Cherreads

Chapter 78 - A Midday Snack

As I lay there, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me. The warm sun on my scales, the sound of Tharros's happy chatter in the distance, and the promise of a fresh meal all combined to create a sense of peace.

Before long, Tharros returned, his jaws clutching a struggling fish. "Father, I caught one! And it's a big one!" He proudly displayed his catch, his eyes shining with excitement.

I smiled, impressed by Tharros's hunting prowess. "Well done, Tharros! That's a fine catch. Now, bring it here and let's enjoy our snack."

Tharros eagerly obliged, dropping the fish beside me. I opened my jaws, and Tharros fed me the fish, piece by piece. The cool, fresh flesh was a welcome relief after the drumming, and I savored each bite.

As we ate, Tharros chattered happily, telling me all about his hunt and the exciting things he'd seen by the stream. I listened, enjoying the sound of his voice and the joy that radiated from him.

And so, with full bellies and happy hearts, we lay there in the forest, basking in the warm sunlight and each other's company.

Tharros question, "Does your stomach still hurt?"

I answered "yeah but as long no one bothers it, it's fine." Tharros curiosity got the better of him, and he nudged my colossal belly

"No, Thararos! Don't do that!" I exclaimed, wincing in anticipation of the discomfort that would follow. But it was too late. Tharros's nudge sent a ripple through my belly, and I felt a surge of pain shoot through my scales.

I glared at Tharros, who looked up at me with a mischievous grin. "Sorry, Father," he said, though his tone suggested he wasn't entirely repentant.

I sighed, trying to catch my breath. "Tharros, I told you not to bother my belly. Now look what's happened." I gestured to my belly, which was now rumbling and churning ominously.

Tharros's grin faltered, and he took a step back, eyes wide with concern. "Father, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make it worse."

Tharros rubbing my belly

The rubbing motion was surprisingly soothing, and I felt my belly begin to calm down. The rumbling and churning slowed, and I let out a sigh of relief.

"Ah, Tharros...that's actually kind of nice," I said, my voice a bit more relaxed now. Tharros looked up at me with a hopeful expression, and I nodded. "Yes, keep rubbing. Maybe you can make up for bothering my belly in the first place."

I feel my stomach is slowly filled with gas, and it is trapped inside as Tharros rubbing it

I felt a growing sense of discomfort as the gas built up inside my stomach. Tharros's rubbing, which had initially been soothing, now felt like it was stirring up the gas, making it harder for me to find relief.

"Tharros, stop...please," I said, trying to keep my voice calm. But it was too late. The pressure had become too great, and I felt a massive belch building up inside me.

Tharros kept rubbing, and my belly inflated

My belly continued to inflate, feeling like it was going to burst at any moment. The pressure was becoming unbearable, and I could feel my scales straining to contain the growing gas bubble.

"Tharros, STOP!" I bellowed, trying to make him understand the urgency of the situation. But Tharros, oblivious to the danger, kept rubbing, his eyes shining with excitement.

Just as I thought my belly was going to explode, Tharros finally stopped rubbing. He took a step back, eyes wide with wonder, and exclaimed, "Father, your belly is so big and round! It's like a giant drum!"

I glared at him, still trying to catch my breath. "Tharros, that's not funny. I thought I was going to burst." But Tharros just giggled and said, "Don't worry, Father. I'll be careful next time." Next time?! I thought to myself. There's not going to be a next time!

I question "Tharros what are you going to do?"

Tharros's grin grew even wider as he exclaimed, "I'm going to pop it, Father! Like a big balloon!" He took a step forward, his claws extended, and I realized with horror that he was actually serious.

I instinctively reinforced the barrier I had cast around my belly, making sure it was strong enough to withstand Tharros's attempt. The barrier, invisible to Tharros, glowed softly in my mind's eye, a reassuring presence that kept my belly intact.

"Tharros, don't!" I warned, trying to sound calm. "You'll hurt me!" But Tharros just chuckled, confident in his ability to pop the "balloon"

I question, "And how are you going to pop me?"

Tharros's eyes sparkled with mischief as he declared, "I'll use my sharpest claw, Father! I'll just poke it in and...POP!" He demonstrated his plan with a swift jab of his claw, making me wince in anticipation.

But I knew my barrier would hold, protecting my belly from Tharros's antics. Still, I decided to play along, curious to see how far Tharros would take this.

Besides Tharros is 6 years old, how are his claws able to break through my scales

As a 6-year-old dragon, Tharros claws were still small and developing. They wouldn't be strong enough to break through my adult dragon scales, even if I didn't have the protective barrier in place.

