I slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. I was lying on a soft, grassy surface, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of our family's favorite gathering spot. Father was sitting beside me, his albino scales glinting in the warm sunlight.
As I sat up, rubbing my eyes, I remembered the events leading up to my fall asleep. Father had released his sleeping gas after I started crying from his outburst. I looked up at Father, and he smiled gently at me, his eyes filled with love and concern.
"Hey, son. How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice soft and soothing.
I took a deep breath, trying to process my emotions. I was still feeling a bit shaken from Father's outburst, but his gentle tone and loving expression helped to calm me down.
"I'm okay, Father," I replied, my voice still a bit shaky. "I'm sorry again for making you angry."
Father's expression softened even further, and he reached out to gently stroke my silver scales. "You don't have to apologize, Tharros. I'm the one who should be sorry. I lost my temper, and I scared you. Can you forgive me?"
I nodded and rubbed my head on his albino scales chest
Father smiled, his eyes shining with warmth, and wrapped his claws around me in a gentle hug. "I'm glad we're okay, son," he whispered, his voice filled with affection. "I love you, Tharros."
I purred contentedly, feeling safe and loved in Father's embrace. I rubbed my head against his chest again, enjoying the comforting sensation of his albino scales against my silver ones.
As we hugged, I could feel Father's heartbeat slowing down, and his breathing becoming more relaxed. I knew he was feeling calmer, and that made me feel better too.
After a few moments of quiet cuddling, Father spoke up again. "You know, Tharros, I think we've had a big enough day for now. Why don't we take a nap together?"
Father looked at Mother and said, "I will bring Tharros back to the drakon spire!"
Mother nodded in agreement, her light green scales glinting in the sunlight. "Be careful, Aetherius," she said.
Father nodded his albino scales, shimmering in the sunlight. "Will do, my love," he replied before turning to me. "Ready to head back to the Drakon Spire, Tharros?" I nodded
And we flew back home to the drakon spire
As we soared through the sky, the wind rushing past us, I felt a sense of excitement and contentment. I loved flying with Father, feeling the thrill of the wind and the sun on my scales.
We flew over the rolling hills and vast expanses of open sky, the Drakon Spire rising up in the distance. The mountain's rugged peak glinted in the sunlight, a familiar landmark that signaled our approach home.
As we landed on the windswept slope, Father led the way to the cave entrance, hidden behind a screen of rocks and foliage. We slipped inside, and I felt a sense of relief and comfort wash over me as we entered the cozy, dimly lit space.
Father smiled, his albino scales shining with warmth in the soft light. "Welcome back, Tharros," he said, his voice filled with affection. "I'm glad we're home."
I look at Father and questions, "Will me and all my siblings go back having fun inside your stomach again, Father?" Father, seem hesitated. Remember today that we cracked his scales belly just a few hours ago
Father's expression turned serious, and he hesitated for a moment before responding. "Tharros, I...I don't think that's a good idea," he said slowly, his voice laced with caution. "Remember what happened earlier? We can't have you and your siblings causing chaos inside my stomach again. It's not safe for any of us."
He gently placed a claw on my shoulder, his albino scales glinting in the dim light of the cave. "I love spending time with you all, but we need to find other ways to have fun that don't involve...internal adventures," he said with a hint of dry humor.
I gazed up at Father with my biggest, most pitiful puppy dog eyes, hoping to melt his resolve. Father's expression faltered for a moment, and he looked away, his albino scales seeming to glow with a soft, warm light.
I could sense a tiny crack in his defenses, and I knew I had to press my advantage. I leaned in, my voice taking on a wheedling tone. "But, Father...please? Just one more time? We promise to be more careful..."
Father's growl turned into a surprised expression, and he stared at me with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "Tharros, you little scamp! You're not supposed to take me literally!" he exclaimed, his voice rumbling with laughter.
I grinned mischievously, my eyes sparkling with excitement. "But, Father, you said it yourself! 'In a few days or week'! That's a promise, isn't it?" I asked, my voice dripping with innocence.
