I slowly came to, my scales feeling cold and clammy. Father's warm breath still caressed my scales, but his eyes seemed distant, his gaze fixed on something beyond me.
I looked up at him, my own eyes wide with fear. "F-Father?" I stuttered.
He blinked, his gaze refocusing on me. "Tharros, my little one," he whispered, his voice low and soothing. "It's not time yet. The Shadow Wings are just...restless."
I nodded, trying to understand. But the memory of those dark, twisted claws pushing against Father's scales lingered, making my heart racing with fear.
Father's scales seemed to ripple and distort again, but only slightly. The Shadow Wings were still contained, but their presence felt like a ticking time bomb, waiting to unleash havoc.
I snuggled deeper into Father's scales, seeking comfort. But my eyes remained wide with fear, my senses on high alert, waiting for the inevitable.
It wasn't time yet, but I knew it was coming. And when it did, our world would never be the same again.
The next day, I woke up on Father Belly as he lay down on his side, and I was under his wings like always.
There are still many weeks remaining.
As I stretched my small body, I felt the warmth of Father's belly scales beneath me. His wings, usually so strong and protective, now seemed like a fragile barrier against the horrors that lurked within him.
I looked up at Father's face, his eyes closed in a peaceful slumber. His chest rose and fell with each slow breath, and I felt a sense of comfort in the familiar rhythm.
But even as I basked in the warmth and security of Father's presence, I couldn't shake the memory of the Shadow Wings' restless movements. They were still contained, but I knew it was only a matter of time before they emerged.
Weeks still remained, but the waiting was agonizing. I could feel the weight of those looming days, each one ticking away like a countdown to a terrible fate.
I snuggled deeper under Father's wing, trying to push away the dark thoughts. But they lingered, haunting me like a shadow.
As I settled deeper under Father's wing, I listened to the sound of his breathing, trying to let the familiar rhythm lull me into a sense of calm. But my mind kept wandering back to the Shadow Wings, imagining the horrors they would unleash when they finally emerged.
Father's peaceful slumber seemed almost surreal, given the terror that lurked within him. I couldn't help but wonder how he could sleep so soundly, knowing what was to come.
As I pondered this, Father's wings shifted slightly, adjusting their position around me. I felt a surge of gratitude towards him, knowing that even in his sleep, he was still protecting me, still keeping me safe.
But for how much longer?
I gently tap his belly, and something is happening.
As I tapped Father's belly, I felt a slight movement beneath his scales. It was a subtle shifting, almost imperceptible, but it sent a shiver down my spine.
The Shadow Wings.
They were stirring again, responding to my touch. I could sense their presence, like a dark, malevolent force lurking just beneath the surface.
Father's eyes flickered open, and he gazed down at me with a mixture of concern and warning. His voice was low and cautious, "Tharros, be careful..."
My ears folded back in an apology.
Father's expression softened, and he gently nudged me with his snout. "It's okay, little one," he whispered. "I know you didn't mean to disturb them."
His wings tightened slightly around me, a reassuring gesture that seemed to say, "You're safe, Tharros. I've got you."
But even as I felt comforted by Father's words and actions, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had just awakened something that was better left sleeping. The Shadow Wings' stirring had left me with a sense of unease, a feeling that their emergence was drawing ever closer.
Father, grab me out of his wing and belly and place me down gently on the stone ground.
Father's wings unfolded, and he carefully lifted me out from beneath them. I felt a slight jolt as he moved me away from the warmth of his belly, and then he gently set me down on the cool, stone ground.
I looked up at Father, taking in the sight of his towering form looming above me. His eyes seemed to hold a deep sadness, and I sensed a growing unease within him.
As I stood there, I felt the stone ground beneath my feet, a reminder of the harsh, unforgiving world that lay beyond the safety of Father's wings.
I question, "Does the Shadow wings inside you be 100% Shadow Wings?"
