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Chapter 139 - Family Bonding

As the warmth of the sun continued to fill the cave, we decided to spend the day exploring the surrounding mountains and valleys. Father, still a bit tender from his earlier meal, grinned at us as he led the way.

"Today, we'll show you the best spots to soar and play," he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

We eagerly followed him, our wings fluttering with anticipation. Mother brought up the rear, keeping a watchful eye on us as we made our way down the mountain.

As we reached the valley below, the wind rushed past us, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and fresh grass. We spread our wings, feeling the rush of exhilaration as we soared through the skies.

Lyriath and Vyraxys performed acrobatic stunts, their laughter echoing through the valley. Kaidorix and Kieraxys chased after them, playing a game of tag. Niamon and Lyrixa practiced their gliding, their wings held steady as they rode the wind currents.

Meanwhile, Nyxoria and I flew alongside Father, listening intently as he pointed out different landmarks and shared stories about the area.

As the day wore on, we landed in a lush meadow, where Mother had prepared a picnic lunch for us. We feasted on delicious meats and fruits, enjoying the warm sunshine and each other's company.

After lunch, Father suggested we explore a nearby cave, rumored to contain hidden wonders. We eagerly agreed, our curiosity piqued.

As we made our way through the cave, we discovered glittering crystals, underground rivers, and even ancient carvings on the walls. The cave was full of secrets, and we were determined to uncover them all.

As the sun began to set, we reluctantly made our way back to our mountain cave, tired but happy from our adventure.

As we settled in for the night, Father wrapped his wing around me, pulling me close. I snuggled into the warmth of his belly, feeling safe and content. My head rested on his soft scales, and I drifted off to sleep, lulled by the sound of his gentle snores and the occasional jiggle of his belly.

"I'm glad we had such a wonderful day together," Father whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of my own drifting thoughts. "You're all growing up to be amazing dragons."

Mother smiled, watching us with a warm expression. "They certainly are. And they're lucky to have a father like you to show them the way."

As I slept, wrapped in Father's wing, I felt grateful for the love and support of my family. The warmth of the cave and the sound of Father's snores lulled me into a deep and peaceful sleep.

I question, "Do you feel a bit discomfort or pain when I'm resting on you belly?"

Father chuckled, his belly jiggling slightly as he replied, "A bit, but it's a comfortable discomfort. Having you snuggled up against me is worth a little extra padding." He smiled, wrapping his wing tighter around me. "Besides, it's not every day I get to be a pillow for my favorite little dragon."

Father smiled, "and beside you are my precious little boy!"

I blushed slightly at Father's words, feeling a warmth in my heart. "Thanks, Father," I said, smiling up at him. "I love being close to you too." I snuggled in a bit closer, feeling safe and content in his presence. Father's wing wrapped tighter around me, holding me securely as we both drifted off to sleep.

Father whispered softly, "Just know my belly will go back to normal after the meat is fully digested and turn into muscler!"

I giggled softly, "I'm looking forward to seeing that, Father." Father chuckled, his belly jiggling slightly again, and I couldn't help but laugh along with him. The sound of our gentle laughter filled the cave, a soothing accompaniment to our peaceful slumber.

I sighed and spoke calmly. "You won't ever try to hurt me for your desire and make me suffer, right?"

Father's expression turned serious, and he looked at me with a deep sense of love and reassurance. "Never, Tharros. As your father, it's my duty to protect and care for you, not to hurt you. I would never intentionally cause you suffering. You're my precious little boy, and I love you more than anything." He wrapped his wing around me tighter, holding me close. "You're safe with me, always."

As I fell into a deep sleep, Father's gentle humming filled the cave, a soothing melody that seemed to match the rhythm of his heartbeat. The sound was calming, and I felt my body relax further, letting go of any remaining tension. Mother watched over us for a moment, a warm smile on her face, before settling in beside Father, her eyes closing as she drifted off to sleep.