I chuckled to myself, thinking that Thar's confidence was adorable, but also a bit misplaced. His little claws might be sharp, but they were no match for my thick, hardened scales.

I sighed "alright Tharros do as you wish!"

Tharros let out a triumphant whoop and raised his little claw, poised to strike. I closed my eyes, bracing for the impact, but knowing that my barrier would protect me.

Tharros poked his claw at my belly, and I felt a slight pressure, but that was all. My barrier held strong, and Tharros's claw simply bounced off. Tharros looked up at me with a confused expression, clearly expecting a more dramatic result.

"Father, why didn't it pop?" Tharros asked, his brow furrowed in disappointment. I opened my eyes and smiled, trying to stifle a chuckle.

"Maybe it's just not as easy as you thought, little one," I said, trying to sound serious. Tharros looked skeptical, but he didn't push the issue further. Instead, he nodded thoughtfully and said, "I'll try again next time, Father."

Tharros rubbing my belly

As Tharros continued to rub my belly, I started to feel a familiar discomfort creeping back in. The gentle touch that had initially been soothing now stirred up the trapped gas inside my stomach, making it churn and roil uncomfortably.

I winced, feeling the pressure build up again. "Tharros, maybe you should stop rubbing now," I suggested, trying to keep my tone calm. But Tharros, oblivious to my growing discomfort, kept rubbing, his eyes shining with excitement.

I gritted my teeth, trying to endure the growing discomfort. "Tharros, stop!" I said more firmly, but he just giggled and kept rubbing. The pressure inside my stomach was becoming unbearable, and I knew I had to think fast before things got out of hand. Suddenly, I had an idea. "Tharros, let's play a game!" I exclaimed, trying to distract him. "Let's see who can roar the loudest!"

Tharros's face scrunched up in a stubborn expression. "No, Father! I don't want to roar! I want to keep rubbing your belly!" He reached out to grab my belly again.

I felt a surge of panic at the thought of him resuming the rubbing. The pressure inside my stomach was still simmering, waiting to be unleashed. I tried to reason with him, "Tharros, please. Let's play the roaring game instead. It'll be fun, I promise!"

Tharros shook his head and kept rubbing, and I saw a smile on his face

I clenched my teeth, feeling the pressure inside my stomach reaching a critical point. Tharros's smile grew wider, and he rubbed harder, seemingly oblivious to my growing discomfort. My eyes widened in alarm as I realized I was running out of time. The gas inside my stomach was about to be unleashed in a catastrophic manner.

But I knew I had one last resort. I focused my energy and reinforced the barrier around my belly, making sure it was strong enough to withstand the pressure. The barrier, invisible to Tharros, glowed softly in my mind's eye, a reassuring presence that kept my belly intact. I let out a silent sigh of relief, knowing that the barrier would hold, at least for now.

And after what felt like an eternity, Tharros stopped, and he said, "FUN FUN!"

I was confused and looked up to my horror Tharros rubbing my belly so long that to the point he made my belly half the size of a small mountain

I stared at my belly in shock, my eyes wide with horror. The barrier had held, but it hadn't prevented my belly from expanding to absurd proportions. Tharros's prolonged rubbing had somehow inflated my stomach to a ridiculous size, making me look like I was about to give birth to a small elephant.

Tharros, still grinning from ear to ear, exclaimed, "Father, you're so big and round now! Can I climb on you?" He reached out to grab my belly, and I knew I had to act fast to prevent further catastrophe.

I am still in shock, and I ask, "What have you done?!"

Tharros's grin faltered for a moment, and he looked up at me with a confused expression. "I... I rubbed your belly, Father," he said, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

I took a deep breath, trying to process the sheer scale of the disaster that had unfolded. "Why... why did you rub it for so long?" I asked, still trying to wrap my head around the situation.

Tharros's face lit up with a mischievous smile. "Because it was so much fun, Father! You're so squishy and soft!"

I question, "What do you mean fun!"

Tharros's grin grew even wider, and he exclaimed, "You were making so many funny noises, Father! Gurgling and rumbling and... and... " He burst into a fit of giggles, clearly entertained by the memory.

I felt my face heat up with embarrassment and frustration. "Tharros, this is not funny! Look at me! I'm... I'm..." I gestured to my enormous belly, searching for words to describe the absurdity of the situation.

I finished my sentence, "...a walking mountain!" I exclaimed, throwing my hands up in exasperation. "What am I supposed to do now?"

Tharros smiled. "I can jump and down! That is why I did it! I just wanted to jump on your belly again!"

