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Skyfire was hopelessly lost in the snowstorm. The wind swirled around him and he felt the cold sting of ice even with all his thick coats and furs. His boots were falling deep into the snow as he walked, and he could barely see anything in front of him.
Skyfire normally knew better than to be out in a storm like this. He had lived all his life in the snow, and was used to its temperature changes. He had hoped to reach the next village before the storm built up, but it was further away than the merchant had promised and now here he was stuck in the middle of a blizzard.
There would be no chance for him to even pitch a tent without collapsing so he would have to find some cover soon if he did not want to be buried and lost forever. He knew if he did not find shelter soon he would probably freeze to death.
He was lucky that the wind parted just enough for him to see the entrance of a cave far off into the distance.
He slowly made his way over towards the cave, using the remainder of his energy to try and get through the snow. The entrance was huge and wide, like a gaping maw. While it looked ominous it was still far better than freezing to death outside, so Skyfire stepped inside and took a deep sigh of relief as he finally felt the snow off his back. He cautiously stepped into the cave, each footstep echoing ahead of him.
He sat down and slipped his pack off his back. He slowly started getting out the tools he needed to start a fire. He placed down some bits of charcoal and dried sticks and flint and soon had a fire going. It was small but enough to keep him warm. He waited but the storm did not abate so he took out his sleeping bag and slowly settled in to sleep.
When he woke realised a set of huge red eyes were staring straight at him from the dark.
He recoiled back as the eyes circled kept watch on him. The creature stuck to the shadows but he could hear the sound of its huge footsteps as it circled around him, and he saw a flash of red scales. He knew then that he had stumbled into a dragon's cave.
The dragon stepped out of the shadows, he was long and slim but still towered completely over Skyfire. He was a brilliant red with a black head that only seemed to emphasise his glowing eyes.
Instantly Skyfire lowered his head to the ground.
"Oh great dragon, I apologise for intruding in your abode. I did not mean to trespass. Please forgive me."
The dragon gave a dismissive huff.
"That's the same excuse I've heard before. I know why you're really here: to take my treasure ."
"Please, I promise. I was only seeking shelter from the storm. I was unaware you had any treasure."
"A very likely story indeed. Do you even know who I am? I'm Starscream, and I'm famed for having the greatest treasure hoard in the whole land and it's even better than Megatron's. Everyone who comes here is always looking to steal from me. I don't see why you'd be any different. I should probably just eat you now and be over with it." Skyfire felt a claw poke him in the side. "You look a good size."
Skyfire kept his head down and tried to keep the shaking from his voice as he spoke.
"Please, I'm just a scholar. I have no thieving equipment, only books and texts and samples for my research."
The dragon gave a curious hum.
"If you can prove to me this is true then I maybe won't gobble you up like all the other adventurers that came here before," Starscream said.
Skyfire hastily scrambled to sit up and started pouring out the contents of his backpack. Equipment and items he'd been carefully packing were quickly strewn across the ground. He hastened to show the dragon everything he had.
"See? These are some of the new science books I was able to obtain. I travelled for days to reach the city and get my hands on some of these. This one has a collection of different types of fauna from the land over the mountains. There's things in there I haven't had the chance to see most of them yet..." Skyfire trailed off as the dragon reached out a long claw snatched the book out of his hands.
"Hmm, interesting..." Starscream mused. Skyfire wanted to protest since that book was the most expensive out of the ones he'd bought and he really didn't want it damaged. The dragon however, was surprisingly delicate with the book, as he turned it over in his claws.
"I do love the gold leaf on this one." Starscream said. "I think I'll keep this one."
Skyfire's heart sank as he said that.
"Are you sure you wouldn't like to take one of the other books instead? It was going to help form a big part of my thesis."
The dragon turned round and snapped at him.
"What? You're going to demand things of me? After I graciously decided to spare your life?"
"It's my book!"
"And you're the one intruding into my home, you thief!"
"I haven't tried to steal anything!"
"Well too bad, it's my book now." Starscream sounded very smug. "It's very pretty and I only take pretty things. Now that I've decided to spare your life, you can go."
Skyfire looked out of the cave entrance. The blizzard was still howling outside. It was only a tiny bit better than when he first arrived.
"You must be kidding."
"I am not, you can go and leave. I'm going to enjoy my pretty book." Starscream said.
"Are you even going to read it?"
Starscream scoffed.
"Of course not. I don't need to. Don't you know? Dragon's are the smartest beings in the world. I already have more knowledge than your tiny human mind will ever be able to conceive of. I only need this book as decoration. Now get going."
Skyfire scowled at the dragon but he got back down and started restuffing his equipment back into his bag. He huffed as he carefully tried not to mess all the equipment it had taken him ages to carefully place into his bag earlier that day. He was annoyed at the dragon but he decided to bite his tongue rather than say anything to a fire breathing monster.
Once his pack was back on his back he glared at the dragon.
"Alright, thank you for being so kind and gracious," filling his voice with as much obvious sarcasm as he could muster.
