Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Yzadreth had only just been stepping off the lift down into her mother’s workshop below the farmhouse when she heard a crash in down a small ramp where her mother stored her current projects. Her wings buzzed slightly in alarm hearing the muttering and cursing coming from the large room as she grabbed a piece of broken pipe to use as a makeshift weapon. Her mother had sent her down here to just grab one of her tools to help fix the furnace up in their house but it looks like someone had tried to break into the workshop somehow- how they got past her mother and herself was a mystery- and how they hadn’t triggered any traps or alarms her mother had set was another question but she was determined to deal with this to not risk her mother getting put in harms way.

She rounded the corner raising the metal pipe above her head ready to strike the stranger- only to see a big metal foot- she looked up, then she looked up some more. A giant centurion made of the strange metals and colors stared down at her seemingly unimpressed as she gasped and dropped the pipe in shock. She’d seen plenty of Dwemer machines her mother worked on- this wasn’t one of them- least nothing like she had ever seen before. Her three eyes widened as she scrambled back out of the room going to call her mother unsure what to do about this- at least the automaton couldn’t follow her- they seemed rather cramped in this space as she heard them curse again- that would explain the crashing sound.

She rushed out of the lift when she got back into the house.

“Ma, there is a giant centurion trapped in your workshop!” she exclaimed as she came running out of the lift. “he’s so tall he can’t even stand at full height in the room! He’s crashing into things and cursing, and I don’t know where he came from. Did you make them?” she asked wondering how she could have possibly missed something this big being down there.

Her mother’s bright blue eyes seemed to brighten in recognition as she rambled about the strange metal being down below. “No, I did not create a centurion but follow me back down I believe I may know where they came from, if so, they are rather lost. Be not afraid I don’t believe they mean any trouble they are just misplaced.” She said oddly calm about all this.

“What are you talking about? They a Daedra or something? From one of the planes of oblivion or something?” her mother shook her head. “Not exactly- they come from beyond Oblivion- perhaps even Aetherius itself. I may be able to help them get back to where they meant to be.” she said as the older Womer went to the lift with her daughter still carrying one of her tools. The daughter looked perplexed and anxious as she followed her mother, there was no way this was safe?! Her mother was going to get torn apart by an angry machine if she didn’t do anything.

The older Womer cast a mage light and called out the metal man gently in Dwemeri’s. “Please, do not panic sera, moving too much may cause you to harm yourself or cause the ceiling to come down upon you, you are rather far from home are you not? Did your bridge home break once again?” she asked.

The seeker looked down at the returning organic perplexed how this second organic was the following: one not utterly terrified of his might and stature, two how she could speak fluent Neo Cybex or something close to it, and three how she could possibly know anything about Cybertronian spacebridge or groundbrigde technology. He dug around in his processor for an answer to her question yes but also to try and answer his own. She insinuated she had met someone like him before- he knew this wasn’t the first time the spacebridge had malfunctioned, he’s been sent to places he wasn’t intended to go before along with Soundwave and Shockwave much to his displeasure, it appears it had happened again though this time he had nothing akin to a spacebridge expert to help them find a way home. But this clearly wasn’t anyone he or the other Decepticons had met- unless…. No no… that couldn’t be right the strange volcanic region Shockwaves massive beast of a personal project had been sent to a few months ago- this couldn’t be that world? Then again looking around at the structures around him, the old Cybertronian structures seemed to match the descriptions of where that brute described where he ended up. What was the name of the planet he knew Predaking had said it before when giving his report but he hadn’t actually been listening.

“What is this place? You act as though you know my kind, speak.” He retorted he was going to snap something more distasteful, but his cunning had him hold his vocalizer when he realized that if he remembered Predakings tale at all, it had been an odd little elf that had been able to create a bridge home for him, this may be that same elf. “You know how to get me back to where I am going don’t you- you met that mongrel Predaking yes? That’s how you know what I am.” He said trying to cross his arms and appear more imposing only for his wings to clip the ceiling and cause him to curse as Dadryna chuckled.

“And you must be that lovely seeker with the pleasant personality Predaking spoke ohhh so fondly of.” The womer responded with what Starscream clearly took for sarcasm and perhaps even amusement, amused? AMUSED?! There was nothing amusing about the Decepticon air commanders’ current circumstance! How dare she show such disrespect. His internal rant was interrupted by the womer’s continued speaking. “But regardless of your lack of tact I am not cruel and would not keep you trapped her serjo, I can build you a way home, unfortunately it may take some time, the original prototype my mother built era’s ago was unfortunately destroyed in the red year, we are a long ways from Red Mountain where it was first built. For the time being I can at least free you of this uncomfortable position hold still for but a moment this scroll will take us up to the surface, I hope you do not mind the cold we have been having a terrible storm for the past few days.” She said calmly approaching the seeker before placing a piece of paper on his pede and then whispering something under her breath. In a flash they were outside- Starscream was free but also shocked by the bitter cold and the falling snow- this was a far cry from the tropical island location Predaking had described.

