Cherreads

Chapter 127 - I'm not Father!

I played with my siblings in the spacious caverns of our mountain cave home, my wolf-fox like ears perked up with excitement. Lyriath and Vyraxys chased me, their laughter and shouts echoing off the stone walls. I darted between stalactites, my silver scales glinting in the soft torchlight.

As we played, I noticed Kaidorix and Kieraxys watching from a rocky outcropping, their eyes wide with wonder. Niamon giggled on the cave floor, playing with a ball. Nyxoria and Lyrixa joined in, and soon we were all laughing and having a great time.

In the midst of the chaos, I felt carefree, enjoying the simple joys of siblinghood. My ears twitched, picking up on Kieraxys's squeals of delight as he tried to catch a stray spark of firelight.

The cave resonated with our joy and laughter, a moment I'd treasure.

As the playtime continued, Mother and Father watched from a distance, smiling at the sight of their children laughing and playing together. Mother's light green scales shone softly in the torchlight, and Father's albino scales glistened with a warm glow.

Lyriath suddenly tackled me, and we both tumbled to the cave floor, laughing. Vyraxys joined in, and soon we were all tangled together, our scales glinting in the flickering light.

Kieraxys squealed with delight, trying to tickle us, while Niamon giggled uncontrollably, her lavender scales shining. Nyxoria and Lyrixa played a game of hide-and-seek among the stalactites, their amethyst and rose gold scales sparkling.

In this moment, surrounded by my loving family, I felt grateful for the joy and love that filled our mountain cave home.

Suddenly we heard Father said "i will go out to eat something! And Thyriatrix yes i know i will get overeating again! But can you blame me?"

The familiar phrase brought a chorus of laughter from my siblings and me. Mother just shook her head, smiling. "I'll prepare some soothing herbs for when you get back, dear. Try to pace yourself, okay?" Father chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "I'll try, my love. But no promises!"

With that, he spread his majestic wings and took to the skies, soaring out of the mountain cave. We watched as his albino scales glistened in the sunlight before he vanished into the distance.

We settled into a game of hide-and-seek among the rocky formations, our laughter echoing off the cave walls. I wondered what culinary adventure Father would embark on this time. Would he return with tales of exotic prey or unexpected discoveries? Only time would tell.

As we played, the soft torchlight danced across our scales, highlighting the unique colors of each sibling. My silver scales shone, while Lyriath's dark, blood-red, and navy-blue scales seemed to absorb the light. The others displayed their vibrant hues, a kaleidoscope of colors in the cave.

Mother's voice carried a mix of amusement and concern as she gazed at us. "I'll follow him, you little ones stay here!" She smiled, knowing Father's tendencies all too well.

With a gentle flutter of her wings, she took to the skies, soaring out of the cave to discreetly keep an eye on Father. We watched her go, then returned to our game, our laughter and shouts echoing through the caverns once more.

I look at my siblings "so what will we do?"

Lyriath giggled "i don't know! What can you hear from your wolf-fox like ears?"

I perked up my wolf-fox like ears, focusing on the sounds around us. "I can hear the distant rush of a waterfall, and some small creatures scurrying through the rocks outside the cave. It sounds like... Kieraxys is trying to sneak up on Niamon."

Lyriath grinned mischievously. "Let's go see if Kieraxys succeeds!" We all laughed and continued our playful antics, enjoying the carefree afternoon in the mountain cave.

We crept quietly towards Niamon, trying not to alert Kieraxys that we were watching. Kieraxys was getting closer and closer, his eyes fixed intently on Niamon. Niamon was completely absorbed in playing with a small rock, oblivious to the impending sneak attack.

Just as Kieraxys was about to pounce, Niamon suddenly turned around, a big smile on her face. "Gotcha!" she exclaimed, tackling Kieraxys to the ground. We all burst out laughing at the sight of Kieraxys's surprised face.

Lyriath chuckled. "I think Niamon has the upper hand in this game." I grinned, my wolf-fox like ears twitching with amusement. "Definitely."

Kieraxys question "where is Father?" I answered "he go off to overeat himself again and Mother followed him to keep her eye on him!"

We all laughed at the familiar scenario. Lyriath chuckled. "Father's going to need a nap after that feast, I'm sure." Niamon giggled. "And Mother will be making sure he doesn't eat too much."

Kieraxys nodded, seeming to accept the explanation. "I'm glad Mother looks out for him." I smiled, feeling grateful for our family's loving dynamics. "Yeah, she always makes sure Father doesn't get into too much trouble."

Just then, we heard a distant rumbling sound, followed by Father's voice echoing through the cave entrance. "I'm back, my loves! And I've brought some... interesting finds!"