Father chuckled, shaking his head. "I have a feeling I'm going to regret this... Fine, Tharros. We'll revisit this...adventure...in a few days or week. But don't think you're getting off that easy! We'll have to discuss the rules and safety precautions beforehand."
I question "with what?!" I tilted my head."What else would you do that I couldn't get off that easy?" I ask again
Father's expression turned sly, and he leaned in, a hint of a grin playing on his lips. "Oh, I think a little extra training and education on dragon etiquette might be in order," he said, his voice dripping with amusement.
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Dragon etiquette?" I repeated, my curiosity piqued.
Father nodded, his albino scales glinting in the dim light of the cave. "Yes, Tharros. You and your siblings could benefit from learning more about the proper behavior and protocols for young dragons. And I think I'll make sure you all receive a thorough education on the subject...starting tomorrow."
I question "what kind of education?"
Father's grin widened, and he chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, Tharros, you'll see. Let's just say it will be a comprehensive curriculum, covering everything from basic manners to advanced diplomacy...and, of course, stomach-surfing safety protocols."
He leaned in closer, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "And, I think, a special guest lecturer will be joining us. Someone who's an expert in all things dragon etiquette..."
The next day, I wake up under Father wing like always
I stretched my silver scales, yawning widely as I snuggled deeper under Father's wing. It was my favorite place to sleep, feeling safe and protected by his warm, comforting presence.
As I stirred, Father gently shifted his wing, giving me a soft, rumbling growl of good morning. I smiled, feeling the vibrations of his growl through his scales, and peeked out from under his wing to greet him.
"Good morning, Father," I said, my voice still sleepy.
Father smiled, his albino scales glinting in the morning light. "Good morning, Tharros. Today's the day we start your education in dragon etiquette. Are you excited?"
I nodded
Father's face lit up with a warm smile. "Excellent! I think you'll find it very...enlightening. Now, let's get some breakfast, and then we'll meet our special guest lecturer."
He gently nudged me out from under his wing, and I stood up, stretching my silver scales again. Father led the way out of our cozy cave, and we walked towards the sunny clearing where breakfast was waiting.
As we ate, I couldn't help but wonder who our special guest lecturer would be...
As we finished our breakfast, Father stood up, his albino scales glinting in the sunlight. "Alright, Tharros! Let's go meet our special guest lecturer. And, of course, your siblings will be joining us as well."
I nodded excitedly, curiosity getting the better of me. Father led the way, and I followed closely behind, my silver scales catching the sunlight.
As we approached the gathering area, I saw my siblings already assembled, chatting and laughing with each other. Lyriath, with his dark and blood red scales, was teasing Vyraxys, who was chuckling and trying to defend himself. Nyxoria, Lyrixa, Kaidorix, and Kieraxys were all chatting excitedly, their scales glinting in the sunlight.
Father cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention. "Alright, children! Our special guest lecturer has arrived. Please welcome...Uncle Kaidën!"
I looked up, surprised, as Uncle Kaidën emerged from behind a nearby rock. He was a wise and experienced dragon, with a kind face and a twinkle in his eye.
Pov Aetherius
Kaidën whisper to my ear "so what do I have to teach them?"
I answered by whispering in his ear "comprehensive curriculum and covering everything from basic manners to advanced diplomacy and of course stomach-surfing safety protocols since I accidentally make a deal to Tharros that I will allow them back to my stomach and play for the next few days or week"
I chuckled softly, my albino scales glinting with amusement, as I whispered back to my older brother, Uncle Kaidën, "And, of course, make sure to emphasize the importance of not making deals with a mischievous young dragon like Tharros."
Uncle Kaidën's eyes twinkled with mirth as he nodded, his voice barely above a whisper, "I'll make sure to drive that point home, little brother. Don't worry, I'll have them well-versed in the art of dragon etiquette...and stomach-surfing safety protocols."
I smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. With Uncle Kaidën at the helm, I knew my little ones were in good hands. And, perhaps, they'd even learn a thing or two about not taking their father's words too literally.