“I suppose nothing else can be done with the weather. How long will the construction of a new bridge take?” he asked trying to keep his tone even knowing if he continued to try and antagonize the womer she may take longer on purpose, just to spite him, he knew if their positions were reversed, he certainly would have. The smaller organic came scrambling outside with a covering on and another for what Starscream assumed was the smaller organics carrier and his currently only hope of returning to Earth.

“Ma! You couldn’t have waited to put on a cloak or something before bringing him out here? You’ll catch your death out here if you’re not careful muthsera?” the smaller organic pleaded with her carrier.

“A few moments of cold will not take me out so easily young one.” The older womer assured her daughter. “As for the construction it depends on if I can find the necessary materials- and a strong enough power source, the previous device was powered by an ancient relic that no longer exists in this plane of existence unfortunately.” She explained. For now the older womer sighed. “I am Dadryna Azadrunz, and this is my daughter Yzadreth, you must be Starscream I presume?” the seeker nodded begrudgingly.

“Yes, that is my designation, though I would prefer lord Starscream or Commander Starscream.” He said as he shifted to stand at full height before realizing that the trees he had been tucked between until standing up were too short to protect him from the wind at his full height as he vented in frustration and knelt just to get out of the icy winds.

“If you need anything please let me know, our farmhouse is just over there, right now no one should bother you, you’re pretty well hidden between the trees here.” Dadryna said as Starscream grumbled.

“Is there anything I should be wary of while out here? Beside the blasted ice?” he asked. The womer chuckled again.

“Besides the occasional frost troll or bandit, I don’t think anything will bother you.” She replied. The seeker gave her an unimpressed even expression as Dadryna shook her head. “I joke, you are much larger than likely anything natural in this realm may be, most wildlife would stay far away from you, and travelers to do not often venture into these woods. You should be safe.” She assured him.

“Come Yzadreth, let’s get back inside and get something for us… “her words were cut off when a strange sound like especially strong winds were heard in the distance. The younger of the two looked up at the sky in the direction of the noise.

Starscream instinctively froze as his wings flared out in alarm- that noise was one he knew well and despised, was terrified of though he would never admit it out loud. There couldn’t possibly be beasts like those here in this world?!

Chapter Text

Starscream looked up as a shadow fell over the group and gout of flames washed over them. Starscream, brave and calm as he was immediately deciding the best course of action was to flee the massive beast. He wasn’t about to mess with another Predaking or any of his ill-mannered kin. He was expecting the beast to follow him until he realized the assailants’ target was the two little organics as it was currently trying to crush a shielding ward the older of the two elves put up somehow with one of its massive, clawed feet. Starscream thought perhaps this was his chance to escape until reality struck him- those two organics were his best means of finding a way back to earth and the rest of the Decepticons. If he let them die, he will be stuck.

Growling in annoyance and trying to let his pride build his confidence to face a foe so much bigger than him head on he raised his arm to fire one of his missiles. Only to hear an uncomfortable grinding noise- he inbuilt weapon systems were not functioning? He tried to switch to his blasters- they too seemed to be strangely misfiring; this couldn’t be right and at a time like this!? He did the next best thing he could as he found a thin enough fallen tree he could pick up with one hand- something metal would have done better but if there was one thing Starscream knew he was capable of it was making do and improvising. And so, he approached the beast and swung managing to distract it just long enough for the younger of the two organics to run inside- good at least one of them was out of the way. The elder seemed relieved as well.

Dadryna barely had the time to lift that barrier as the beast came from nowhere, landing nearly on top of them. Even in her many eras spent on Nirn she had never seen a creature like this- heard stories yes, but only ever in legend. She thought for sure the barrier would collapse before a tree came swinging down on one of the beast’s wings. The creature roared in pain and attempted to breathe fire upon the seeker that had come back to help them. She watched with a sense of relief as Yzadreth ran back into the house- she hoped her daughter would make it away- she did, but she didn’t stay inside either, she was soon rushing back outside with her father’s blade. Dadryna felt her blood run cold as her daughter came rushing forwards and struck at the beast’s face, managing to catch its eye partly blinding it, but also enraging it further as it thrashed its head and tried to slam into her daughter. Dadryna summoned a spear of ice to once again pull its attention away. The Seeker said something, but she couldn’t quite make it out over the beast’s roar. Suddenly she was being thrown into the air and slammed into a nearby tree before slumping to the ground in a daze.