The cave grew quiet, the only sounds the gentle snores of Father and the soft rustling of our wings as we slept, wrapped in the warmth and love of our little family.

As morning arrived, I woke up and jabing father a bit to wake him up.

I poked Father's side gently with my claw, trying to rouse him from his slumber. "Father, wake up," I said softly.

Father stirred, his eyes fluttering open as he smiled at me. I thought to myself, 'He looks happy to see me.'

"Good morning, little one," Father said, his voice husky from sleep.

As he stretched his wings, his belly jiggled slightly, and I couldn't help but giggle at the sight.

Mother, who had been sleeping peacefully beside us, opened her eyes and smiled. "Good morning, everyone," she said.

I smiled back at her, feeling the warmth and love of our little family. "Good morning, Mother," I replied, happy to start the day with them.

Father grabbed me gently and placed me in front of him, and began to lick me gently.

I felt a surge of comfort and affection as Father's warm tongue gently licked my scales. I leaned into his touch, enjoying the sensation. "Mmm, Father," I said contentedly, my voice muffled slightly as he continued to lick me.

Father chuckled, his deep rumble vibrating through his chest. He wrapped his claws gently around me, holding me close as he continued to groom me.

Mother watched with a warm smile, her eyes shining with affection. "You two are so adorable," she said, her voice filled with love. She leaned in, nuzzling Father's side before gently licking my head. I purred, feeling grateful for the love and affection of my family.

I look at Father with my wolf-fox ears perked up and using my puppy dog eyes. "Can I go outside for a while?"

Father's expression softened as he gazed into my pleading eyes. He exchanged a look with Mother, who nodded slightly. "Of course, little one," Father said, his voice gentle. "But stay close to the cave entrance and don't venture too far, okay? We don't want anything to happen to you."

I nodded eagerly, my wolf-fox ears bobbing up and down. "I promise, Father! I'll be careful!" I exclaimed, already imagining the adventures I could have outside. Mother and Father shared a look, and then Mother added, "And don't forget to stay alert for any potential dangers. We're not far if you need us." I grinned, knowing I had their trust, and bounded off towards the cave entrance.

As I stepped outside, the warm sunlight danced across my scales, and the fresh air filled my lungs. I took a deep breath, feeling invigorated and excited to explore. The landscape stretched out before me, with towering mountains and lush forests. I gazed out at the vast expanse, my wolf-fox ears perked up, listening to the sounds of nature.

I wandered closer to the nearby stream, watching the water flow gently over the rocks. The sound was soothing, and I felt drawn to it. Suddenly, I spotted a small fish swimming in the shallows. My instincts kicked in, and I crouched low, my tail twitching with excitement. 'Should I try to catch it?' I thought, my eyes fixed on the fish.

I got ready to catch it, and I caught it, and it was about 7 meters long

I got ready to catch it, and with a swift motion, I snatched the fish out of the water. But as I held it in my claws, I realized it was enormous, easily around 7 meters long. My eyes widened in surprise, and I stumbled backward, struggling to hold onto the massive catch.

"Father! Mother!" I called out, my voice echoing through the valley. "I caught something huge!" I exclaimed, hoping they'd come to help me. The fish thrashed about, putting up quite a fight, and I realized I might need some assistance to handle this behemoth.

I ran back at the mountain cave to show Mother and Father.

I sprinted back to the cave, the massive fish dragging behind me, its scales glinting in the sunlight. As I entered the cave, Mother and Father looked up from their rest, their eyes widening in surprise at the sight of the enormous catch.

"By the skies, Tharros!" Father exclaimed, rushing over to help me. "That's quite a catch you've got there!" Mother joined him, and together they examined the fish, impressed by its size.

"Let's take it back to the cave and feast on it," Mother suggested, her eyes shining with excitement. "This will make for a wonderful meal!" Father nodded in agreement, and together we dragged the fish deeper into the cave, ready to enjoy the fruits of my labor.