Pov Tharros
I watched with interest as Father whispered something to Uncle Kaidën, who nodded and smiled. I wondered what they were discussing, but before I could speculate further, Uncle Kaidën turned to us.
"Alright, young ones! Gather 'round. Today, we're going to learn about the art of dragon etiquette. From basic manners to advanced diplomacy, and of course, stomach-surfing safety protocols," Uncle Kaidën announced, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
I grinned mischievously, remembering the deal Father had made with me. I couldn't wait to learn more about stomach-surfing safety protocols. My siblings and I gathered around Uncle Kaidën, eager to begin our lesson.
Father, look at Uncle Kaidën "big brother just do what they need to know. I don't want my scales belly to get creack and bleed by their kicking again"
Uncle Kaidën burst out laughing, his eyes shining with mirth. "Ah, little brother, you're still traumatized by the last stomach-surfing incident, aren't you?" he teased, chuckling.
Father's face turned slightly pink, and he looked at me with a sheepish expression. I giggled, remembering the time I had convinced Father to let me play inside his stomach. It had been a fun but rough ride, and Father's scales had paid the price.
Uncle Kaidën composed himself, still grinning. "Don't worry, little brother. I'll make sure they learn the proper techniques for stomach-surfing...and how to avoid damaging their father's scales in the process."
Father sighed. "Besides that incident, it was yesterday!"
Uncle Kaidën's laughter echoed through the clearing again, and he wiped tears from his eyes. "Oh, little brother, you're not exactly the most effective negotiator when it comes to your children, are you?" he teased, still chuckling.
I looked up at Father, who was shaking his head, a mixture of amusement and exasperation on his face. "I guess I'm just a soft touch when it comes to my little ones," he admitted, smiling.
Uncle Kaidën grinned. "Well, that's what makes you a great father, little brother. Now, let's get started on that lesson before Tharros here talks you into something else!"
Father mumbled "well I don't hear about you having hatchling on for your own." Uncle Kaidën bonk Father head
Uncle Kaidën playfully bonked Father's head with his claw, laughing. "Hey, watch it, little brother! Just because I don't have hatchlings of my own doesn't mean I'm not a great uncle!"
Father rubbed his head, chuckling. "Oh, I'm shaking in my scales. You're a great uncle, all right. Always spoiling my kids rotten."
Uncle Kaidën grinned. "Hey, someone's got to keep them on their toes. Now, let's get started on that lesson before I get into more trouble!"
Uncle Kaidën sighed "beside I rarely get to see them! And let this education begin with!"
Uncle Kaidën cleared his throat, his expression turning serious. "Alright, young ones! Gather 'round. Today, we're going to learn about the art of dragon etiquette. From basic manners to advanced diplomacy, and of course, stomach-surfing safety protocols."
He looked at each of us in turn, his eyes twinkling with seriousness. "I know some of you may think this is unnecessary, but trust me, it's crucial for your future interactions with other dragons. And who knows, you might even learn something new."
I leaned in, intrigued, as Uncle Kaidën began to pace around the clearing. "First lesson: respect for elders. When interacting with older dragons, it's essential to show respect and deference..."
"...This includes using formal titles, such as 'Elder' or 'Respected One,' and displaying submissive body language, like lowering your head or tucking your claws," Uncle Kaidën explained, demonstrating the gestures as he spoke.
Lyriath, my brother, raised his hand. "Uncle Kaidën, what about when we're playing or having fun? Do we still have to be formal?"
Uncle Kaidën smiled. "Ah, excellent question, Lyriath! While it's essential to show respect, it's also important to know when to relax and be yourself. With friends and family, you can be more casual, but always remember to respect your elders and those in positions of authority."
Nyxoria, my sister, spoke up next. "Uncle Kaidën, what about stomach-surfing? Father said we'd learn about safety protocols."
Uncle Kaidën chuckled. "Ah, patience, young one! We'll get to stomach-surfing soon enough. But first, let's cover some more basics. Who can tell me why honesty is important in dragon etiquette?"