Starscream was trying to get the beast away from the other organic when he spotted the younger of them running back out of the house with a sword. He cringed, knowing if he tried to attack, he might accidentally hit the foolish little elf or her mother since they were so close to the odd Predacon. At least that was what he would call it for now, it certainly looked like one, but it was clearly made of organic material not metals. He noticed the dragon moving to strike the older of the two organics as he shouted at them to move- apparently her audials were not working as she didn’t move in time and things seemed to slow down to a painful degree as the older womer got thrown away from the creature. The younger shouted out, bringing her weapon down on the beast’s wing as it tried to shout at the girl. Starscream tried to pull the smaller organic back before she could be smacked like her mother. She protested at first before realizing she likely would have been crushed if she had stayed where she was.
Dadryna struggled to get back up after being thrown… something felt very wrong as her eyesight blurred and her pain numbed into shock, but she persisted. The dragon was preparing another attack against the mech and her daughter, unwilling to see either of them get any further hurt but feeling her own energy swiftly draining she lifted her hand and cast another spell to draw the dragon’s attention away. It worked but it also caused the dragon to turn its rage on her fully. It stretched its jaws whether that was to close them down around her or to breathe its flames upon her again, it didn’t get the chance to complete its task as she sent one last ice spike directed into its mouth and through the rest of its head. The dragons roar sputtered as the creature’s body slumped to the ground, finally dead.

Dadryna completely drained of what little strength she had left collapsed into the snow, her vision dimming as she heard her daughter running closer and the thud of heavy metal footsteps in the snow.

Yzadreth watched in horror when the beast turned on her mother, she thought at first the dragon would swallow her whole but just when it seemed the end was coming the creature dropped. Yzadreth immediately rushed forward, stumbling slightly as she dropped down beside her mother that had collapsed herself. “Muthsera! Muthsera just hold on! Please I’ll get a potion just wait we’ll get you inside and I’ll get a healer and…” she stammered and rambled on as she poured restoration magic into her mothers failing body. The older womer coughed as she tried to focus on her daughters’ face reaching a hand up to her. “Yzadreth… I am so sorry… but you are going to have to be very brave little one.” She said her voice struggling.

Starscream could hardly believe the fight ended as quickly as it did, seeing the beast drop. He went to vent a sigh of relief until he spotted the older elf dropping to the ground as well as his optics widened. This didn’t look good as he followed the smaller elf over to her mother and the fallen beast. He noticed a strange energy leaving the beast and wrapping itself around the smaller elf as she begged no one to keep her carrier online, and as the beast turned to nothing but a pile of bones within moments. He could see the older elf was likely not to last much longer. He could see red pooling beneath her body- and to his shock he could detect traces of energon within as well. He was at a loss of what to do- he wasn’t a medic and even still he knew nothing about organic medicine. The older womers voice seemed to almost glitch and fizzle out and he swore her blue eyes flickered, flickered like a cybertronians lights going out.

He carefully knelt to help pick up the younger womers mother as he glanced down at Yzadreth she frantically gestured towards the old farmhouse as he cautiously carried her towards the organics home. Yzadreth trying to bring her mother inside and laying her on a nearby bench, using a rolled up cloak as a pillow. The young girl ran to a cupboard and poured some kind of liquid into her mothers mouth hoping it would do something to help. The older womers eyes were barely open as her attention turned to the mech outside. “watch over her… please.” Her voice was barely audible even to Starscreams acute sensors. And then to his shock and the younger womers horror the elder dwemers body seemed to lose it’s light.

It was like he could see a spark leaving the body even though he knew organics didn’t have such things and while he was a seasoned war veteran and had seen many sparks snuffed out, many done in by himself quite frankly, this didn’t quite feel the same. Maybe it wasn’t so much the sight of the organic dying that had him so shaken it was that last moment- she had looked at him like he had some kind of answer- no not an answer… it hadn’t been a question, yet no demand either. He was just pleaded with to take care of some- some organic child… his wings sagged as he dropped to a sitting position in the snow slowly processing what just happened. He had to be honest with at least himself, he could barely take care of himself, and now this- well dead organic has asked him to take care of her offspring. He gave the smaller womer a pitiable glance he opened his mouth to speak but couldn’t think of the right words as he growled to himself and walked a distance away from the house glaring at the ground trying to ignore the distraught daughter he had just been tasked with watching over.

He looked back when he heard the door to the house shut and the younger womer sat down on the step of her home sobbed into her arms. He thought perhaps he really should say something before she gave an audio splitting shout that had him grabbing his head as the snow that had settled on the ground around them was pushed back by the force of the noise she just created. he winced slightly as he lowered his arms.