I yelled, "THARROS NO DON'T DO IT THAT AGAIN IT HURT LIKE HELL." But Tharros didn't listen and fly to the top of my belly

And with a mischievous whoop, Tharros launched himself into a joyful bounce, landing with a thud on my inflated belly. I felt the impact resonate through my entire body, and a wave of agony washed over me.

"THARROS, STOP! FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, STOP!" I bellowed, but Tharros just giggled and continued to bounce up and down on my belly, each landing sending shockwaves of pain through my body.

I stumbled backwards, desperate to escape the torment, but Tharros held tight, his little hands grasping my skin as he continued to bounce. I felt like I was going to collapse under the onslaught, my vision blurring from the pain.

Just when I thought I couldn't take it anymore, Tharros let out a triumphant shout and launched himself into one final, mighty bounce. I felt my belly jolt upwards, and for a moment, I was weightless, suspended in mid-air by the sheer force of Tharros's bounce.

I let out a small burp

The burp was followed by a faint hissing sound, and I felt the pressure inside my belly begin to dissipate. My inflated stomach started to deflate, slowly returning to its normal size. Tharros, still perched on my belly, looked up at me with a mixture of confusion and curiosity.

Each jump makes me burp a little

Tharros's eyes lit up with excitement. "Father, you're burping! Do it again! Do it again!" He resumed his bouncing, each jump making me burp a little louder and a little longer.

The sounds echoed through the air, a ridiculous symphony of belches and giggles. I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all, despite the initial discomfort. Tharros's infectious laughter and joyful energy were impossible to resist.

It is nice for me to spend time with him even though he can be mischievous he is still my little strong boy

As I looked at Tharros, still bouncing on my belly and giggling with glee, my heart swelled with love and pride. Despite the chaos he often created, he was my little ball of energy, and I wouldn't trade our time together for anything.

I smiled at Tharros as he continued to laugh and snuggle into my belly. "I love you, little one," I whispered, feeling grateful for this moment of joy and connection with my mischievous, lovable boy.

As the hours passed, I felt my body slowly recovering from the ordeal. The pain in my belly subsided, and I noticed that the excess meat had somehow been absorbed into my muscles. My belly, once inflated to an absurd size, had returned to its normal proportions. I looked down at my stomach, marveling at the transformation. It was as if my body had somehow adapted to the bizarre circumstances, incorporating the excess meat into my muscle mass. I felt stronger, more energized, and surprisingly, not even a hint of discomfort remained.

Tharros, still clinging to my chest, looked up at me with a sweet smile. "Father, I'm hungry," he said, his eyes sparkling with innocence. I chuckled, knowing that my little boy was always full of surprises, but rarely mischievous. I smiled, "Well, let's go find something to eat then!"

As we strolled through the forest, the warm sunlight filtering through the trees cast dappled shadows on the ground. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the gentle chirping of birds. Tharros, still perched on my chest, looked around with wide eyes, taking in the sights and sounds of the forest.

We walked along a winding path, the rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs beneath our feet the only sounds breaking the peaceful silence. I breathed in deeply, feeling the stress and tension of the earlier ordeal melt away, replaced by a sense of calm and tranquility.

As we continued along the winding path, the trees grew taller and the canopy overhead thicker, casting the forest floor in a soft, emerald green gloom. The air grew cooler and damper, filled with the scent of moss and damp earth. Tharros, still clinging to my chest, looked up at me with a curious expression, his eyes sparkling with wonder.

Suddenly, a faint humming noise caught my attention. It was a low, soothing sound, like the gentle buzzing of a harp string. I looked around, trying to locate the source of the sound, and that was when I saw it: a magnificent waterfall, cascading down a rocky slope in a misty veil of blue and white.

The waterfall was breathtakingly beautiful, its misty veil rising into the air like a ghostly apparition. The humming noise grew louder, and I realized that it was the sound of the water cascading over the rocks, creating a mesmerizing melody that seemed to reverberate deep within my soul. Tharros, still clinging to my chest, gazed at the waterfall with wide eyes, his face filled with a sense of awe and wonder.

As we stood there, taking in the beauty of the waterfall, I felt a strange sensation wash over me. It was as if the sound of the water was calling to me, drawing me closer to the falls. Without thinking, I began to walk towards the waterfall, Tharros still clinging to my chest. The humming noise grew louder, and the misty veil grew thicker, until we were standing right at the edge of the falls, the water cascading down just a few feet away.