Father seems haste and said "well the Shadow wings can inherent 14-36% of the host generic and DNA!"
I look at Father in surprise "wait so are they like my siblings or something?"
Father answered, "Well, something like that!"
I stared at Father, my mind reeling with the implications. "So, the Shadow Wings... they're not just monsters, they're... they're related to me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Father's expression turned grave, and he nodded slowly. "In a sense, yes. They carry a part of me, and through me, a part of you."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as I thought about the Shadow Wings, their twisted forms, and their dark, malevolent presence. They were no longer just terrifying creatures; they were now tied to me, to my family, and to our very bloodline.
The thought sent a wave of nausea washing over me, and I stumbled backward, my eyes fixed on Father's somber face. "What does it mean?" I whispered, my voice trembling with fear.
Father's eyes filled with a deep sorrow, and he took a step closer to me. "It means, Tharros, that the Shadow Wings are not just monsters to be feared, but also a part of our family's legacy. A dark, twisted legacy that we cannot escape."
He paused, his voice heavy with emotion. "But it also means that there may be a way to...connect with them, to understand them. Perhaps, one day, you can find a way to redeem them, to bring light to their darkness."
I shook my head, trying to process Father's words. Redeem the Shadow Wings? Could such a thing be possible? Or was it just a desperate hope, a fleeting dream?
As I stood there, frozen in uncertainty, Father's wings unfolded, casting a long, ominous shadow on the ground. His eyes seemed to bore into mine, filled with a deep, unspoken message.
Father sighed "look many have tried and mostly failed, and the only way to get them out is to burst out!" Father paused
My ears folded back in concern and sadness. "Oh no, I forgot that you can't handle that! Look, I know it may be a" Father paused by seeing that it was too late to calm me down.
I took a step back, my eyes wide with fear. "Burst out?" I repeated, my voice trembling. "You mean, they'll just...explode out of you?"
Father's expression turned grim, and he nodded slowly. "I'm afraid so, Tharros. It's the only way they can emerge."
I felt a wave of horror wash over me, and my ears folded back in distress. I couldn't bear the thought of Father's body being torn apart by the Shadow Wings. It was too much to handle.
I turned away, trying to process the terrifying reality. But my mind was racing, filled with images of Father's suffering and the Shadow Wings' brutal emergence. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was powerless to stop it, that I could only watch in horror as the inevitable unfolded.
I stumbled backward, my eyes welling up with tears. "No, no, no..." I whispered, my voice cracking with despair. "There has to be another way. Please, Father, tell me there's another way."
Father's wings unfolded, and he took a step closer to me, his eyes filled with a deep sadness. "I'm sorry, Tharros. I wish there was another way, but...but this is the only way they can emerge."
I shook my head, refusing to accept the truth. "But what about you? What about your body? It'll...it'll be torn apart!" I sobbed, the thought of Father's suffering too much to bear.
Father's expression turned grim, and he nodded slowly. "I know, Tharros. But I'm willing to endure it, for the sake of our family, for the sake of our future."
I felt a wave of anguish wash over me, and I collapsed to the ground, overcome with grief. Father's words echoed in my mind, a haunting reminder of the terrible fate that awaited him.
As I lay on the ground, my body shook with sobs, and my scales felt cold and clammy. Father's words had left me feeling helpless and desperate.
Father's wings folded around me, enveloping me in their warmth. He gently lifted me off the ground, cradling me in his claws. "Tharros, my child, I'm sorry you have to go through this," he whispered, his voice filled with sorrow.
I buried my face in Father's scales, feeling the warmth and comfort of his presence. But even as I clung to him, I knew that I couldn't stay hidden forever. The Shadow Wings would emerge, and Father's fate would be sealed.
As I looked up at Father, I saw the deep sadness in his eyes, and I knew that I had to be strong for him. I took a deep breath, wiping away my tears, and looked up at Father with a determined gaze. "I'll be okay, Father," I whispered, trying to sound braver than I felt. "I'll be here for you, no matter what happens."