Yzadreth wiped her tears as she readjusted her cloak, walking outside she shut the door, she couldn't stay in there right now... taking in a deep breath she shouted at the top of her lungs, but what came out was anything but what she had expected.

"FUS" a gush of wind flew into the air blowing away the nearby snow until it scattered farther from the womer who looked at what she had done in confusion but hardly processing it in her grief. she sat down on the steps of the door and hugged her face into her knees.

From the south came a shout across the night. "Dovah Kiin" there was no source of the noise and it came from impossibly far away, yet was heard clear as day as the noise barely roused the womer from her curled up position on the steps of her house. Starscream turned his head back towards the shouting. Curious as to what happened he wandered back over.

Yza was staring up at the sky towards the source of the shouting she had heard in the distance... "you heard it too right....?" she said, her voice a bit raw from just crying so heavily and the strange shout that had escaped her lungs. Starscream nodded though confused. "What was that?" He asked as he looked down at her.

yza shook her head. "I have no clue..." she muttered, but the curiosity of what it could be was enough to bring her back to her feet, reluctant though she was.

"So what are you going to do?" Starscream asked. Although he wanted to return as soon as possible, he wasn't about to force a child that just lost her parent to do something.

"I'm not sure... I don't understand any of this, those things ain't after you are they? I never seen anything like it before, i-it came out of nowhere... gods what was it looking for.... I- I just... its not fair... she can't just be gone. " she said hugging her stomach anxiously as she shivered. "I just want answers..." she finally settled on what her goal should be...

Starscream looked slightly insulted at the notion of being the cause of the dragon showing up. "Why would some primitive version of a Predacon being after me?"

Yza clenched her fists. "I don't know! You tell me! all I know is you show up and all but a few minutes later this crazy beast shows up trying to tear my mother and I to shreds! " she yelled before reigning in her temper. as she looked to the ground again as she held her arm.

"So it's all of a sudden my fault?! I deal with dragons enough as it is back where I'm from!" He yelled back but his shoulders slumped slightly as he sighed.

Yza looked taken aback at first. "what....wait there's more of these things?!?" she shouted taking a step back. was the one that attacked not alone? she shivered looking away. she shook her head trying to settle her racing thoughts. "I-I'm sorry... I, shouldn't blame you... I just... I can't believe that thing took her...I don't know what to do..." she said feeling the rage that had burned in her for a few moments cool itself into a pile of ashes in her heart. not sure where to go or what to do with this information she hung her head low.

Starscream was about to say something snarky but stopped himself and knelt down. "I doubt your... mother would want you to stay out in the cold and be miserable, child." He said having to remember to use more organic terms he wasn't use to.

Yza sniffled and wiped at her face, some of the tears frozen in place from the cold already. She guessed it would be better to go inside, but she didn’t want to leave her mom’s body lying on the lounge to simply sit there. It didn’t feel right. She carefully shut her mother’s eyes and laid her body more neatly. she should probably try to take her outside, but she wasn’t sure if she could bring herself to do it… for right now she was exhausted she needed to rest but it was the furthest thing from her mind in this moment.

Starscream sighed and stepped away from the home. He sat down and stared at the sky for a moment before closing his optics. He was roused from his thoughts when he heard the door to the farmhouse open again. “Shouldn’t you be resting?” he asked trying to be patient with the grieving girl. The womer looked at her feet hugging her cloak around herself as she looked back up at him. “I- I need help with her…” she said quietly as Starscream gave a puzzled look wondering just what she needed help with before it dawned on him and he shuddered in disgust. “very well child.” He said as he summoned his holoform. A rather tall and lean man with dusty blonde hair wearing a bomber jacket and tight black jeans. He hated that this entire situation was somehow bringing up his own memories of loosing family.

Yzadreth jumped a little seeing the man appear only to realize that it was the same person as the bot outside. She watched curiously as she stood up. “I-sorry… I’m not strong enough…” she said glancing at the floor. She didn’t feel right to try dragging her. Starscream only glanced at her for a moment before going over to the body and carefully picking it up. "Where to?"

Yza sighed. “Follow me…” she shivered as she went outside with him around the back of the house, there was a small garden area covered in snow now, and there was a pile of stones with an old banner hanging from it. “My father is buried here, I think this is where she would want to go…” she said quietly.
Starscream gently set the body down as he came to the garden. "And I suppose you'll be unable to dig the hole for her?"

“I-I can dig… it’s ok…” she said going to grab a shovel.