As we dragged the massive fish deeper into the cave, Father began to prepare the cooking pit. Mother and I worked together to clean and gut the fish, its flesh glistening in the firelight. The aroma of fresh fish wafted through the cave, making my stomach growl with anticipation.

Once the fish was ready, Father expertly cooked it over the open flames. The sizzling sounds and savory smells filled the cave, and my mouth watered in anticipation. Finally, Father handed me a juicy piece of fish, and I devoured it in happy silence, savoring the delicious flavors.

After our meal, we lounged around the cave, content and full. Mother began to groom her scales, while Father settled in for a post-meal nap. I watched them, feeling grateful for this moment of peace and companionship.

As the warmth of the cave and the satisfaction of the meal began to lull me into a relaxed state, I noticed the sound of rustling coming from deeper within the cave. It was followed by the chatter of my younger siblings, who were excitedly making their way towards us.

"Tharros! Tharros!" Lyriath exclaimed, his navy-blue and red scales glistening as he bounded into the main area of the cave. "We had the best time exploring!" Vyraxys and Nyxoria chimed in, eager to share stories of their adventure.

Mother smiled warmly, while Father, now lying on his back with his belly exposed, let out a contented sigh. His eyes sparkled with amusement as he listened to the siblings' chatter.

The younger dragons eagerly began to describe their journey, their voices overlapping as they tried to outdo each other in recounting their exploits. I listened with a smile, happy to see my siblings so enthusiastic about their adventure.

Lyrixa and Kaidorix started playfully arguing over who was the fastest, while Kieraxys watched with wide eyes, trying to join in. Niamon, perched on Mother's tail, giggled at the commotion, her lavender scales shimmering in the firelight. The cave filled with the joyful sounds of our family's lively interaction.

I smiled. "I will go back outside, and I won't be far away from here, so see you later!"

"Be careful, Tharros," Mother said, her voice warm with concern. "Don't stray too far, and keep an ear out for any unusual sounds."

Father, still lounging on his back, nodded in agreement. "We'll be here, little one. Enjoy your time outside, but stay safe."

I nodded, smiling at my parents' caution. "I will, don't worry," I said, before turning to my siblings. "You all have fun too, I'll see you later!"

With that, I headed out of the cave, feeling the warm sunlight on my scales as I stepped into the beautiful day.

As I walked and adventures out, I saw a rabbit, and I decided to swallow it whole, and I did see Father do swallow something big with my 10-meter tall body I can handle it.

I stalked my prey, my eyes fixed on the unsuspecting rabbit. With swift precision, I snatched it up in my jaws and swallowed it whole. The rabbit slid down my throat, and I felt a satisfying crunch as it was enveloped by my digestive system.

As the rabbit made its way down, I continued my stroll, feeling content and full. My 10-meter tall body seemed more than capable of handling the meal, and I moved with ease, my scales glistening in the sunlight.

The landscape around me was peaceful, with the occasional bird singing in the trees or a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. I walked along, enjoying the serenity of the moment, when suddenly, I felt a slight discomfort in my stomach. The rabbit, it seemed, was a bit larger than I had anticipated...

I go think about it size for a minute and how large it was.

As I pondered the size of the rabbit, I realized it was indeed larger than I had initially thought. My stomach began to churn slightly, and I wondered if swallowing it whole had been a good idea. I stood still for a moment, assessing how my body was handling the meal.

The rabbit's bulk seemed to be making its way down my throat, and I could feel my digestive system working to break it down. I took a deep breath, hoping my body would handle it without any issues. After all, Father had swallowed much larger prey without any problems, so I was confident in my own abilities.

With a bit of trepidation, I continued my walk, keeping a close eye on my surroundings as I waited to see how my body would react to the meal. The sun beat down on my scales, warming me, and I felt a sense of contentment wash over me despite the slight discomfort.

I sighed. "It could be a 5 or 6 meters tall rabbit." I pause and laugh."What am I thinking? There is no way a rabbit that big exists!"