I looked behind and saw an orc. I killed it with my sharp claws

As the orc's lifeless body slumped to the ground, I felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins. My sharp claws, still extended from the fatal blow, gleamed with a faint sheen of blood in the misty light of the waterfall. Tharros, still clinging to my chest, looked up at me with a mixture of fear and awe, his eyes wide with wonder.

I gently stroked Tharros's head, trying to reassure him that everything was okay. "Don't worry, little one," I whispered softly. "Father's got you." As I spoke, I scanned our surroundings, my senses on high alert for any signs of more orcs. The forest seemed quiet, except for the soothing sound of the waterfall, but I knew that could change in an instant.

I grab the orc dead body and give it to Tharros

Tharros's eyes lit up with excitement as he took the orc's body from me, his small arms wrapping tightly around the lifeless form. He looked up at me with a beaming smile, his face smeared with a mixture of dirt and excitement.

"Thank you, Father!" Tharros exclaimed, his voice filled with glee. "I'll take care of it!" He began to drag the orc's body away, his small legs straining with effort. I watched in amusement, wondering what Tharros planned to do with the orc's body.

As I followed Tharros, I noticed that he was dragging the body towards a small clearing surrounded by a babbling brook and a cluster of tall trees. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of birdsong echoed through the air. Tharros stopped at the center of the clearing and looked up at me with a mischievous grin.

I secretly follow him

I trailed behind Tharros, careful not to make a sound as I followed him to the clearing. He seemed completely absorbed in his task, his focus fixed on the orc's body as he dragged it to the center of the clearing.

As I watched, Tharros began to arrange the orc's body in a strange, ritualistic pattern. He placed the body on a large, flat rock, and then began to gather various objects from around the clearing. He collected leaves, twigs, and small stones, carefully arranging them around the orc's body in a intricate pattern.

I was fascinated by Tharros's actions, and I found myself wondering what he was trying to accomplish. Was this some sort of ritual, or simply a game? I continued to watch, mesmerized by Tharros's intensity and focus.

I thought to myself,'I hope it is a game and not a ritual'

As I stood there, watching Tharros's meticulous arrangements, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something more sinister was at play. The way Tharros seemed to be pouring his heart and soul into this arrangement sent a shiver down my spine.

I pushed the thought aside, telling myself that I was just being paranoid. Tharros was just a child, after all. He couldn't possibly be involved in anything dark or malevolent. But as I continued to watch, I noticed that Tharros's expression seemed to be growing more and more serious. His eyes had taken on a strange, almost... ceremonial glint.

Tharros's gaze seemed to be fixed on some point beyond the orc's body, his eyes burning with an intensity that made my skin crawl. I felt a growing sense of unease, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. What if Tharros was involved in something dark? What if he was being manipulated by some malevolent force?

Just as I was starting to think that I needed to intervene, Tharros's expression changed. His eyes lost their intensity, and a small, mischievous grin spread across his face. He looked up at me, his eyes sparkling with amusement, and said, "Father, I'm done!"

Pov Tharros

Father's expression changed from worry to amusement as he walked towards me. "Well, well, well," he said, eyeing the arrangement. "What do we have here?" He knelt down beside me, inspecting the pattern. "You've certainly been busy, haven't you?"

I nodded, feeling proud of myself. "I made it for you, Father," I said, looking up at him with a smile. Father's eyes softened, and he ruffled my hair.

"It's... quite something, Tharros," he said, trying to hide a chuckle. "I'm not sure what to make of it, but I appreciate the thought." He stood up, holding out his hand to me. "Shall we go find some food? I'm starving!"

Father question, "Can't you just eat that orc instead, and what were you doing with it?"

I looked up at Father, feeling a bit sheepish. "I wasn't going to eat it, Father," I said, shaking my head. "I was just... arranging it. Like the patterns I see in the forest." I looked down at the orc's body, feeling a bit defensive. "I thought it was pretty."

Father raised an eyebrow. "Pretty?" he repeated. "Tharros, that's an orc. A dead orc. Not exactly the most... aesthetic thing in the world." He chuckled. "And what's with the leaves and twigs? Were you trying to make it look nicer?"

Father, look at me. "I know there has to be something else you are not telling me! So tell me already!" I answered calmly

Father's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he searched for any sign of deception. "Tharros, I know you're a clever boy," he said, his voice low and even. "But I also know that you're not telling me everything. What's going on? What were you really doing with that orc's body?" He took a step closer to me, his eyes burning with intensity. "Tell me the truth, Tharros."