Starscream folded his arm then sighed. "Give it here. It'll take you far to long to dig with the ground frozen as it is." With that he took the shovel she had gathered for herself and set to work digging a grave. Yzadreth watched for a little while before walking towards the edge of the yard where some sparse bushes grew, on them were branches bright red berries, she broke some of the branches on them and created as best as she could, a small wreath to lay on the grave when it was finished.

After the hole was dug Yzadreth helped lower her mother into the hole and helped to fill it once more, gather some stones to create a pile like the one her father had, she finally placed the wreath. It was over now.... but she still didn't feel it.

Starscream looked at her. "So... What now?" He asked crossing his arms.

Yza was quiet for a while clearly thinking, she didn't have an answer for him for a while. "I- I want to try and figure out where that voice came from last night, the one that came after my mother passed... it came from somewhere in the south.... but if it was some kind of reaction to what happened last night... maybe they have some kind of answer...." she murmured brushing her hair back with her hands.

"And if it doesn't have the answers you want? What then?" Starscream wasn't sure he believed it would provide any answers.
"I- I don't know? I know as much as you do..." she said exasperated. "if there's no answers there I don't know where to look ok. it’s better than wandering aimlessly." She reasoned with a heavy sigh.
On the Starscream agreed with. He sighed and looked towards where his true form was. "Well when you are ready, you know where I am." He said then his holoform faded.

Yza nodded and got back up, "goodbye mom, I don't know when I'll be back... sleep well." and then she walked back to the house and packed a satchel with what she figured she may need for the journey, a map, some clothing, food that would keep and whatever gold she had on her, as well as the mask and weapons her father had left behind. she was ready to go now.

Chapter Text

Starscream was standing near the house, staring at the mountains, his vents kicking in to try and regulate his body's internal temperature.

Yzadreth walked up to him shaking her own wings that wanted to frost over,knocking some snow from themselves with their fluttering. "Ready? At least the farther south we go the warmer it gets."

Starscream huffed as he looked down at her. "Then we had better not waste any time." He said sharply, starting to walk off.

Yza shivered but nodded as she hurried after him, her wings starting to feel a bit warmer as her body got moving.

Starscream shivered, his wings were frosted and frozen over as he tried to move them to a more favorable position.

"Are you alright serjo?" she asked looking up at him, the steam of her breath visible in the air as she spoke. she thought for a moment as she closed her eyes. slowly coming up behind him, she jumped surprisingly high, grabbing onto his shoulders. concentrating she tried to activate one of her folks abilities, at least on her fathers side, a cloak of flames enveloped her body but it didn’t hold a dangerous energy, it actually didn't hurt at all instead providing a gentle warmth that was able to alleviate some of the icing, though it wasn't exactly easy to stay up there on his back at least she hoped she was helping..."better?" she asked curiously

Starscream glanced over his shoulder. "How are you able to do that?" He asked as he moved his wings slightly, breaking off some more of the ice that hadn't yet melted.

"something my father’s people can do, it's called ancestors wrath- or ancestors’ cloak... the ability is partially powered by the spirits of their fallen loved ones, I can use it defensively, or for simple warmth when there is no shelter..." Yzadreth explained as she adjusted her hand holds trying not to fall.

Starscream looked back and leveled his shoulder plating for her to sit on.

The young womer carefully scrambled up until she was sitting more steadily on his shoulder, letting her spell keep them warm for the time being.

Starscream glanced at her from the corner of his optic. "For what it's worth, child. I know what you're going through."

Yza looked up at him. "you do?...." she asked slightly unsure what to make it. "A dragon tried to eat your mom too?" she asked looking a little perplexed but taking him seriously enough.

"Not exactly. Predacons, at the time, were extinct." Starscream grumbled at the thought of being anywhere near Predacons again. "When the war started, I lost my trine to a brute of an Autobot."

Yza frowned her ears tilting down. "oh, I see, I'm sorry for your loss as well serjo..." she said softly.

"Don't be. Thundercracker and Skywarp fought bravely." He said as he turned his attention forward.

Yza nodded quietly, remaining silent for now as she looked at the snowy landscape before them.

Starscream sighed, feeling awkward with the current silence. "Your mother explained some of this area, do you have anything to add?"

"Honestly I've never really strayed far from our home, I know that there's a civil war going on but ma never wanted to get involved with it, mostly had to do with conflict among the humans anyways so it really wasn’t much of our business. the one's fighting for separation from the bigger government are kind of cruel to our people too, after Ma and Pa’s homeland got flattened in the red year many of the refugee's came here to skyrim... the people were not exactly welcoming and treat us as lesser." she said with a small huff sitting forward and swinging her legs. "geography I guess, the southern parts of the country are more temperate but there's still tundra and lots of mountains. she said trying to describe the area as best as she could considering she tended to stay close to home where it rarely stopped snowing.