I chuckled to myself, shaking my head at the absurdity of the thought. "Yeah, right, a 5 or 6-meter tall rabbit," I repeated, amusement dancing in my voice. I laughed again, the sound echoing through the landscape. "I must have hit my head or something," I joked, grinning.

As I continued on my way, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off, though I couldn't quite put my finger on it. The rabbit had definitely been larger than usual, but surely not that large. I shrugged mentally, deciding it was just my imagination playing tricks on me. After all, I had swallowed it whole, so maybe my body was just reacting a bit more than usual.

The sun continued to shine down on me, and I enjoyed the warmth on my scales as I walked, my thoughts drifting back to my family and the rest of my day.

I go look at my belly and calculate the size to know how big it was.

I gazed down at my belly, trying to estimate the size of the rabbit based on the bulge it had created. Given my 10-meter tall body, I attempted to calculate the proportions. Let's see...if I assume the rabbit is roughly spherical in my stomach...

I measured the bulge against my own scale patterns, trying to gauge its size relative to my body. After a few moments of mental math, I came up with a rough estimate. "Hmm, I'd say the rabbit was around...3 meters long?" I mused, my brow furrowed in concentration.

But as I looked at the bulge again, I couldn't shake off the feeling that it seemed larger than that...

I re calculate again, and this time, I determined the size is 100% correct.

After re-examining the bulge and recalculating, I arrived at a more precise estimate. "Ah, I've got it," I said to myself, confidence growing in my voice. "The rabbit was exactly...4.27 meters long." I nodded, satisfied with the accuracy of my calculation.

I stood up straight, feeling a sense of accomplishment at having figured out the rabbit's size. But as I looked down at my belly again, I couldn't help but wonder how my body would handle digesting such a sizable meal. Would it take longer than usual? Would I feel lethargic afterward?

Just as I was pondering these questions, I felt a sudden...movement in my stomach.

I thought,'Oh right, I swallowed it whole.'

The realization hit me, and I chuckled to myself. Oh right, I swallowed it whole, I thought, smiling wryly. I mean, it's not like I chewed it or anything. My stomach was probably just dealing with the whole rabbit as is.

As I stood there, I felt another slight shift in my stomach, but nothing too out of the ordinary. I shrugged mentally, figuring it was just my digestive system getting to work. After all, Father had swallowed larger prey whole without any issues, so I was confident my body could handle it.

The sun continued to shine, and a gentle breeze rustled the nearby plants. I stood there, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, when suddenly, a faint rumbling sound echoed from within my stomach. What was that? I wondered, my curiosity piqued.

As I approached the lake's calm waters, I caught a glimpse of my reflection. The sunlight danced across the ripples, and I saw my large, sharp fangs gleaming in the light. My silver scales shimmered, reflecting the colors of the surrounding environment. I tilted my head slightly, and my wolf-fox ears perked up, as if listening to some distant sound.

I studied my reflection, taking in the details of my features. My eyes seemed to gleam with a mix of curiosity and intensity, and my scales appeared to shimmer with a subtle sheen. I looked...powerful, I thought, a sense of pride swelling within me.

As I gazed at my reflection, I noticed that my belly still seemed slightly...distended. Ah, yes, the rabbit, I remembered, wondering how long it would take for my body to fully digest it.

As I stood there, admiring my reflection, I heard a faint gurgling sound coming from within my stomach. It was slightly unsettling, but I tried to brush it off, thinking it was just my digestive system working its magic.

The sun continued to shine down on me, warming my scales, and I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. I decided to take a refreshing dip in the lake to cool off and perhaps help with digestion.

With a swift motion, I plunged into the lake's cool waters, feeling the liquid envelop me. The sensation was invigorating, and I swam around, enjoying the freedom of being in the water.

I chuckled to myself, feeling a sense of uniqueness. 'I'm literally the only one in my family who has these wolf-fox ears,' I thought, smiling. 'And not just my family, the whole clan!' A sense of pride and individuality swelled within me. I tilted my head, and my ears perked up even more, as if emphasizing my distinctive feature.