As we all finished our education for today's Uncle Kaidën said this "when you are inside your father's stomach, you can kick all you want but not so hard that it creack your father scales belly again!" Father, look at him, both shocked
Father's eyes widened in surprise, and he stared at Uncle Kaidën, his mouth agape. "Kaidën, what are you teaching them?!" he exclaimed, his voice a mix of shock and amusement.
Uncle Kaidën just chuckled and winked at us. "Hey, someone's got to prepare them for the realities of stomach-surfing, little brother!"
I giggled, remembering the time I had kicked Father's scales belly a bit too hard. My siblings and I all burst out laughing, and even Father couldn't help but crack a smile.
"Alright, alright," Father said, shaking his head. "I think that's enough education for today. You've all earned a break...and I need to recover from the thought of all those kicks to the stomach!"
Father looked, gave a deep sighed. "That incident was painful, then hell can ever was!"
We all burst out laughing again, and Uncle Kaidën chuckled, shaking his head. "Ah, little brother, you're such a drama queen. It was just a few kicks to the stomach, not the end of the world."
Father shot Uncle Kaidën a mock-glare, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You weren't the one with a belly full of kicking, scaling hatchlings, trust me. It was...an experience."
I grinned, feeling happy to see Father joking about the incident. My siblings and I all teased him good-naturedly.
"Hey, Father, we heard you were the weakest dragon in the land!" Lyriath joked.
"No, no, it's not that!" Vyraxys chimed in. "We heard you were allergic to your own hatchlings!"
Nyxoria giggled. "I think it's because Father's scales are too delicate!"
Lyrixa playfully added, "Yeah, Father's belly is like a fragile eggshell!"
Kaidorix and Kieraxys joined in, making silly jokes about Father's stomach being made of glass.
Uncle Kaidën laughed, poking fun at Father's dramatics. "Ah, little brother, you're so fragile, a gentle breeze could crack your scales!"
Father chuckled, his eyes shining with amusement. "Alright, alright, you've all made your point. I'm a delicate flower, got it!"
Father roar loud at me and my siblings face and look at Uncle Kaidën and growled at him
I stumbled backward, startled by Father's sudden roar. My siblings and I exchanged wide-eyed glances, our laughter and teasing forgotten.
Father's eyes blazed with mock fierceness as he towered over us. His voice was low and rumbling, "You think it's funny, huh? Teasing your poor father about his fragile stomach?"
Then, he turned to Uncle Kaidën, his growl deepening. "And you, big brother! Encouraging them to mock me!"
Uncle Kaidën held up his hands, laughing. "Hey, little brother, don't blame me! I'm just trying to toughen you up!"
Father's growl turned into a playful snarl, and he took a step closer to Uncle Kaidën. "Oh, you want to toughen me up? Bring it on, big brother!"
Uncle Kaidën burst out laughing. "Hahahah, I feel like the same feelings when we were both young hatchling!" He giggled
Father's mock-ferocious expression faltered, and he couldn't help but chuckle. "Ah, shut up, Kaidën! You're just trying to distract me from your role in corrupting my innocent hatchlings!"
Uncle Kaidën wiped tears from his eyes, still grinning. "Innocent hatchlings? Ha! They're little bundles of mischief, just like we were back in the day!"
I giggled, happy to see Father and Uncle Kaidën joking around like old times. My siblings and I exchanged amused glances, enjoying the lighthearted atmosphere.
Father shook his head, chuckling. "I swear, Kaidën, you're a bad influence. I'm starting to think I should limit your visitation rights."
Uncle Kaidën gasped, feigning offense. "Oh, come on, little brother! I'm a great role model... for mischief and mayhem, at least."
My siblings and I burst out laughing at Uncle Kaidën's antics. Father just rolled his eyes, smiling.
"Alright, alright. You've had your fun, Kaidën. Now, how about we get some rest? It's been a long day."
Uncle Kaidën nodded, still grinning. "Sounds good to me, little brother. I'm exhausted from all the laughter."
As we settled in for the night, I snuggled up close to Father, feeling happy and content. It was moments like these that I cherished, surrounded by my loving family and our silly antics.
Uncle Kaidën looks at Father "beside I rarely get to see them. I think you should increase me seeing them!"