As the days passed, I could feel the Shadow Wings growing, their presence becoming more pronounced within Father's body. At first, it was just a slight ripple beneath his scales, but soon the movement became more pronounced.
One day, as I looked at Father, I saw a faint, dark outline visible beneath his scales. The Shadow Wings were growing, and they were becoming more visible.
I felt a shiver run down my spine as I gazed at the dark shape. It was as if the Shadow Wings were slowly emerging, even before they were ready to burst out.
Father's eyes met mine, and I saw a deep sadness and concern reflected in them. He knew that the Shadow Wings' growth was a sign that they were getting stronger, but it wasn't time yet.
I took a step closer to Father, my heart pounding in my chest. "Father, what's happening?" I whispered, my voice trembling with fear.
Father's wings unfolded, and he wrapped them around me, holding me close. "The Shadow Wings are growing, Tharros," he whispered, his voice reassuring. "But it's not time yet. We still have a little while longer."
Pov Aetherius
I stood there, watching my child, Tharros, as they struggled to come to terms with the impending emergence of the Shadow Wings. My heart ached with sorrow, knowing what was to come.
As a secret keeper of the ancient spellbook, Lux Aeterna, I knew that I held the key to potentially saving myself from the brutal fate that awaited me. But the risk was great, and the consequences of failure could be catastrophic.
I glanced around, ensuring that no one was watching, and then I focused my thoughts inward, reaching deep within myself to touch the familiar threads of Lux Aeterna's power.
It was a fragile, flickering flame, but it was there, waiting for me to fan it into a blaze. I knew that I had to be careful, that I had to time it just right, or risk unleashing a disaster.
But for the sake of my children, for the sake of Tharros, I was willing to take that risk. I would do whatever it took to protect them, to keep them safe from the darkness that threatened to consume us all.
I turned around on my back, and the Shadow Wings inside of me began to kick and squirm, and I decided to let them do it.
As I lay on my back, I could feel the Shadow Wings churning and twisting inside me, their dark energy coursing through my veins like liquid fire. I closed my eyes, focusing on the sensation, and allowed myself to relax, to let the Shadow Wings have their way.
For a moment, I felt a sense of release, of surrender, as the Shadow Wings' power surged through me. It was a strange, exhilarating feeling, like riding a wild storm.
But as the moments passed, I began to feel a creeping sense of dread. The Shadow Wings' movements were growing more agitated, more violent, and I could feel my body beginning to shift, to contort, in ways that seemed impossible.
I knew that I had to be careful, that I had to maintain control, or risk unleashing the Shadow Wings' full fury upon the world. But for now, I just lay there, feeling the darkness churn and boil within me, and wondered what the future held.
The Shadow Wings began to grow in front of my eyes.
As I watched in a mix of horror and fascination, the Shadow Wings began to take shape, their dark, ethereal forms coalescing into twisted, nightmarish silhouettes. They grew larger, their edges churning and rippling like living smoke.
The air around me seemed to grow colder, the shadows deepening and twisting into grotesque, living things. I could feel the Shadow Wings' power coursing through me, a dark, electric energy that seemed to be building towards a catastrophic climax.
I tried to speak, to cry out, but my voice was frozen in my throat. I was paralyzed with fear, unable to move or look away as the Shadow Wings continued to grow, their twisted forms filling the air with an unspeakable, eldritch horror.
And the Shadow wings stop growing.
The Shadow Wings halted their growth, their twisted forms hovering in the air like dark, spectral sentinels. The air was heavy with anticipation, as if the very fabric of reality was holding its breath, waiting to see what would happen next.
I lay there, frozen in a mixture of fear and fascination, my eyes fixed on the Shadow Wings' motionless forms. The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the sound of my own ragged breathing.