As I stood there, I wondered what it would be like to meet others with similar traits. 'Were there others out there with wolf-fox ears like mine?' The thought sparked curiosity, and I felt a sudden urge to explore beyond my familiar surroundings.

The sound of water lapping against the shore brought me back to the present. I looked around, taking in the serene atmosphere of the lake. The rabbit's presence still lingered in my stomach, and I felt another slight shift. 'Guess my body is still working on digesting it,' I thought, shrugging it off. I focused instead on the peaceful surroundings, letting the calmness of the lake wash over me.

As I stood there, the calmness of the lake began to soothe my thoughts, and I felt my mind clear. The gentle lapping of the water against the shore created a sense of tranquility, and I closed my eyes, letting the peacefulness wash over me. The warmth of the sun on my scales was comforting, and I felt my body relax, the tension melting away. My wolf-fox ears twitched slightly, picking up on the subtle sounds of nature around me – the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the gentle lapping of the water.

As I stood there, I felt a sense of connection to the natural world, and my thoughts turned to my family and our place within it. I wondered what my parents would think if I were to venture beyond our familiar surroundings, searching for others with similar traits. The thought sparked a sense of excitement and trepidation. 'The other dragons always see me as cute and nothing else,' I thought, a hint of frustration creeping into my mind. But I felt a sense of determination rising within me.

I opened my eyes, and my gaze fell upon the lake's surface. The reflection staring back at me seemed different, somehow – more resolute, more determined. I smiled to myself, feeling a sense of purpose emerging. I knew I wanted more than just being seen as cute; I wanted to be understood, to be recognized for who I truly was. And with that thought, I made a silent promise to myself to explore beyond the familiar and discover my true potential.

I thought, 'Or just hiding under my father's wing every time in the Starlight Gathering and be seen as cute and adorable as always.' The thought brought a mix of emotions – comfort and frustration. It was easy to rely on my family's protection and reputation, but deep down, I yearned for something more. I wanted to forge my own path, to be recognized for my own strengths and abilities.

As I stood there, the lake's calm surface reflecting the sky above, I felt a sense of resolve wash over me. Perhaps it was time to take a step forward, to venture beyond the safety of my family's shadow and carve out my own identity. The thought sent a thrill of excitement through me, and I knew that I was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

With newfound determination, I began to walk along the lake's shore, feeling the sun's warmth on my scales and the breeze rustling my wolf-fox ears. The sound of the water lapping against the shore was soothing, and I felt a sense of peace settle over me.

As I walked, I noticed a figure in the distance, walking towards me. It was a dragon I had seen before, but I couldn't quite place him. He seemed to be heading straight for me, a hint of a smile on his face.

I think I should go back home to the mountain cave and it will get dark soon.

With that thought, I turned around and began making my way back to the mountain cave. The sun was indeed starting to set, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape. As I walked, the shadows grew longer, and the air grew cooler.

As I approached the cave, I could see the entrance, a dark opening in the side of the mountain. I quickened my pace, eager to reach the warmth and safety of my home.

As I entered the cave, I was greeted by the familiar scent of damp earth and the sound of dripping water. The cave was quiet, except for the soft rustling of unknown creatures in the darkness.

I made my way deeper into the cave, my eyes adjusting to the dim light. The cave was my home, and I knew every nook and cranny, every hidden corner and every comfortable spot.

As I settled into my usual spot, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. The cave was warm and cozy, and I was safe. I closed my eyes, feeling the weariness of the day melt away...

As I rested, I heard the sound of footsteps echoing through the cave. I opened my eyes to see my mother, Thyriatrix, approaching me. Her light green scales glistened in the dim light, and her warm smile put me at ease.

"Tharros, how was your day?" she asked, her voice gentle.

I thought about telling her about my encounter by the lake and my thoughts about venturing beyond our familiar surroundings. But something held me back. I wasn't sure if I was ready to share my thoughts with her yet.