I sighed "even if Mother keep on eye on him he somehow get himself overeating!"

Lyriath chuckled. "It's like Father has a sixth sense for finding the biggest and most abundant food sources." Niamon giggled. "And a stomach that's bottomless!"

We all laughed, knowing that Father's love for food was a never-ending source of amusement for us. Mother's voice echoed from outside the cave, "Aetherius, slow down! You're going to burst!" Father's laughter followed, and we could imagine him grinning sheepishly.

Kieraxys question "Tharros do you hear Mother and father nearby with your wolf-fox like ears?"

I nodded "yes they just came back let go to them and see!" They all nodded and we head back.

We all made our way towards the cave entrance, eager to see what Father had brought back this time. As we approached, Mother's voice grew louder, gently scolding Father about his eating habits. Father's laughter and playful responses filled the air.

When we reached the entrance, we saw Father surrounded by various creatures, some of which looked like they'd been freshly caught. Mother stood nearby, shaking her head good-naturedly. "Aetherius, you're going to need to share some of this with the others."

Father grinned, his albino scales glistening. "Of course, my love! There's enough to go around." He began to distribute the food, and we all gathered around, excited to see what he'd brought back.

I question Mother "what did he eat this time and how many it was?"

Mother sighed, a mix of amusement and exasperation on her face. "Let's just say your father found a particularly abundant berry patch and...indulged. I'm not sure how many berries he ate, but I'd say it was enough to last us all for a while."

She shook her head, smiling. "He's already showing signs of being overly full, but he'll be fine after a nice nap." We all chuckled, familiar with Father's love for food and its consequences.

Father smiled. "i ate like over 100 goblin and 6 golem!"

We all stared at Father in shock, our jaws dropped. "Over 100 goblins and 6 golems?!" Lyriath exclaimed. "Father, how did you even...?"

Mother facepalmed. "Aetherius, you're going to need a serious nap after that. And maybe a digestive aid or two."

Father chuckled, looking pleased with himself. "It was a feast fit for a king...or in this case, a hungry dragon father."

Mother grabbed Father tail using her mouth and dragged him and Father wailing in pain.

"Ow, ow, ow! My belly! Too much food, my love!" Father yelped, clutching his stomach. Mother dragged him away, her grip firm but gentle on his tail.

As they disappeared into the depths of the cave, we siblings looked at each other and burst out laughing. "Guess Father's getting a taste of Mother's discipline again," Lyriath chuckled.

I grinned, shaking my head. "Father's eating habits never cease to amaze."

Mother let go of his tail and walked towards us. "I will go and get some herbs you 4 stay and keep watch on him! He is still able to get up!"

We nodded, watching as Mother headed out to gather the herbs. "Don't let him sneak off for another snack," Lyriath said with a chuckle.

I smiled. "We'll keep an eye on him. He's probably just going to lie there and groan for a while."

We settled in to keep watch, listening to Father's occasional grumbles and groans from the depths of the cave.

I smiled. "So what did it feel to get Mother dragged your tail, Father?"

Father's face contorted in a mix of pain and embarrassment. "Ow, my belly is killing me...and my tail still hurts from being dragged." He rubbed his stomach and his tail, wincing. "I think I'll be behaving myself for a while...or at least, I'll try to." He looked up at us with a sheepish grin. "Your mother's got a strong grip, I'll give her that."

Father slowly got up and sighed "Ok that better, I think."

Father took a few tentative steps, his face still scrunched up in discomfort. "Yeah, that's much better. I think I learned my lesson...for now, at least." He glanced at us, a mischievous glint in his eye, and we all laughed, knowing that Father's love for food would likely lead to more adventures in the future.

Just then, Mother returned with a bundle of herbs. "Ah, Aetherius, I'm glad you're up. Let's get these herbs applied to help with the discomfort." She began to carefully apply the herbs to Father's stomach.

Father winced slightly at the cool sensation, but seemed to relax as the herbs started to take effect. "Ah, thank you, my love. You're always taking care of me."

Mother smiled, her eyes warm with affection. "Someone has to keep you in line, dear." We all chuckled, knowing that Mother's gentle scolding was just a cover for her love and concern for Father's well-being.

As the herbs took effect, Father's discomfort began to fade, replaced by a look of relief. "You know, my love, I think I'll be more mindful of my eating habits from now on," he said, his voice filled with determination.

Mother smiled wryly, seeming to know better. "We'll see how long that lasts." We all chuckled, knowing Father's love for food was unlikely to change overnight.

Lyriath chimed in, "I'll start a betting pool on how many days it takes for Father to overeat again!" We all burst out laughing, and Father playfully rolled his eyes. "Hey, I'm serious this time! But just in case, make sure to stock up on those herbs, my love." Mother just laughed and shook her head.