"You're most welcome, tiny meatbag," Starscream said, not paying him any attention and still examining the books gold leaf in his claws. "Enjoy your walk."
Skyfire left the cave, still huffing and grumbling. This whole thing had left him in a very sour mood. He was shaking and he wasn't sure if it was from the cold, the terror at having been threatened by a dragon, or rage at losing his books.
He tried never to curse in front of anyone but now he was alone he started letting out a string of insults against the dragon.
"...of all the stuck-up conceited creatures I've ever had the misfortune to run into. I hope that dragon takes that book and shoves it up his-"
He halted as he heard a loud roar behind him. He spun round and saw the dragon coming out of it's cave, it's red eyes fixed on him with a ferocious look on its face. It roared and then charged at him.
Skyfire stood frozen in shock, worried that he was immediately about to die.
He was knocked to the ground by the dragons giant bulk. a puff of hot steam was blown into his face.
"You! What is this?" Starscream snarled.
"W-what?" Skyfire trembled.
"You lied to me! That book you brought is worthless. What language is it written in? It's just gibberish!"
"Wait... what?" Skyfire said.
"You tricked me into taking a book that means absolutely nothing. You lying cheat!"
"I... you said you weren't going to read it! You said you had no use for it."
The dragons face scrunched up.
"I don't have to explain myself to a pitiful meatbag like you. Now tell me the hidden secrets of your book! It's enchanted or something so others can't read it, isn't it?"
"No it's not. It's just not written in Common. It's in Quenya. That's my native language. I always try to buy books in Quenya when I can find them."
The dragons eye twitched.
"I can't read Quenya."
Skyfire shrugged.
"That's not my problem. I mean... I guess this means you could give me my book back."
Starscream's eyes narrowed.
" Never. When I take something it's mine and no one can change that."
"Well then, I don't know what to do."
The dragon threw back his head and gave a frustrated scream.
"Argh! This is so unfair! It's useless to me now!" The dragon got off Skyfire and started stomping around. Skyfire watched curiously, wondering if any other person had been lucky enough to see a dragon pout before. "Well, I think I just came up with a solution."
His huge mouth opened and Skyfire thought he was about to be eaten but instead the dragon’s teeth wrapped around his backpack and he was lifted up off his feet. Skyfire helplessly dangled from his backpack as he was carried back towards the cave.
When they were back inside Starscream dropped back onto the ground and the dragon nudged the book over towards him with his snout.
"You! Read this for me."
"Wait. What?"
"You heard me! I want to know what it says."
Skyfire looked the dragon dead in the face as he slowly picked up the book.
"So what happened to dragons being entirely knowledgeable?"
"Shut up! I may have exaggerated a bit but only slightly! I'm still far smarter than you'll ever be."
"Not smart enough to pick up another language apparently."
"Shut up! Now read me this book or this time I will set you on fire."
"Alright, alright." Skyfire sat down and got out the book. He started to read, translating the Quenya into Common as he went through the text. He read out the new scientific theories that were being worked on at the moment.
"...wyverns abound in the northern territories and are considered major rivals to the local dragon populace."
Starscream scoffed.
"This so-called 'scholar' doesn't know what he's talking about."
"What do you mean?"
"Wyvern's are not considered major rivals to us. They're nuisances at best. They're only ever a problem if they group up on us. This section is based entirely on guesswork. I'm willing to bet he's never seen wyverns and dragons interacting in his life."
"And you have?"
"Of course," Starscream preened, looking very smug with himself. "I've seen many beasts in my time. I could write a better paper than this fellow."
"Then why don't you?"
Starscream's scales bristled, which Skyfire was starting to notice he did when he was feeling defensive.
"Claws make it difficult to write."
"Hmm." Skyfire examined the dragon’s huge claws and tried to imagine them holding a quill. "That does sound a bit difficult."
"I guess the human world will never know my genius."
"Are you serious about writing a paper?"
Starscream looked at him.
"Why are you asking?"
"I mean... we could collaborate on one."
The dragon scrutinised him.
"So you're saying I dictate and you write down my amazing words into literature?"
"Well, I was more thinking we could both contribute to it. I've started writing some papers but I mostly have notes and well... I've haven't had the chance to study firsthand all the things I've wanted to." Skyfire was starting to think how much easier it'd be to visit the places he wanted to study if he could ride to them on the back of a dragon.
"Hmm. Interesting..." the dragon said. "I'm almost tempted to take you up on that offer."
"I think it could be beneficial to both of us."
"Hmph, you're just any regular human though. What's to say I don't just eat you and then grab any human to use to write down everything I need for my papers?"
"Because I actually know what I'm doing, and I assure you, I think you'll quite enjoy some of the theories I'm working on."
"Alright then." The dragon settled in and curled up. "Consider this your audition. Impress me with your scientific know-how."
"Alright." Skyfire looked around inside his bag for his notes, pulling out the ones he'd made on some of the fauna and flora in the land just over the mountains that'd he'd been exploring. All he had for the moment was a collection of scattered notes, but he tried to describe them as best as he could about how he was going to put them into his study paper.