And then, without warning, the Shadow Wings vanished, dissipating into nothingness like wisps of smoke on the wind. The air seemed to relax, the tension dissipating as suddenly as it had appeared.
I was left lying there, feeling drained and shaken, wondering what had just happened. Had the Shadow Wings been stopped, or had they simply been delayed? I knew that I had to find a way to control them, to prevent them from unleashing their full fury upon the world. But for now, I just lay there, trying to catch my breath, and wondering what the future held.
I look at Tharros, who is also in horror "so son what do you think?" I said with a nervous smile.
Tharros's eyes were wide with fear, and his scales seemed to pale as he stared at me. He took a step back, his voice shaking. "F-Father...what just happened?" he stuttered.
I could see the horror and confusion etched on his face, and I knew that I had to reassure him, to calm him down. But as I looked at him, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. What would happen when the Shadow Wings finally emerged? Would I be able to protect Tharros and our family?
I forced a smile, trying to appear calmer than I felt. "It's okay, son. I'm fine. It's just...the Shadow Wings. They're getting stronger." I paused, choosing my words carefully. "But I'm working on a way to control them. To keep them from hurting us."
Tharros's eyes narrowed, his gaze searching. "What way, Father?" he asked, his voice still shaking, but with a hint of determination.
I smiled. "Just wait and see, but not now!"
Tharros's eyes sparkled with curiosity, but he nodded obediently. "Okay, Father. I'll wait." He paused, looking at me with a serious expression. "But promise me you'll be careful. I don't want anything to happen to you."
I felt a warmth in my heart at Tharros's concern. I reached out and gently ruffled his scales, trying to reassure him. "I promise, son. I'll be careful. I'll do everything I can to keep us all safe."
Tharros nodded, seeming to accept my promise. But I could see the worry still lurking in his eyes, and I knew that I had to find a way to stop the Shadow Wings before it was too late.
The Shadow Wings, their claws from beneath my belly, and make is stretching up and down gently.
I winced, feeling a surge of discomfort as the Shadow Wings' claws gently stretched up and down beneath my belly. It was a strange, unsettling sensation, like my body was being manipulated from the inside out.
The Shadow Wings' claws seemed to be probing, testing the limits of my body, and I could feel my scales flexing, shifting to accommodate their gentle stretching. It was a slow, deliberate movement, and I knew that the Shadow Wings were simply preparing themselves, getting ready for their eventual emergence.
I took a deep breath, trying to relax, to let the Shadow Wings do their thing. But it was hard to shake off the feeling of unease, the sense that I was losing control, that the Shadow Wings were slowly taking over.
I turned around and got up and went outside and flew to eat something while the Shadow wings moved around.
I soared through the sky, feeling the wind rushing past me as I flew in search of food. The Shadow Wings' gentle movements within me were a constant reminder of their presence, but I tried to focus on the hunt, on finding something to satisfy my hunger.
As I flew, I could feel the Shadow Wings shifting, adjusting their position within me. It was a strange, unsettling sensation, but I was determined to ignore it, to pretend that everything was normal.
I spotted a school of fish swimming in the distance and dove down, my claws extended. I snatched up a few fish and swallowed them whole, feeling a sense of satisfaction as my hunger was sated.
But even as I ate, I couldn't shake off the feeling that the Shadow Wings were watching me, waiting for their moment to emerge. I glanced around, feeling a sense of paranoia, but there was nothing out of the ordinary in sight.
I finished my meal and flew back home, wondering what the rest of the day would bring. Would the Shadow Wings continue to grow in power, or would they remain dormant for a while longer? Only time would tell.
I look around and see a massive behemoth about 12% bigger than me.
I thought to myself 'yep I should kill that and eat it for myself'
I gazed at the massive behemoth, my eyes fixed on its enormous size. It was a gargantuan creature, easily 12% larger than me. My stomach growled at the prospect of devouring such a massive prey.