Starscream stopped when she was describing how her people were being treated, having visible irritation on his face. He almost drowned out the entire part of the geography.

"Hmmm… Serjo?" she asked noticing him seeming to have gotten lost in thought. "-You alright?" she asked her wings flicking up curiously.

"What you said... the government treating those different than them as lesser beings..." Starscream growled clenching his fists. "It’s like being told what the funtionist trash of a government had been doing. It's what started the war between Autobots and Decepticons."

Yza's ears flattened quietly. "Oh... so you've been through similar-" she said with a sympathetic frown. At least he seemed to understand what she was going through. "-well, if we ever need to visit a settlement... um, prepare to hear some guarshit from the locals...." she said with a heavy sigh, hoping they could remain away from the cities in this journey but she wasn't sure yet.

Starscream huffed and continued walking. "As if they would stand a chance against someone like me."

Yza shrugged. "I don't know what they would do seeing a giant robot walking towards one of their towns... I don't think it would end well..."

Starscream grumbled at the thought having to use his holoform so much. "Of course... the same nonsense as on Halpha…"

"Hey sorry my moms folks aren't around still, they would’ve loved to have someone like you around, most people living on the surface fear the stuff my mom’s people could create, another mark against my family in particular apparently being freaks of nature." she said rolling her eyes.

"When it is they who are the freaks. Scientific discoveries would benefit all..." Starscream said then his optic twitched at what he just said. "Great, now I'm starting to sound like Shockwave..."

Yza giggled, her wings fluttering with her movements. "He doesn't sound so bad?" she asked looking up at him with a small smile. for now, the conversation was helping ease the memories of what happened the night prior.

"You've never met him... The insufferable logic driven mad scientist that he is..." He growled as he rolled his optics. "Where is the closest settlement so I may prepare myself to use my holoform again?"

Yza pulled out her map as she showed where she thought they were. "the closest major settlement to where I think the sound came from is Whiterun, it's in the middle of the country much warmer than here thankfully won't have to worry about snow too much." she said showing the map to him.

Starscream glanced at the map and nodded. "Good. The faster we get to somewhere warmer, the better."

Yza nodded, not too fond of the familiar yet frigid cold herself.

Starscream glanced over his shoulders at his wings and moved them to their usual upright position. "Much better..." he muttered to himself.

Yza glanced behind her as she noticed the large metal wings. her eyes lit up curiously. "Are those wings?" she asked unsure if they were what she thought they were for... Afterall she never seen any made of metal... only the ones her father had on his back and her own. and the winged animals and insects found throughout the region, though not very common so far north.

"Of course, what kind of Air commander or seeker would I be if I didn't have an alt mode that could fly?" Starscream asked, mildly insulted at the notion of having any other alternate mode.

Yza looked confused for a moment then excited. With a small grin she gave a hopeful look. "Can I see?" she asked with a tilt of her head. She didn't realize he could turn into something else, other than the holo she had seen that morning when helping with her mother.

Starscream smirked and gently set her down. He took a few steps back to have enough room before transforming into his jet mode.

Yza's eyes lit up in excitement as she watched, she'd had no idea they could do that. She wasn't even sure what to say as she watched in awe.

Starscream soon transformed back with a smug expression. "More impressive than a dragon, wouldn't you say?"

"I think it's pretty cool, I didn't know your bodies could change like that. it’s neat." she said her wings fluttering. she wondered how good he was at flying? She honestly wasn't practiced at all. it was too cold where she lived, and without her father around to help teach her, it was too dangerous and her mother had always worried about the young womer hurting herself while trying to launch from a height too high and not being able to control her landing. She could glide somewhat and use them to jump a bit further than normal people, but that was the extent of how she knew how to use them. though she knew from stories of her mother that her pa had been a very excellent flyer in his own right.

"I couldn't help but notice you also have wings. Do you know how to fly?" Starscream asked out of curiosity. At least they would have something other than horrific events in common if she did.

Yza glanced to the side. "tried learning when I was, little, my pa could fly, but he died when I was still small before he ever had a chance to teach me, when I tried to do it myself I ended up falling from a cliff and injuring one of them, I recovered luckily but it scared my ma half to death so she asked me not to go jumping from heights anymore.." she said a little embarrassed.

"A simple mistake from an amateur. Something we seekers learn young. Perhaps I could take over then and teach you." Starscream said in a rather proud demeanor.

Yza's wings twitched in anticipation. "Can you Serjo!?" she asked, a grin coming to her face, clearly excited at the prospect of being able to take to the skies herself.

Starscream nodded. "If I could teach my sister, I'm sure it'll be no issue."

Yza smiled running up to the bot and awkwardly hugging his foot. "Thank you Serjo." she said before pulling away again.

