slimes, and he felt his discomfort easing.
Pov Aetherius
I lay there, watching my family play and laugh together. The slimes inside me still churned and squirmed, but their movements seemed less intense now. Thyriatrix's gentle touch and soothing words had helped calm them down, and I felt grateful for her presence.
As I gazed at my children, I couldn't help but smile. Nyxoria's creativity and determination were on full display as she built her miniature castle. Tharros and Kieraxys were happily engaged, watching and commenting on her construction. And little Niamon, with her boundless energy and curiosity, was toddling around, adding her own special touches to the castle.
I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. Despite the discomfort of the slimes, I was grateful for this moment with my family. Thyriatrix's hand stroked my scales, and I closed my eyes, letting the gentle motion soothe me.
The slime again squirming around, and this time, it is more pain then before.
I grimaced, feeling the slimes squirm and writhe inside me with renewed intensity. The pain was sharper now, like a thousand tiny knives cutting through my insides. I gritted my teeth, trying to breathe through the discomfort.
Thyriatrix's hands tightened on my scales, her expression concerned. "Aetherius, are you okay?" she asked, her voice soft.
I tried to respond, but the pain was making it hard to speak. I could only manage a strained nod, hoping she'd understand. The children stopped playing, their faces filled with worry as they watched me struggle.
I needed to calm the slimes down, but I didn't know how. The pain was getting worse, and I felt like I was losing control...
Thyriatrix's eyes locked onto mine, filled with a deep understanding. She began to hum, her voice a gentle vibration that she hoped would help calm me down. But the slimes inside me continued to squirm and writhe, their movements erratic and unpredictable.
The children watched in silence, their faces etched with worry. Tharros took a step closer, his eyes fixed on me with concern. Nyxoria's hand crept into Kieraxys', and they stood there, frozen in uncertainty.
The pain intensified, and I gritted my teeth, trying to endure it. Thyriatrix's humming was a gentle attempt to soothe me, but it seemed to have little effect on the slimes. I felt like I was losing control, the pain and discomfort overwhelming me.
Thyriatrix's hands tightened on my scales, her expression filled with concern. "Aetherius, hang on," she whispered. "I'll find a way to help you." But for now, the slimes continued to torment me, their movements unpredictable and painful.
I shook my head "no it's fine. I can hold it. Just continue what you guys were doing!"
Thyriatrix's expression was skeptical, but she nodded slowly. "Alright, dear. If you're sure," she said, her voice gentle. "Kids, let's get back to playing. Father needs some quiet time."
The children hesitated, their eyes still fixed on me with worry. Tharros spoke up, "But Father, are you sure you're okay?"
I forced a weak smile. "I'm fine, Tharros. Really. Just go play with your siblings. I'll be okay."
The children exchanged uncertain glances, but eventually, they began to disperse, returning to their play. Nyxoria and Kieraxys started building again, while Tharros watched over them with a concerned gaze still fixed on me. Niamon toddled around, babbling happily, oblivious to the tension.
Thyriatrix stayed by my side, her hand on my scales, her eyes never leaving mine. I knew she was worried, but she was trying to give me space. The slimes continued to squirm and writhe inside me, their movements unpredictable and painful. I gritted my teeth, determined to endure it, not wanting to alarm my family further.
I place my claws on my belly and feel them squirming both inside my belly and beneath my claws.
The sensation was almost unbearable. I could feel the slimes moving beneath my claws, their slimy bodies squirming and writhing like living things. It was as if they were trying to escape, to break free from my body.
I pressed my claws gently into my belly, trying to calm them down, but it only seemed to agitate them further. The slimes responded by moving more rapidly, their squirming becoming more frantic.
The sensation was nauseating, and I felt a wave of dizziness wash over me. I closed my eyes, trying to focus on my breathing, but it was hard to shake the feeling of discomfort and unease. The slimes seemed to be everywhere, moving and squirming beneath my skin, and I couldn't escape the feeling that I was losing control.
1 and a half hour they done with the play.
As the children finished their playtime, they began to gather around me again. Tharros looked at me with concern, "Father, are you feeling any better?"
I forced a weak smile, trying to reassure him. "I'm... okay, Tharros. Just a bit tired."
Nyxoria and Kieraxys looked at me with worried expressions, while Niamon simply gazed at me with big, curious eyes. Thyriatrix watched me closely, her expression a mix of concern and understanding.
As the children settled down around me, Thyriatrix suggested, "Maybe it's time for a rest, Aetherius. The fresh air and sunshine have been lovely, but perhaps we should head back to the nest now."
I nodded weakly, grateful for her suggestion. The slimes were still squirming inside me, and I wasn't sure how much more I could endure. With Thyriatrix's help, I slowly began to rise to my feet, the children gathering around us as we prepared to head back to the nest.
Tharros tap my belly again, and the slime squirming even more actively.
I winced in discomfort as Tharros tapped my belly again. The slimes inside me responded by squirming even more actively, their movements becoming more agitated. I felt a surge of pain and discomfort, and I gently grasped Tharros' claw.
"Tharros, maybe not so hard, okay?" I said, trying to keep my voice calm. "Father's belly is a bit... sensitive right now."
Tharros looked up at me with concern, his eyes wide with worry. "Sorry, Father. I didn't mean to hurt you." He took a step back, his eyes fixed on my belly with a mixture of fascination and concern.
Thyriatrix looks at me. "we should go back to the mountain cave for you to rest!" I nodded.
I nodded in agreement, relief washing over me at the prospect of returning to the mountain cave. The thought of resting in a quiet, familiar space was appealing, and I hoped that the peace and quiet would help alleviate some of the discomfort caused by the slimes.
"Yes, let's go," I said, my voice a bit strained. "I'm ready to head back."