Every now and then Starscream would chip in with a little comment or observation, normally one that would lead to Skyfire groaning and scribbling corrections onto his notes. Starscream grinned smugly every time he seemed to catch Skyfire out with one of his observations. Skyfire was starting to worry that Starscream thought him entirely stupid and he was never going to agree to this collaboration.
Eventually he finished relaying everything he had so far. He put his notes down and looked up at the dragon, who had decided now was the time to start polishing his claws.
"Well? What do you think?" Skyfire prompted him after he gave no answer.
"I will admit, your work is pretty good. There's gaps in your research but that's clear it's because you haven't had the chance to see some of this stuff firsthand, but the way you put together your notes is better than some illiterate halfwit I could kidnap and try to use. I think your proposed venture could actually work."
"Then... You'll actually agree to working together?"
"Yes. I think you'd make a good partner," Starscream grinned.
Skyfire smiled.
"I must admit, I'm quite excited about it as well."
"Trust me, you've seen nothing yet. I'll show you the whole world and what it has to offer."
Skyfire couldn't help but beam. This night was turning out better than expected.
The next day they started planning their trip and exactly what they'd be doing. Though initially Starscream demanded that Skyfire write him a letter to the researcher.
"Dear pitiful human, your book and research is terrible."
Dear Sir, I believe there may be some gaps in your research, Skyfire wrote.
"Only an absolute fool would try and publish that as an actual study."
If I may be so bold as to suggest some changes to any future published volumes.
"How could you possibly think wyverns are even a legitimate threat to us? They're tiny and useless and they don't have claws. How pitiful to think we'd ever come under threat from them."
I have learnt that dragons do not tend to consider wyverns a threat unless they are in large groups. Dragons normally hunt alone and thus mostly come under threat when wyverns hunt together in packs.
"I'm offended you'd think we're so pathetic and pitiful as to be scared by them."
Thank you for taking the time to read this note. I hope this was of help to you.
"There, that's it. Did you write down everything as I said it?"
"Pretty much."
"Good. We should send this off post-haste."
Skyfire quickly folded up the letter before Starscream could see what he'd actually written.
"Of course. I'll send it when I can."
"Also when you go to the village you should grab some more books for me to read."
"I think I only have enough for one more biology book."
Starscream scrunched up his face.
"What, just one? You can only get one singular book?"
"I don't have much money left. I'd only have enough for some food and one more book. I couldn't get anymore."
Starscream gave a hum as he tapped his claws on the floor, then he pulled himself up and walked deeper into the cave. Skyfire watched him as he moved a giant boulder aside and opened up another part of the cave that had previously been hidden.
Inside Skyfire saw treasure, huge gleaming mountains of gold and riches hiding behind it. Starscream pulled out a handful in his claws and brought it back to Skyfire. He dropped the pile of gold into Skyfire's lap. Skyfire just stared in awe at the glistening treasure that was on his lap. There was enough here for him to buy twenty books and enough to feed himself for a week.
"There we go. That should do. How much does a book even cost these days? A hundred gold pieces? Take that and buy me something interesting."
"Oh... okay..." Skyfire said as he scooped up the gold into his pockets. He didn't take all of it just because he was sure he'd collapse under the weight of that much gold.
"And don't just bring me science books. I want some fiction as well. I want to know what's new in the world."
"Okay, yeah... I think I can do that..." Skyfire mumbled. He set off on this new bright morning and made his way back to the village.
He came back with an adventure book, a romance novel and a few other genres just because he wasn't quite sure what Starscream would like, but he felt he could make a few educated guesses. He also both himself a new blanket for keeping warm and also some vegetables and meat to make a nice broth this evening. The blizzard had stopped but there was still snow on the ground and frost in the air. He felt he wanted a nice warm meal tonight. Besides, he still had plenty of gold left over.
That night Skyfire ended up reading one of the books to Starscream. It didn't matter that it was in Common. The evening had ended with Starscream curling around him as he sat by the fire and asked him to read.
The dragon slowly drifted off as Skyfire continued reading. Skyfire found Starscream was nice and warm. Once he had finished the chapter he pulled up his blankets and fell asleep.
"Tomorrow..." Starscream mumbled.
"Hmm?" Skyfire responded. One of Starscream's eyes opened up and lazily watched Skyfire.
"Tomorrow we'll start on our quest. I'll take you over the mountains and I'll show you a wyvern first hand. You'll be astounded. I'll show you sights you've never seen."
"I'm looking forward to it."
"You'll be astounded. So impressed with my genius. I can't wait to have you in awe of me."
Skyfire chuckled.
"I'm sure I will be."
"I like you, human," Starscream said dreamily. "You're the best human I've ever met. I don't even wanna eat you at all."
"Thank you?" Skyfire said, trying to figure out how best to take that. "You can call me Skyfire, you know."
"Alright. Good night Skyfire."
"Good night Starscream."
The dragon curled up a little tighter around him, and Skyfire had a smile on his face as he drifted off to sleep.