I took a deep breath, meeting Father's intense gaze. "I was just trying to make something beautiful," I said, my voice calm and steady. "I've seen the forest floor covered in intricate patterns, and I wanted to create something like that. I used the orc's body as the centerpiece because... well, it was just there." I looked up at Father, hoping he would understand. "I wasn't trying to send any messages or perform any rituals. I just wanted to make something pretty."

Father's expression softened, and he knelt down beside me. "I see," he said, his voice gentle. "You were just expressing your creativity. I'm sorry if I misunderstood." He put a hand on my shoulder, his eyes warm with understanding. "It's okay to make art, Tharros. Just maybe next time, use something other than an orc's body, okay?"

Father left and came back with a goblin, "EAT IT NOW!" He yelled and gave me death gleare

I took a step back, startled by Father's sudden outburst. The goblin he had brought looked equally frightened, its eyes wide with terror.

"Eat it?" I repeated, unsure of what Father was asking me to do. "But Father, I don't understand..." The goblin, seemingly sensing an opportunity, let out a harsh, guttural snarl and made a break for it, darting away with a swift, panicked scramble.

Father's expression turned even darker, his eyes blazing with anger. "You will eat it!" he growled, his voice low and menacing. "You will eat the goblin, and you will learn to obey me!"

Father forced the goblin through my throat

I tried to struggle, but Father's grip was too strong. He held me in place, his eyes blazing with a fierce intensity as he forced the goblin's body down my throat. I felt a wave of revulsion wash over me, my stomach churning in protest as the goblin's limp form slid down my esophagus.

As the goblin disappeared into my belly, Father released his grip, his chest heaving with exertion. He glared at me, his eyes still burning with anger. "You will learn to obey me," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "You will learn to do as I say, no matter what."

I stumbled back, gasping for air, my throat burning from the forced ingestion. I felt a wave of nausea wash over me, my stomach churning in protest. Father's words echoed in my mind, his anger and intensity making me feel small and vulnerable.

I looked up at Father, his eyes still blazing with anger. I felt a spark of fear ignite within me, but I tried to push it aside. I didn't want to show Father that I was scared. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart.

"Why?" I asked, my voice shaking slightly. "Why did you make me do that?" Father's expression didn't change, his eyes still burning with intensity.

"Because," he growled, "you need to learn to survive. You need to learn to do what it takes to stay alive. And if that means eating a goblin, then so be it."

I ran out to drink the water from the waterfall

I sprinted towards the waterfall, my throat still burning from the forced ingestion. I could feel the goblin's body churning in my stomach, making me feel nauseous. I needed to wash the taste out of my mouth and calm my stomach.

As I reached the waterfall, I cupped my hands and took a big gulp of the cool, clear water. The water cascaded down my throat, soothing the burning sensation. I took another gulp, and another, feeling the water calm my stomach.

I stood there for a moment, letting the water wash over me. I felt a sense of relief wash over me, as if the water was washing away not just the taste of the goblin, but also the fear and uncertainty that had been building up inside me.

As I stood there, I heard Father's voice behind me. "Tharros, come back here." His voice was firm, but not angry. I turned to face him, wondering what he wanted now.

I spread my wings and took to the sky, feeling the rush of wind beneath my wings as I soared away from the waterfall. I didn't look back, didn't dare to, fearing what I might see. I just kept flying, the wind whipping my face, my heart pounding in my chest.

I flew over the treetops, the forest floor a green blur beneath me. I felt free, felt alive, felt like I could fly forever. I didn't know where I was going, didn't care. I just knew I had to get away.

As I flew, the wind began to die down, and I found myself gliding on the currents of air. I looked around, taking in the breathtaking view. The forest stretched out before me, a sea of green that seemed to go on forever.

And then, I saw it. A dark shape looming in the distance. A mountain, its peak shrouded in mist. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I gazed at the mountain. Something about it called to me, drew me in. I began to fly towards it, feeling an inexplicable pull.

As I flew closer to the mountain, the mist surrounding its peak began to swirl and churn. I felt a strange energy emanating from the mountain, like it was alive and watching me. The air grew colder and the wind picked up, buffeting me with powerful gusts.

Despite the challenges, I pressed on, feeling an overwhelming urge to reach the mountain's peak. The mist grew thicker, reducing visibility to almost zero. I flew on instinct, my wings beating powerful and sure.

And I hide under it.

Pov Aetherius

I stood at the edge of the cavern, my eyes fixed on my son, Tharros, as he emerged from the mist. His wings beat powerful and sure, and his eyes shone with a fierce inner light. I could sense the turmoil within him, the conflicting emotions and desires that drove him.