Thyriatrix nodded, her expression soft with concern. "We'll get you settled in, and I'll see if I can find anything to help with the... discomfort."
With that, we began our journey back to the mountain cave, the children following closely behind as Thyriatrix helped me make my way slowly and carefully.
As we walked, the children chattered quietly among themselves, their voices subdued out of consideration for my discomfort. Tharros walked beside me, his eyes fixed on me with concern, while Nyxoria and Kieraxys followed closely behind, Niamon toddling along beside them.
Thyriatrix kept a gentle grip on my scales, helping me navigate the terrain. Her touch was soothing, and I felt grateful for her support. The slimes continued to squirm and writhe inside me, but I tried to focus on the peacefulness of the surroundings and the company of my family.
As we approached the mountain cave, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. The familiar surroundings and the promise of rest seemed like just what I needed to endure the discomfort of the slimes. I leaned on Thyriatrix, grateful for her strength and support, and together we made our way into the cave.
Lyriath saw us, and he walked towards us. "Oh hello, when I returned my time outside almost an hour ago, you guys won't there!"
I sighed while feeling the squirming of the slime "look we just go to a flowers place that it!" I said.
Lyriath's eyes narrowed slightly as he took in my appearance. "You look... uncomfortable, Father," he said, his voice tinged with concern. "What's going on?"
I sighed, feeling the slimes squirming inside me. "It's... just something I'm dealing with, Lyriath. I'll be fine. I just need to rest."
Lyriath's gaze flicked to Thyriatrix, who gave him a subtle nod. "We'll get him settled in, Lyriath. Don't worry," she said.
Lyriath nodded, but his eyes remained fixed on me with concern. "If you're sure you're okay, Father... I'll go check on Vyraxys and Lyrixa. They were playing near the stream earlier."
I nodded, trying to smile. "Go ahead, Lyriath. We'll be fine."
Lyriath nodded and turned to leave, his dark and blood-red scales glistening in the fading light. As he walked away, Thyriatrix helped me continue towards the cave, the children following closely behind.
Once we reached the cave, Thyriatrix guided me to a comfortable spot, and I lay down, trying to relax. The slimes continued to squirm and writhe inside me, but I closed my eyes, focusing on my breathing.
Thyriatrix began to tend to me, her hands moving gently over my scales as she searched for any signs of what might be causing the slimes. The children watched with concern, but they stayed quiet, sensing that I needed rest.
As the cave grew darker, Thyriatrix lit a small fire, casting a warm glow over the space. The flames seemed to dance in rhythm with my heartbeat, and I felt my eyelids growing heavy. Despite the discomfort, I knew I was in good hands with Thyriatrix and the children nearby.
Pov Tharros
I watched as Father lay down, his albino scales looking paler than usual. Mother's hands moved gently over his body, her expression focused on finding a solution to whatever was troubling him. I felt a pang of worry, seeing Father like this.
I glanced at my siblings, who were all watching with concern. Nyxoria's eyes were wide with worry, while Kieraxys looked like he didn't understand what was happening. Niamon, sensing the tension, clung to Mother's leg, her lavender scales glistening in the firelight.
I took a step closer to Father, my silver scales catching the flickering light. "Mother, can I help?" I asked, trying to sound calm.
Mother looked up at me, her light green scales softening. "Just keep an eye on your siblings, Tharros. I'll take care of Father."
I nodded, feeling a sense of responsibility. I watched over my siblings, making sure they didn't get too close to Father while he was resting. As the fire crackled, I couldn't help but wonder what was wrong with Father and when he would be okay again.
I use my wolf-fox like ears to hear Mother and father conversations.
I perked up my wolf-fox like ears, trying to catch every word of Mother and Father's conversation. They spoke in hushed tones, but my sensitive ears picked up on every detail. "...don't know what's causing it,"
Mother's words hung in the air, and I could sense her frustration. Father's voice was weak but determined. "We need to figure out what's going on. The slimes are getting more agitated."
I leaned in closer, my ears perked up to catch every nuance of their conversation. Mother's voice was gentle but firm. "I'll check the ancient lore, see if there's anything about...whatever this is."
Father's response was laced with pain. "Hurry, Thyriatrix. I don't know how much longer I can..."
Their conversation trailed off, and I realized they were aware I was listening. I pretended to be distracted by the fire, trying not to draw attention to myself. But my mind was racing with worry and curiosity. What was happening to Father, and how could I help?
I sighed. "Oh right, just yesterday all of us go a hunt, and Father decided to eat a slime again, and now the slime are squirming actively"
I face-palmed, realization dawning on me. "Of course, Father's slime-eating habit strikes again." I recalled the hunt, and how Father had devoured that slime with gusto. I should have known better than to think it wouldn't have consequences.
Mother's expression turned stern, but I could see the hint of amusement in her eyes. "Well, Tharros, it seems your Father's love for slimes hasn't changed."
I chuckled, shaking my head. "I guess some things never change." But my teasing tone was tempered by concern for Father's well-being. I hoped Mother could find a way to help him, and soon.
As I watched, Mother tenderly cared for Father, her hands moving gently over his scales. The fire crackled, casting a warm glow over the cave. I smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Despite Father's slime-eating mishap, I knew he'd be okay with Mother's care.
Just then, Father's eyes flickered open, and he smiled weakly at me. "Tharros...take care of your siblings," he whispered.
I nodded, my heart swelling with love for him. "Don't worry, Father. We'll take care of everything. You just rest."
As Father drifted off to sleep, Mother leaned over and kissed his forehead. "I'll find a way to help you, Aetherius. I promise."
The cave grew quiet, the only sound the soft crackling of the fire. I settled in beside my siblings, feeling grateful for this moment of peace. And as I gazed at Father's sleeping form, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, our family would face them together.