I smiled at Father, my wolf-fox like ears twitched a bit "Well that means you didn't learn your lesson enough."

Father chuckled and ruffled my hair, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Apparently not, kiddo. Guess I'll just have to learn it the hard way...again." He grinned, and I couldn't help but laugh along with him, knowing that Father's antics would never truly end.

I laughed "yeah and even it will take many, many decades you will still overeat yourself"

Father's face lit up with a mix of amusement and mock offense. "Hey, watch it, kiddo! I'm not that predictable... am I?" He looked at Mother, who just chuckled and shook her head.

Lyriath chimed in, "We've got a family record to beat, Father! You're currently at 457 episodes of overeating-induced discomfort." We all burst out laughing at Father's expense, and he good-naturedly joined in.

I look outside and look at Father. "I will go outside for a while!"

Father nodded "Ok but it is now almost nighttime, so don't get too far!"

I nodded, already heading towards the entrance of the cave. "Don't worry, Father! I'll be back soon. I just want to catch a glimpse of the sunset." I slipped out into the fading light, feeling the cool breeze on my fur as I gazed out at the breathtaking view.

The sky was painted with hues of orange and pink, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over me. I took a deep breath, feeling the fresh air fill my lungs, and let out a contented sigh.

As i landed i look around saw a rabbit just eating grass and my stomach growled.

I thought to myself 'ok I'm not Father that love to overeating self but it just 1 lonely rabbit it not like a big behemoth that Father often eat'

I crouched low to the ground, my eyes fixed on the unsuspecting rabbit. My stomach growled again, and I couldn't help but think about how good a fresh meal would taste. I took a step forward, my muscles tensed, ready to pounce.

But then I hesitated, remembering Father's words of caution and Mother's gentle reminders to be mindful of my actions. I looked at the rabbit again, and it seemed to sense my presence, twitching its ears and looking around nervously.

I took a deep breath and decided to spare the rabbit. "Maybe I'll just go find some berries instead," I thought to myself, turning away from the rabbit and continuing my walk.

But the rabbit is the closest one that i can eat so i decided to eat it.

I swiftly pounced on the rabbit, my instincts taking over. In a swift motion, I caught the rabbit and ended its life. I then began to eat it, savoring the fresh flavor and texture of the meat. The hunger that had been gnawing at me was finally satiated, and I felt a sense of satisfaction wash over me.

As I ate, I thought about Father and his overeating habits. While I had initially hesitated, my hunger had won out, and I had given in to my instincts. Maybe I wasn't so different from Father after all.

I look at myself and i am a 10-meter tall hatchlings so is that 1 rabbit is enough.

I looked down at the rabbit in my hands, and it seemed tiny compared to my massive 10-meter tall frame. I chuckled to myself, thinking that one rabbit wouldn't even be a snack for someone of my size. I devoured the rabbit in a few bites, but my hunger still lingered.

I looked around, wondering what else I could eat to satisfy my growling stomach. My eyes scanned the landscape, and I spotted a nearby herd of deer grazing in the distance. My stomach rumbled in anticipation, and I smiled, thinking that a few deer might just do the trick.

I noticed a few rabbit so i killed it with my claws and swallowed a few rabbits and I eat the rabbit by chewing them.

With a swift swipe of my massive claws, I caught and killed a few more rabbits. I then popped them into my mouth, chewing them thoroughly before swallowing. The rabbits' tender flesh and fur were easily torn apart by my sharp teeth.

As I ate, I felt a sense of satisfaction, my hunger slowly being satiated. The rabbits were a decent snack, but I knew I'd need more substantial food to fill my massive belly. I looked around, wondering what other prey I could find to satisfy my appetite.

I burp a little and decided to get drinks some water in a nearby lakes.

I lumbered towards the nearby lake, my massive feet thundering on the ground. As I reached the water's edge, I bent down, cupping my hands to scoop up the cool, clear water. I took a refreshing drink, feeling the water quench my thirst.

After drinking my fill, I let out a satisfied belch, the sound echoing across the lake. I smiled to myself, feeling a bit more refreshed and rejuvenated. With my hunger and thirst temporarily sated, I stood up, looking out at the surrounding landscape, wondering what to do next.

I perked my wolf-fox like ears a bit to hear something nearby.

I tilted my head slightly, my wolf-fox like ears perked up and twitching as I listened intently. At first, I heard only the distant calls of birds and the rustling of leaves in the wind. But then, I picked up a faint rustling sound coming from a nearby thicket.

My ears swiveled towards the noise, and I crouched low to the ground, my senses on high alert. What could be making that noise? I wondered, my curiosity piqued. I crept closer to the thicket, my eyes scanning the underbrush for any sign of movement.