Father raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement on his face. "Oh, really? And why should I do that, hmm?"
Uncle Kaidën's expression turned mock-serious. "Well, it's clear that I'm the better influence on these young minds. I mean, who else can teach them the art of mischief and mayhem?"
Father chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm not sure that's exactly what I want for my hatchlings, Kaidën."
Uncle Kaidën grinned. "Ah, come on, little brother! I promise to teach them only the most respectable and dragon-like behaviors... with a few minor exceptions, of course."
I giggled at Uncle Kaidën's wink, and my siblings and I all looked up at Father with pleading eyes. Father sighed, laughing. "Alright, alright. I'll consider increasing your visitation rights, Kaidën. But don't think you're getting off that easy!"
Uncle patted father head like a young siblings get from their older brother
Father's eyes widened in surprise, and he laughed, trying to dodge Uncle Kaidën's playful pat. "Hey, hey! No need to treat me like a hatchling, Kaidën!"
Uncle Kaidën just chuckled and continued to pat Father's head, saying, "Oh, come on, little brother! You know you deserve it."
My siblings and I burst out laughing at the sight of Father, the mighty dragon, being treated like a young hatchling by Uncle Kaidën. Even Father couldn't help but laugh, his eyes shining with amusement.
As Uncle Kaidën continued to tease Father, he started to get more and more playful, dodging and weaving around Uncle Kaidën's pats. My siblings and I laughed even harder, holding our bellies in laughter.
Father pretended to be offended, saying, "Hey, I'm a dignified dragon, I'll have you know! I won't be treated like a hatchling!"
Uncle Kaidën just chuckled and said, "Oh, come on, little brother! You know you love it!"
Just then, Father made a quick move, pretending to bite Uncle Kaidën's tail. Uncle Kaidën yelped in surprise, laughing, and the two of them started to playfully wrestle, rolling around on the ground.
My siblings and I cheered them on, laughing and shouting, "Fight! Fight!"
Uncle Kaidën giggled and patted Father's head again and left
Father laughed, shaking his head, and watched as Uncle Kaidën walked away, still chuckling to himself.
"Thanks for the visit, Kaidën," Father called out, grinning. "Come back soon... but not too soon, my dignity can only take so much."
Uncle Kaidën just waved a claw in response, still laughing, and disappeared into the distance.
My siblings and I looked up at Father, still giggling. "Father, you're so silly," I said, smiling.
Father smiled back, his eyes twinkling. "Hey, someone's got to keep things interesting around here."
I question, "Does he have a mate?"
Father's expression turned thoughtful, and he nodded. "Ah, yes. Uncle Kaidën's mate is a wonderful dragoness named Lyra. She's kind, wise, and has a heart of gold."
I leaned in, curious. "What's she like?"
Father smiled. "Lyra is a brilliant storyteller and teacher. She's always sharing tales of our ancestors and teaching the younger dragons about our history and traditions."
My siblings and I exchanged excited glances. We loved hearing stories about our ancestors!
"Does she come visit us too?" Nyxoria asked.
Father nodded. "Yes, Lyra often comes with Uncle Kaidën when he visits. You'll love her, I'm sure."
Father giggled, "but he doesn't have children even though he is my eldest brother, and I'm my parents' 2nd son, but we do have an elder sister that you all have met before!" We all nodded
Father's giggle was contagious, and we all smiled along with him.
"Uncle Kaidën always says he's too busy having fun to settle down with hatchlings of his own," Father said with a chuckle.
I nodded, remembering Uncle Kaidën's playful nature. It was hard to imagine him as a serious parent.
"And yes, your elder sister, Aunt Elyria, is wonderful," Father continued. "She's always been like a mother to me, even though we're just siblings."
My siblings and I nodded in agreement. We loved Aunt Elyria, and she always made us feel special when we visited her.
Father smiled warmly, his eyes shining with fondness. "Aunt Elyria is very special, and I'm sure she'd be delighted to hear that you all love her so much."
Just then, Zephyr, the youngest, piped up, "Father, can we go visit Aunt Elyria soon?"