As he flew closer, I reached out with my mind, touching his thoughts and feelings. I saw the pain and fear that had driven him to flee, and the deep-seated longing for freedom and self-discovery. I saw, too, the spark of destiny that burned within him, a spark that would one day ignite into a blaze of greatness.

My heart swelled with pride and love for my son. I had been hard on him, pushing him to his limits, but it was all for his own good. I wanted him to be strong, to be able to survive in a world filled with danger and uncertainty.

I beckoned to him, and he came to me, drawn by the power of our shared connection. As he approached, I reached out and touched his forehead, and suddenly we were one, our minds and spirits merged in a flood of understanding and awareness.

In that moment, I saw everything - his fears, his dreams, his desires. And I knew that I had to let him go, to give him the freedom to forge his own path.

I go towards Tharros

Pov Tharros

I trembled as the figure approached me, his eyes fixed intently on mine. It was Father. I had been hiding from him, afraid of his wrath and his demands. But now, he stood before me, his gaze piercing and unyielding.

As he reached out and touched my forehead, I felt a jolt of fear. But instead of pain or anger, I felt a flood of images and emotions. I saw Father's own fears and doubts, his desire to protect me and keep me safe. I saw the weight of his responsibilities, the burden of being a leader and a parent.

And I saw, too, the spark of destiny that Father had spoken of. I saw the potential for greatness that lay within me, the potential to forge my own path and make my own decisions. I felt a sense of trepidation mixed with wonder, a sense of possibility that I had never felt before.

I hid myself even further

I hid myself even further, trying to process the overwhelming emotions and images that flooded my mind. Father's gaze never wavered, his eyes burning with an inner intensity that made me feel like he could see right through me.

I felt a surge of fear mixed with guilt, knowing that I had disobeyed him and run away. But as I looked into his eyes, I saw something there that gave me pause. It was a glimmer of understanding, of acceptance.

"Tharros," Father said, his voice low and gentle. "I know you're scared. I know you don't understand. But I want you to know that I'm proud of you. You have a great destiny ahead of you, one that will require courage and strength."

Pov Aetherius

Tharros didn't listen and hid himself even further, and I felt a pang of guilt for scared him by forcing the goblin meat down his throat

I sighed inwardly, feeling a mix of frustration and concern. Tharros was still hiding from me, his fear and uncertainty palpable. I knew I had to tread carefully, to find a way to reach him and bring him back from the depths of his own mind.

I took a step back, giving Tharros some space, and tried to think of a way to connect with him. I remembered the bond we shared, the deep connection that existed between us as father and son. I reached out with my mind, trying to touch Tharros's thoughts and emotions.

"Tharros," I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I just want what's best for you."

I reached and grabbed him with my claws he struggled to get out

As I grasped Tharros with my claws, he let out a frightened cry and struggled to break free. I held him firm, trying to calm him down, but he was too scared and panicked. He flailed his wings and legs, trying to escape my grasp.

I tightened my hold, trying to reassure him that I meant no harm. "Tharros, stop! I'm not going to hurt you," I said, my voice firm but gentle. But Tharros was beyond reason, consumed by fear and adrenaline.

I try to calm him down. "Hush is OK. Don't be scared!"

Tharros's struggles slowly began to subside as he heard my soothing words. He looked up at me with wide, fearful eyes, but as he saw the concern and love in my gaze, his expression began to soften.

I stroked his head and neck with my claws, trying to calm him down further. "Shh, it's okay, son," I whispered. "I'm here. I won't hurt you. You're safe." Tharros's breathing slowed, and he gradually relaxed in my grasp, his eyes never leaving mine.

I sigh in relief if Thyriatrix sees him scared and upset she will beat the living hell out of me

I thought to myself, a shiver running down my spine at the prospect of facing Thyriatrix's wrath. She was notorious for her fierce protectiveness of Tharros, and I knew I'd be in for a world of trouble if she saw him like this.

I continued to try to calm Tharros down even more

I gently stroked Tharros's head and neck, speaking softly to reassure him. "It's okay, son. Everything is fine. You're safe now." I thought to myself, please calm down, Tharros. I don't want Thyriatrix to see you like this.

I did not stop calming him down until Thyriatrix won't be mad when she sees him like this

I continued to soothe Tharros, holding him close and whispering gentle words in his ear, until he finally relaxed in my grasp, his breathing slowed and his eyes calm. I thought to myself, good, he's calm now. Thyriatrix shouldn't be too angry when she sees him.