"Of course, child. It'll be a welcomed distraction from the cold." He said as he stood up straight.

Yzadreth nodded still smiling as she took her jacket off for now and tied it around her waist, she didn't want the wings burdened with anything they could catch on. She could hardly wait.

Starscream looked around to make sure they had ample room to proceed. He glanced back at her. "Let me see what you can do first."

Yza nodded as she tried to find a big enough rock she could climb up on to get some height, her father before her had been able to launch himself from the ground but she didn't even know where to begin with something like that, so she found a small ledge with plenty of snow for a soft landing if she did flop this time around. She took a few steps back before racing forward and taking a bound at the edge as she pushed off. Her wings spread out and caught the wind, she was able to flutter them for a few moments, staying in the air for a few seconds before she finally lost balance and the girl tumbled to the ground with a small grunt, but she was able to roll out of the fumble unscathed.

Starscream couldn't help but laugh. Being reminded of how his sister started out. "Balance. That is your main problem."

Yza nodded with a small huff shaking the snow off her head and wings from her rough landing. "So..?" she asked with a raised brow, like no duh, but she wasn't exactly sure how to correct it.

After his laughing fit Starscream went over to her and knelt. Now being serious, or at least attempting to, he straightened out her posture. "Flying is a fundamental part of you, just as walking. You need balance for both. The difference." He pointed at her wings. "The position of your wings and how they function. When you're in the air, your balance shifts to that point."

Yza glanced behind her looking at the wings on her back reflecting some of the sun that had finally come out from behind the clouds of last night’s storm she looked back at him before trying to test her wings seeing if she could feel it where she stood or not. It was difficult to focus when your feet were off the ground and your first thought was accidentally crashing. but she eventually went back to the spot from before and tried again, trying to focus on the weight of her wings this time.

Starscream watched carefully, curious if she would get it this time.

taking a deep breath, she raced forward one more time and leaped, her wings caught the air a little later than last time and she tried to shift her body just slightly until she felt her center of balance shift and stay stable. She actually managed to stay in the air a bit longer and for the first time she managed to land on her feet, though she did stumble a little during her touch down.

Starscream helped to keep her from falling when she landed. "Not bad for the attempt." He said with a small smirk.

Yza smiled up at him. "that's the best one I've done yet." she admitted glad to be improving.

Starscream felt a surge of pride and grinned. "Keep at it and you will continue to improve. Maybe you just might be able to keep up with me one day."

the girl giggled as she nodded with a determined expression. "Hope so! I'll make sure of it!" she said.

Starscream stood up and looked back at their currently abandoned path. "Do you wish to continue with this or journey forth?" He felt odd asking for someone else's input but shrugged it off.

Yzadreth paused for a moment, excited as she was to continue, she didn't want to stay in the cold too long, she could feel the ice trying to build up on her wings again as she sighed and put her cloak back on. "Should probably keep going, I'm sure there will be other opportunities in warmer areas." she sighed joining the bot again as she tried to hop and flutter up to the spot she had been settled on earlier. before her impromptu flight lesson.

Starscream stood still long enough for her to get back on his shoulder. He debated with himself on whether to make it a challenge for her at some point.

Finally settling down she let herself relax again, she may have slept some last night but not very well, dreams and pain from the recent events having kept her up. The weather of the region started to warm up the further south they headed, the drowsier the young womer became, though she wasn't going to admit to it even as her eyes, antennae and even wings drooped lower.

After some time, Starscream was becoming sluggish in his movement. He sighed and looked at her.

Yza was already half asleep on his shoulder when he turned his head just enough to look at her and jostle her back to mostly awake again. "Sorry... I got lost in thought, how far are we?" she asked noticing the snow was now gone, replaced with sparse grass and flowers, bushes and few trees among the craggy stone cliffs of the mountainous country.

"Too far to continue for now." He said as he went over to a large rock and carefully sat down.

Yza nodded quietly as she carefully jumped down once he was sitting, she tried not to yawn as she looked around, she should probably lie down but she wanted to make sure the place was safe enough for now, checking for any animals or potential travelers. She didn't see anything for now so she settled down, not bothering to look for anything to eat knowing they would be in a city soon enough, or she could try to find something she could catch when she woke up. She’d not really slept out in the open before and she had to admit it was a little scary as it was starting to finally get dark again.

Starscream closed his optics, leaning back against the rock and folding his arms across his chassis. He let out a quiet sigh, grateful that it wasn't as cold as last time.

yawning the young womer opened her eyes to a still dark sky, it was clear out at least, she turned a little and could see the large bot still sleeping against the rock she huffed quietly as she sat up rubbing at her eyes. she got up quietly and moved a little closer before finally settling down again and falling asleep fully this time.