I began to circle around the behemoth, sizing it up, looking for any weaknesses or vulnerabilities. My claws extended, and my wings spread wide, ready to strike.
The Shadow Wings within me stirred, sensing my hunger and my intent to kill. They seemed to be urging me on, their dark energy coursing through my veins like liquid fire.
I took a deep breath, focusing my mind and my body. I was a skilled hunter, and I knew that I could take down this behemoth. With a fierce cry, I launched myself at the creature, my claws flashing in the sunlight.
And I shot an ice bullet and killed it.
With a swift and precise motion, I fired an ice bullet from my claws, striking the behemoth with deadly accuracy. The creature let out a deafening roar as the ice bullet pierced its scales, freezing its internal organs and killing it instantly.
The behemoth's massive body crashed to the ground, sending shockwaves through the earth. I landed next to it, my chest heaving with exertion, and began to feast on the fresh kill.
The Shadow Wings within me stirred, seemingly pleased with the successful hunt. I could feel their dark energy coursing through my veins, strengthening me and fueling my hunger.
As I ate, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. I was a powerful hunter, and I had provided for myself and my family. But deep down, I knew that the Shadow Wings' influence was growing stronger, and I wondered what other consequences my actions might have.
As I finished eating, I lay on a tree trunk and grunted in pain by the stomach ached.
I lay on the tree trunk, my belly full from the behemoth's meat, but instead of feeling satisfied, I was hit with a wave of stomach pain. I grunted, my scales rippling with discomfort, as a sharp cramp seized my abdomen.
The Shadow Wings within me stirred, their dark energy churning with agitation. I could feel them responding to my pain, their power surging through my veins like a dark, turbulent tide.
I writhed on the tree trunk, my claws digging into the bark as I tried to ride out the wave of agony. The pain was intense, like nothing I had ever felt before. I knew that it was connected to the Shadow Wings, but I didn't know what was causing it or how to make it stop.
I growled, "for the love of God, please stop!" And with that they kick.
As I growled in desperation, the Shadow Wings within me suddenly kicked with incredible force, sending a shockwave through my body. I arched my back, my scales rattling with the intensity of the movement.
The pain was explosive, a searing agony that threatened to consume me whole. I felt my body begin to contort, my limbs twisting in ways that seemed impossible.
The Shadow Wings' power surged through me, a dark and ancient energy that seemed to be tearing me apart from the inside out. I was a vessel, a mere container for their malevolent force, and I knew that I was on the brink of losing control completely.
I placed my claws on my belly and rubbed it gently.
As I gently rubbed my belly with my claws, I could feel the Shadow Wings' agitation begin to subside. The pain slowly started to recede, replaced by a dull ache that was still uncomfortable, but manageable.
I continued to rub my belly, trying to soothe the Shadow Wings and calm their restless energy. It was a strange, almost intimate gesture, but it seemed to be working.
As I rubbed, I could feel the Shadow Wings' power begin to settle, their dark energy slowly untangling itself from my own. It was a fragile, tentative calm, but it was better than the agony that had come before.
As the calm deepened, I slowly stood up, my claws still gently rubbing my belly. I took a deep breath, feeling the Shadow Wings' power simmering beneath the surface, but no longer threatening to consume me.
I looked around, taking in the familiar sights and sounds of the forest. The trees swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling softly. A bird sang a sweet melody in the distance. It was a peaceful scene, one that I had grown to appreciate over the years.
But as I stood there, basking in the tranquility of the moment, I knew that it was fleeting. The Shadow Wings would stir again, their power growing stronger with each passing day. And I would have to be ready.
I took one last look around, then spread my wings and took to the sky. I soared above the treetops, feeling the wind rushing past me. I was a dragon, a creature of power and strength. And I would not let the Shadow Wings consume me.
I flew back to my nest, my heart still heavy with the knowledge of what was to come. But for now, I had found a fragile peace. And I would hold onto it, no matter what.