I grabbed Tharros using my jaw and flew home at the mountain cave

I soared through the skies, Tharros securely held in my jaws, as I made my way back to our mountain cave. I could feel Tharros's heart still racing slightly, but he was calm enough, and I was relieved to be returning home without incident. As I flew, I thought to myself, I hope Thyriatrix is in a good mood.

As I landed outside our mountain cave, I gently set Tharros down on the ground, making sure he was steady before releasing my grip. He looked up at me with a hint of wariness still in his eyes, but he seemed to be calming down further.

I nudged him gently with my snout, trying to reassure him. "Let's go inside, son. Your mother will be worried about us."

Tharros nodded slowly, and together we entered the cave. The warm glow of the fire pit and the familiar scent of our home enveloped us, and I could feel Tharros's tension ease a bit more.

As we made our way deeper into the cave, I called out, "Thyriatrix? We're back."

Thyriatrix's voice responded from the heart of the cave, "Aetherius? Is everything all right? You've been gone for a while."

I exchanged a glance with Tharros, hoping he wouldn't reveal the details of our encounter. "Everything's fine, my love. We just had a bit of a scare, but Tharros is safe now."

There was a pause, and then Thyriatrix's voice came again, "I'll come to you. Stay there."

I nodded to myself, knowing that Thyriatrix would want to see Tharros for herself and make sure he was unharmed. I looked down at Tharros, who was watching me with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

"It's okay, son," I whispered. "Your mother just wants to make sure you're safe."

Tharros nodded, and we both waited in silence for Thyriatrix to arrive.

Pov Tharros

But I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was in trouble, that Mother was going to be upset with me. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for her arrival.

I heard the sound of Mother's footsteps echoing through the cave, growing louder with each passing moment. My heart began to beat a bit faster, and I felt a flutter in my chest. I looked up at Father, who gave me a gentle nod of encouragement.

As Mother came into view, I saw that she was moving a bit more slowly than usual, her pregnancy evident in her slightly swollen belly. Her eyes, however, were fixed intently on me, filled with a warm, loving concern.

"Tharros, my little one," she said, her voice soft and soothing. "Are you all right? Your father said you had a scare."

I nodded, feeling a bit more at ease under her gentle gaze. "Y-yes, Mother," I stuttered. "I'm fine."

Mother's eyes narrowed slightly, as if she could sense that there was more to the story. But she didn't press the issue, instead moving closer to me and gently nuzzling my head with her own.

I smiled. "Just that Father forcing the goblin meat down to my throat! But I'm fine!" Mother looks shocked and looks at Father in anger

Mother's expression changed in an instant, her eyes flashing with anger as she turned to face Father. "Aetherius, what is the meaning of this?" she demanded, her voice low and menacing. "Forcing food down our child's throat? What were you thinking?"

Father took a step back, his eyes widening in surprise at Mother's outburst. "Thyriatrix, I was only trying to—"

But Mother cut him off, her anger boiling over. "You were only trying to what? Scar our child for life? Teach him to fear food? What kind of parenting is that?"

I felt a twinge of fear at Mother's anger, but at the same time, I felt a sense of relief that she was standing up for me. I didn't like it when Father forced me to eat something I didn't want to.

Father, step back and ran and flew off

I watched in surprise as Father suddenly turned and ran, his wings unfolding as he launched himself into the air. He flew out of the cave, leaving Mother and me staring after him in shock.

Mother's anger seemed to dissipate momentarily, replaced by a look of concern and confusion. She turned to me, her eyes searching mine. "Tharros, are you truly all right? Did your father's actions frighten you?"

I nodded slowly, still feeling a bit shaken by the sudden turn of events. "Y-yes, Mother. I'm fine, and yes , he scared me, and my throat feels like it is burning when he forces it down!"

Mother's expression turned grim, her eyes flashing with anger once more. She gently nudged me with her snout, as if to comfort me. "I'm so sorry, Tharros. No one should ever force you to do something that makes you uncomfortable. Your father will apologize for his actions, and it will never happen again."

She paused, collecting her thoughts before speaking again. "Come, Tharros. Let's get you something to drink to soothe your throat. And then we'll have a talk with your father when he returns."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I was grateful for Mother's understanding and protection. As we walked towards the cave's water source, I couldn't help but wonder what would happen when Father returned.

As we reached the water source, Mother gently guided me to drink from the cool, clear water. I swallowed several mouthfuls, feeling the liquid soothe my parched throat. Mother watched me with a caring gaze, her expression softening.

After I finished drinking, Mother led me to a comfortable spot near the cave entrance. We sat down together, and Mother wrapped a reassuring wing around me.

"We'll wait for your father to return," she said. "And then we'll have a talk about what happened. I promise you, Tharros, that your father will apologize and make sure it never happens again."

