Dmol's Growth: Leader of the Skies
How many days had passed since then? I spent my time in constant training, and my daily life with Psi and Dmol was becoming more and more familiar. Living with Psi in her human form had become somewhat routine, though it still felt a bit awkward at times.
That evening, after dinner, we returned to the dormitory and were playing together. That's when it happened. A familiar window popped up in front of me.
Dimorphodon
Reward: Leader of the Skies
I widened my eyes in an instant. Then I immediately scooped Dmol up into my arms.
"Dmol!"
In truth, I'd been checking the status window on and off, anticipating her growth completion soon. But seeing it right there in front of me felt entirely different.
As I held Dmol, Psi came right up beside me. She naturally snuggled close and peered into the window with us. I slowly checked out Dmol's new ability.
Leader of the Skies (Activation)
Grants a buff increasing movement speed and reaction speed to self and allies.
Applies a slow debuff to enemies.
Movement speed buff is doubled for the user.
I read the description for a moment and muttered to myself.
"...This is pretty great."
It wasn't a simple ability. It buffed allies while debuffing enemies—a skill that could serve as both supporter and debuffer in battle. It would be a huge help in combat.
As I said that, Dmol flapped her wings as if she'd been waiting for it, like she was thrilled to be acknowledged by me and Psi.
"Kik!"
It almost looked like she was showing off. I chuckled and stroked her head.
"Yeah, our Dmol is amazing."
Psi nodded from the side.
"Dmol's so cool."
Psi reached out and gently petted Dmol's head.
"Congrats."
Dmol let out a small, joyful cry, seeming even happier. A warm atmosphere filled the room for a moment.
We spent quite a while chatting and laughing like that. I praised Dmol, and Psi played around with her from the side. Before we knew it, night had deepened. Yawning, I said,
"Kids."
"Time for bed."
I lay down on the bed with Psi and Dmol in my arms. A little while later, I drifted into a deep sleep. But Psi and Dmol didn't fall asleep right away. They waited quietly. Once my breathing grew steady and deep, they wriggled carefully out of my embrace and looked at each other.
Dmol spoke first in a small voice.
'Sis.'
'I'm all grown up now too!'
Psi laughed and hugged Dmol tightly.
"That's right, that's right."
"Our Dmol's gotten so big."
Dmol hesitated for a moment but couldn't hold back.
'I want...'
'to become human like you, Sis!'
Psi pondered that for a bit. Then she quietly said,
"I..."
Psi glanced at me briefly. I was fast asleep. Looking back at Dmol, she continued,
"Back then, I hated seeing other girls around Dad."
"So... I wanted to be like Dad."
"I wanted to stand by his side."
Dmol listened quietly. After thinking, she ventured carefully,
'I want...'
'to be like you or Dad...'
She trailed off without finishing. Psi smiled at her and stroked her head.
"Don't overthink it."
"You can take it slow."
Psi spoke softly.
"Dmol."
"Someday, you'll be able to do it too."
"Just like I did."
Dmol nodded quietly at those words.
'Yeah... Sis.'
They both looked at me, asleep again. Then they carefully snuggled back into my arms. The night passed quietly. A faint light briefly shimmered from Dmol's body.
The next morning, I slowly opened my eyes. Morning sunlight filtered through the window into the room. Psi and Dmol were snuggled tightly in my arms, sleeping soundly. Both had peaceful faces. Smiling, I gently stroked their heads.
"Sleep well, you two."
I figured they could use a bit more rest, so I carefully slipped out of bed and headed to the bathroom to get ready.
A moment later, there was a small movement on the bed. Psi and Dmol opened their eyes at the same time. Still groggy, they looked around. But I wasn't on the bed.
Psi mumbled softly first.
"Dad...?"
Dmol tilted her head, scanning around. Still no sign of me. The half-asleep pair couldn't quite grasp the situation. Tears quickly welled up in Psi's eyes.
"Dad...?"
Dmol whimpered anxiously, tears starting to flow.
"Kik..."
They climbed down from the bed and frantically searched the room. That's when it came— the sound of running water from the bathroom.
Whoosh. Psi and Dmol whipped their heads around. They bolted straight for the bathroom and flung the door open.
I was in the middle of showering.
"Huh?"
I was startled by the sudden door. In that instant, Psi and Dmol rushed in and hugged me tight.
"Dad!"
"Kik!"
They clung to me, bursting into sobs. I panicked for a second.
"Wh-what?"
Psi and Dmol sniffled, gripping me desperately.
"Dad... Dad..."
"Kik... kik..."
They looked so anxious, like they'd thought I'd vanished. Flustered, I patted them anyway.
"No, I'm right here."
I turned off the showerhead with one hand.
"Dad was just washing up."
They still clung tightly. With a sigh-mixed smile, I stroked their heads.
"Psi, Dmol—did you have a nightmare or something?"
"Dad's right here."
But they showed no sign of letting go. I coaxed them gently.
"Dad'll finish up quick and come out. Just wait a sec."
Psi and Dmol shook their heads, refusing to budge, still stuck to me. I made a troubled face.
"This is tricky... what to do..."
In the end, I sighed and said,
"Alright, alright."
"Since we're at it, let's all bathe together."
I started filling the tub. Warm water slowly rose inside. In the meantime, I soothed them with light pats. Psi and Dmol still wouldn't let go.
A bit later, the tub had enough water. I carefully sat them down in it. As their bodies touched the warm water, their tension seemed to ease a little. Psi let out a small sigh, relaxing into it.
"It's warm..."
Dmol floated buoyantly on the surface with her small body. She flapped her tiny wings lightly, spinning in circles on the water. I laughed at the sight.
"Dmol, you can swim too."
Meanwhile, Psi started playing by the tub's edge, making bubbles. She scooped up a handful and showed them to me. I played along, chuckling.
"Full of energy this morning, huh."
Laughter echoed in the bathroom for a while. After a good long soak, we all got out. I grabbed towels and dried them off carefully. Dmol wriggled inside her towel, drying off, while Psi sat still, waiting for me to dry her hair. Finally, I tidied their heads. Freshly bathed, they both looked even cleaner. A nice scent wafted from the fluffy pair.
I smiled and said,
"...Now you look more human(?) ."
Psi grinned happily, and Dmol let out a small cry. After dressing, we got ready to head out. I packed my bag while Psi and Dmol watched me from the side. I could feel their gazes.
I turned to look.
"What's up?"
Psi spoke hesitantly.
"Dad..."
Dmol chirped softly beside her.
"Kik..."
Psi tugged lightly at my clothes.
"When you wake up in the morning... don't go anywhere."
I paused. Psi looked down and continued.
"This morning, when I opened my eyes..."
"Dad wasn't there..."
She gripped my clothes tightly.
"I thought you'd left us behind."
Dmol nodded beside her, rubbing against my leg.
"Kik..."
They hugged me tight again. For a moment, I couldn't say anything. Then I slowly stroked their heads.
"...Sorry."
I said quietly.
"Dad just went to wash up."
I patted Psi's head lightly.
"I won't go anywhere before you wake up next time."
"Promise."
Psi looked at me for a moment, then nodded. Dmol chirped softly.
"Kik."
I hugged them once more.
"Don't worry."
"Dad's not going anywhere."
Only then did they seem a little relieved, sticking close by my side.