Father chuckled. "We'll see, little one. Maybe soon. But for now, let's get some rest. It's been a big day."
We all nodded, yawning, and settled in for a well-deserved rest, dreaming of Aunt Elyria's warm smile and Uncle Kaidën's playful antics.
Father laughed, "and yet Kaidën is the only one who doesn't have children!"
I question "wait why didn't none of us see them in the starlight gathering?" Kieraxys, look at me confused he never been in the starlight gathering
Father's expression turned thoughtful, and he said, "Ah, well, Kaidën never misses a Starlight Gathering, but his mate, Lyra, doesn't always attend. She's a bit more... unconventional, you might say."
Nyxoria's eyes widened with curiosity. "What do you mean, Father?"
Father smiled. "Let's just say that Lyra has her own way of doing things. She's not really into the whole... formal gathering scene."
Althaeon looked puzzled. "But why not, Father?"
Father chuckled. "Well, Lyra's always been a bit of a free spirit, even among other dragons. She prefers to do her own thing, rather than following tradition."
Kieraxys nodded, remembering the last gathering. "Yeah, I met Uncle Kaidën at the last Starlight Gathering, and he introduced me to Tharros."
Father smiled. "Ah, yes! Kaidën's always been a social butterfly, even among our own clan. He loves attending the gatherings and catching up with everyone."
I grinned at Kieraxys. "Yeah, and that's where you met Tharros, and they became rivals, right?"
Kieraxys nodded, a competitive glint in his eye. "Yeah, I'm going to beat him next time!"
Father smiled. "You all know, except Kieraxys, that he is a food contest champion in the starlight gathering." we all except Kieraxys nodded, and Kieraxys shook his head because his egg was still inside Mother belly
Kieraxys looked puzzled, and Father chuckled. "Ah, of course, Kieraxys, you wouldn't know about that yet. You were still... incubating, shall we say, when Uncle Kaidën won the food contest."
We all burst out laughing, and Kieraxys looked even more confused, but also curious. "What's so funny?" he asked.
Nyxoria grinned. "Uncle Kaidën ate a whole mountain of fish in one sitting! It was hilarious!"
I chuckled. "And then he challenged Varkorus to a rematch, and Varkorus ended up with a stomachache!"
We all laughed again, and Kieraxys's eyes widened with excitement. "I want to see Uncle Kaidën eat a whole mountain of fish!"
I smiled at Kieraxys's enthusiasm. "I'm sure you'll get to see Uncle Kaidën's eating skills in action soon enough, little brother."
Father, Aetherius, chuckled. "Yes, and maybe one day you'll even challenge him to a eating contest, Kieraxys."
Kieraxys's eyes sparkled with determination. "I'm going to practice eating as much fish as I can, so I can beat Uncle Kaidën next time!"
Father sighed "tomorrow uncle Kaidën will be back here again to continue teaching you little once a comprehensive curriculum and covering everything from basic manners to advanced diplomacy and, of course stomach-surfing education so you little won't creack my scales belly again when you playing inside my stomach again!"
We all burst out laughing at the memory of our previous antics. I chuckled, remembering the time we accidentally knocked against Father's scales while playing inside his stomach.
Nyxoria giggled. "Sorry, Father! We didn't mean to crack your scales!"
Kieraxys looked excited. "Ooh! Stomach-surfing education? Does that mean we get to ride the waves inside Father stomach?"
Father smiled, shaking his head. "We'll see, little one. But first, let's focus on learning those manners and diplomacy skills. We don't want any... accidents happening during Uncle Kaidën's visit."
Father's expression turned serious for a moment. "Uncle Kaidën is a great teacher, and I'm sure you'll all learn a lot from him. But remember, he's also a bit... unpredictable."
Nyxoria's eyes sparkled with mischief. "That's what makes him so much fun, Father!"
I chuckled, knowing that Nyxoria was right. Uncle Kaidën's unpredictability was part of what made him such a great teacher.
Kieraxys looked up at Father with a curious expression. "What's unpredictable mean, Father?"