As I drew closer, the rustling sound grew louder, and I could tell that whatever was making it was moving around, possibly trying to get away. My tail twitched with excitement, and I slowed my approach, not wanting to startle whatever it was into fleeing.

Suddenly, a small, furry creature darted out from the thicket, and I pounced, my reflexes quick. But just as I was about to catch it, the creature dodged to the side, and I found myself face to face with a tiny, fierce-looking creature with big, round eyes.

It stood its ground, baring its teeth, and I couldn't help but chuckle at its bravery. "You're quite the little fighter, aren't you?" I said, my deep voice rumbling. The creature let out a high-pitched squeak and darted forward, nipping at my nose. I jerked back, surprised, and then couldn't help but laugh at the tiny creature's audacity.

I look at the creature size.

The creature was tiny compared to me, no bigger than a thumb. Despite its small size, it seemed fearless, standing up to me with a fierce determination. I couldn't help but be amused by its bravery, and I found myself wondering what kind of creature it was and how it had managed to survive on its own.

I didn't hesitate to swallowed it and it didn't have a chance to react.

I swallowed the tiny creature whole, its tiny form disappearing into the darkness of my mouth without a chance to react. The sensation was almost imperceptible as it slid down my throat. My hunger still gnawed at me, unsated. I scanned my surroundings, my gaze sweeping across the landscape in search of something more substantial to eat. The landscape stretched out before me, full of possibilities.

I sighed. "I should get back to the mountain cave!"

I turned my massive body around, my 10-meter tall frame towering over the surrounding landscape as I began to lumber back towards the mountain cave. My footsteps thundered on the ground, causing small tremors as I walked.

As I climbed up the mountain, the cave entrance loomed before me, a dark and welcoming opening in the rocky face.

I ducked my head to avoid hitting the entrance and stepped inside, the cool darkness enveloping me like a shroud.

As I entered the cave, the sound of my footsteps echoed off the walls. The air was cool and damp, a welcome respite from the warmth outside. I made my way deeper into the cave, my eyes adjusting to the dim light of the moon that filtered through the entrance. Suddenly, I heard the sound of chatter and laughter coming from further inside the cave. My family was home. I followed the sound and soon saw my siblings gathered around Mother, who was sitting in a comfortable spot near the fire pit, where a small flame crackled and spat.

They all turned to look at me as I approached, and Lyriath grinned. "Hey, Tharros! You're back! We were just talking about our next hunting trip." Vyraxys and Nyxoria nodded in agreement, while Lyrixa chattered excitedly about the different prey they had spotted. The younger ones, Kaidorix and Kieraxys, were playing with Niamon, who was babbling happily. Mother smiled at me, her light green scales glinting in the firelight. "Come join us, Tharros. We can discuss the plans together."

I giggled, "Will Father be joining us since the last time we have a hunt together, Father towards us to give every pray we caught so he can eat it and get himself a stomach ache!"

I chuckled, "Yeah, and then he'll just lie down and complain about how full he is." My siblings laughed in agreement, and Lyriath added, "I'm surprised he doesn't burst from eating so much!" Mother smiled, shaking her head, "Your father loves to indulge, but perhaps we can find a way to make sure he doesn't overdo it this time."

I smiled. "I do remember the time that Father did erupt, but your healing magic save him!"

Mother smiled and shook her head "Well yes but I have to be there when he erupts since he can't use his healing magic when he erupts because he is unconscious!"

Lyriath and I burst out laughing at the memory, and the others joined in, giggling at the image of Father's predicament. "I'm just surprised he hasn't learned his lesson yet," Lyriath chuckled. Mother's smile turned into a gentle laugh, "Your father loves food more than he loves his own well-being, it seems." The cave echoed with our laughter, and even Niamon babbled along, enjoying the joyful atmosphere.

Mother, look at me. "You should get to sleep under your father wing since it is time to sleep!" I nodded.

I walked over to Father, who was lying down, his albino scales glistening in the fading firelight. He smiled and opened his wing, revealing a cozy space beneath it. I snuggled up against him, feeling safe and warm. "Goodnight, Tharros," he whispered, wrapping his wing around me. I closed my eyes, listening to the sound of my siblings settling in for the night, their gentle murmurs and rustling sounds fading into silence. "Goodnight, Father," I replied, drifting off to sleep surrounded by my family's warmth.

As I settled into the warmth of Father's wing, I felt my eyelids growing heavy. The sound of Mother's gentle humming and the soft breathing of my siblings lulled me into a peaceful sleep. The last thing I remembered was Father's gentle whisper, "Sleep tight, my son."

More Chapters