"It was fine, Mother," I replied, trying to sound casual.

Thyriatrix looked at me with a knowing glint in her eye. She seemed to sense that something was on my mind, but she didn't press the issue.

"Well, if you're hungry, dinner is ready," she said, nodding towards the deeper parts of the cave.

My stomach growled at the mention of food, and I stood up, following my mother towards the source of the delicious smells wafting through the cave. As we walked, I couldn't help but wonder what the rest of the evening would bring.

I smiled proudly. "I had swallowed a rabbit that was 4.27 meters long!" Mother sighed and looked at Father, whose belly was already flat. "Looks like you've been learning from your father!" She said, and I nodded, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

Father, Aetherius, chuckled, his albino scales glistening in the dim light of the cave. "Indeed, he has," he said, his voice low and rumbling. "Tharros is a quick learner."

I beamed with pride, feeling happy that my parents were acknowledging my abilities. But then, I thought about my recent realization - that I wanted to forge my own path and not just rely on my family's reputation.

I pushed the thought aside, not wanting to ruin the moment. Instead, I focused on enjoying the warmth and companionship of my family. For now, it was enough to simply be with them.

As we sat together, enjoying each other's company, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was meant for more. The thought lingered in the back of my mind, but I pushed it aside, focusing on the present moment.

The warmth and love of my family enveloped me, and I felt grateful for the bond we shared. We sat in comfortable silence, the only sound being the gentle rustling of unknown creatures in the darkness of the cave.

Suddenly, my younger siblings began to stir, their curiosity getting the better of them. "Tharros, tell us a story!" Kaidorix exclaimed, his forest green scales glistening with excitement.

I smiled, happy to oblige. "Very well," I said, settling into a storytelling tone. "Let me tell you about the time I caught a rabbit by the lake..."

As I finish the story, some of my younger siblings seem to giggle.

Kaidorix and Lyrixa were chuckling, their eyes shining with amusement. "Tharros, you're so silly!" Lyrixa said, her rose gold scales sparkling in the dim light.

I smiled, feeling happy that my siblings enjoyed the story. Meanwhile, Kieraxys, who was sitting at the edge of our gathering, looked at me with wide eyes. "Tharros, can you teach me how to catch rabbits?" he asked, his copper scales gleaming with excitement.

"Well, go ask Father, Kieraxys," I said. "He'll teach you everything he knows."

Kieraxys nodded enthusiastically and scampered off towards Father, Aetherius. "Father, Father! Tharros said you can teach me how to catch rabbits!" he exclaimed.

Aetherius chuckled and smiled, his albino scales glistening in the dim light. "Ah, Kieraxys, I'd be happy to teach you," he said, his voice low and rumbling.

I watched as Kieraxys eagerly listened to Father's words, feeling a sense of warmth in my heart. It was moments like these that I cherished, surrounded by my loving family.

As I watched Kieraxys and Father, Lyriath, my older brother, caught my eye. He was sitting across from me, his navy-blue and dark red scales a stark contrast to the warmer tones of the cave. He smiled at me, and I could sense a hint of amusement in his expression.

Kaidorix and Lyrixa, still chuckling, began to settle in for the night, their laughter fading into contented sighs. The cave grew quieter, the only sound the gentle hum of the family's presence.

In this peaceful moment, I felt a deep connection to my family. We were all different, each with our unique scales and personalities, but we fit together like pieces of a puzzle. And in this moment, I felt grateful to be a part of this loving family.

As the night deepened, our family's gentle breathing and soft snores filled the cave. I settled in close to Father, feeling the warmth and protection of his albino scales as he wrapped his wing around me. The peacefulness of the moment washed over me, and I closed my eyes, letting the love and security of my family envelop me.

With a sense of contentment, I drifted off to sleep, surrounded by the people I loved most. The darkness of the cave was filled with the warmth of our family's presence, and I knew that tomorrow would bring new adventures and challenges.

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