I nodded, feeling grateful for Mother's support. As we waited, I couldn't help but wonder what Father's apology would be like. Would he really understand how scared and uncomfortable I felt?

As the minutes passed, I heard the sound of wings fluttering outside the cave. Father had returned. Mother's expression turned stern once more, and she stood up, her wings unfolding.

"Stay here, Tharros," she said. "I'll go talk to your father."

I nodded, watching as Mother approached Father, who looked subdued and contrite. I could sense a storm brewing, and I wondered what the outcome would be.

Pov Aetherius

I step back again as she walks towards me

I spread my wings slightly, preparing to defend myself, not physically, but emotionally. I knew I was in trouble. Thyriatrix's eyes were blazing with anger, and her posture was stiff with indignation.

As she approached me, I could feel her wrath emanating from her like a palpable force. I took another step back, my heart racing with anticipation. I knew I had made a mistake, and now I had to face the consequences.

"Thyriatrix, my love," I began, trying to placate her. "I can explain—"

But she cut me off, her voice low and menacing. "Explain? You think you can explain away what you did to our child? Forcing him to eat something that terrified him?"

I swallowed hard, knowing I was in for a long and difficult conversation.

I frowned "dear I did apologize him don't worry!"

Thyriatrix's expression turned incredulous, her eyes widening in outrage. "You apologized?" she repeated, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, that makes everything better, doesn't it? You traumatize our child, and a simple apology fixes it?"

She took a step closer to me, her wings spread wide, and her tail twitching with agitation. "You don't understand, Aetherius. This isn't just about Tharros being scared. It's about trust. It's about feeling safe. And you broke that trust."

Her words cut deep, and I felt a pang of regret and guilt. I realized that I had underestimated the severity of my actions, and that Thyriatrix was right to be angry.

I shouted, "I'M SO SORRY!"

Thyriatrix's expression faltered, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of surprise and sadness in her eyes. She took a step back, her wings folding against her back, and her voice dropped to a whisper.

"Aetherius, I don't want to hear just words. I want to see action. I want to see you prove to Tharros and to me that you're committed to being a better parent, to listening and understanding our child's needs."

She paused, her chest heaving with emotion. "Because right now, I'm not sure if I can trust you to take care of our child."

Her words cut deep, and I felt a wave of shame and regret wash over me. I knew I had to do something to regain Thyriatrix's trust and prove myself as a worthy parent.

I felt a stinging sensation in my eyes as I fought back tears. Thyriatrix's words had struck a chord deep within me, and I knew I had to make things right. I took a deep breath, letting my shoulders sag in defeat.

"I understand," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I'll do whatever it takes to regain your trust, to prove myself as a worthy parent. I'll listen to Tharros, I'll understand his needs, and I'll be there for him whenever he needs me."

I paused, collecting my thoughts before continuing. "I know I've made mistakes, Thyriatrix. But I promise you, I'll do better. I'll be better. For Tharros, for you, and for our entire family."

I looked up at Thyriatrix, my eyes pleading for forgiveness. "Please, my love. Give me another chance. I won't let you down again."

Thyriatrix took a deep breath and nodded "fine just because Tharros won't sleep earlier because without your company!"

I felt a wave of relief wash over me as Thyriatrix nodded, her expression softening slightly. I knew I still had a long way to go to regain her trust, but this was a start.

"Thank you, Thyriatrix," I said, my voice filled with gratitude. "I promise I won't let you down again. I'll make sure to spend quality time with Tharros and be there for him whenever he needs me."

I looked at Thyriatrix, my eyes locking onto hers. "And I'll start by being there for Tharros's bedtime tonight. I'll make sure he feels safe and loved."

Thyriatrix nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "See that you do, Aetherius. Our child's well-being is paramount."

Pov Tharros

I watched from a distance as Mother and Father talked, their voices hushed but their body language speaking volumes. I could sense the tension between them, and I knew it was because of what happened earlier.

But as I listened to their conversation, I began to feel a sense of relief wash over me. Father was apologizing, and Mother was giving him another chance. I saw the look of determination on Father's face, and I knew he was genuinely sorry.

As they finished talking, Mother turned to me and smiled. "Tharros, why don't you go get ready for sleep? Your father will be joining you tonight."

I nodded, feeling a sense of excitement and comfort. I loved it when Father spent time with me at night. It made me feel safe and loved.

I smiled at Father, and he smiled back, his eyes warm with affection. "I'll be right there, son," he said. "Let's have a good night's sleep."

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