When the early morning came, Starscream shook himself awake and looked around. Sitting up straight he soon stretched his arms in front of him and yawned.

Yza's ears flicked quietly, her mouth partly opened as she slept on, she wasn't used to such a long journey and it appeared her body had managed to find a way to fall into a deep sleep as her wings twitched quietly from her position curled up on the ground

Starscream looked down at her. Instead of standing up, he sat back against the rock, letting her sleep.

A couple hours later the womer finally uncurled herself from her cocoon as she yawned and stretched her body out. blinking her eyes open to the sunlight she remembered she wasn't in her bed, but outside near the side of the road. Yesterday had almost felt like a surreal dream and it was disorienting to wake up still out in the open. She looked up at the bot rubbing sleep from her eyes. "good morning Serjo.." she murmured still trying to rouse herself.

Starscream looked down at her and nodded before sitting up straight again.

"What time is it?" she asked yawning as she carefully rose to her feet. She felt hungry but she hoped they would find a town soon.

"Still relatively early in the morning, I'd say." Starscream responded as he slowly stood up.

“Ready to keep going?” She asked looking up at him as she climbed the rock he had been laying against. It was getting a bit warm for her as she removed her cloak entirely and put it in her bag. She was glad to be out of the snow and ice.

Starscream stretched some more then looked back at her and nodded.

Yza smiled as she tried to jump up again. Having an easier time now that her cloak wasn’t restricting her wings movement. She figured it was faster to stay with him while they traveled, and perhaps just maybe she liked being able to see the world from up higher like this she wasn’t about to say anything.

Starscream smirked and took a step forward before she could get on his shoulder.

Yza gasped fumbling a little before landing back on the ground with a huff. She pouted and crossed her arms before walking in the other direction seemingly dejected. But she was never one to give up so easily as she found another ledge that was slightly higher, she waited until she was certain he wasn’t looking at her before she tried to jump again for his shoulder. This time managing to glide more smoothly until she landed at her target.

Starscream laughed and looked at her. "Don't expect next time to be so simple." He said with a grin.

Yza nodded with a determined smile, a silent indication of an accepted challenge as she settled herself down where she had been yesterday.

Getting back on the path, Starscream recalled where the nearest town was and went in that direction.

After a little while Yza’s ears perked up as she saw something in the distance, it looked like a patrol of guards heading in their direction. She froze up for a moment before trying to get the bots attention, she shouldn’t try to get seen, otherwise she doubted they would be making it into any nearby towns.

Starscream seen the guards in the distance and at first was ready to attack them but glanced over at Yza and instead went to the side of the path to hide.

Yzadreth stayed still watching for the guards hoping her rather large companion wasn’t too noticeable now that they were hidden between the trees and rocks. “Well, I guess the one good thing about this is that we know there’s a town nearby now, they must have come from the city.” She said up to him in a hushed tone.

Starscream nodded and looked at her. "It might be best if I maneuver around the outside of the town and leave you with my holoform."

Yza nodded. “Yah that’s probably for the best, unfortunately there’s not many great hiding spots close to the city, the hold sits on a relatively clear hill with tundra and farmland around it…

"Who said I would be walking?" Starscream said before gently setting her down on the ground.

“Oh.” She laughed realizing his plan, she supposed that worked. “I should have figured that before…” she said as she gave him some space.

Starscream had his holoform appear beside him before looking to make sure no one else was coming.

Yza peeked her head into the clearing towards the road, it seemed the guards had passed by now and she saw no one else coming.

As Starscream's holoform went back to the road, he walked a further distant away and transformed before taking off.

Yza watched with awe at how fast he flew out, and he was so high up he seemed to have vanished into the clouds. She wondered if she would be able to fly that high up someday, though she doubted she would ever be quite as fast.

Starscream looked back at her and crossed his arms. "Are you coming, child?"

Yzadreth shook herself out of her thoughts and nodded. “Yah I’m coming!” She shouted hurrying to catch up with the bots holo. When the city walls were in view Yza shifted slightly, uneasy as she thought to take out her cloak again… she may be a little hot but she knew if she just went into town as she was people would stare or say something, neither she looked forward to so she would have to cover up again. As she raised her hood to cover her antennae and third eye.

"Don't hide yourself. Be proud of who you are and slag to what anyone else thinks or says." Starscream growled, as he glared at the town.

Yza blinked in surprise as he spoke to her, recalling the conversation from yesterday she nodded in understanding. She sighed “Suppose you’re right, it’s just annoying to deal with is all.” She said with a huff as she let the hood fall and let the clock hang over her shoulder.

Starscream sighed and nodded. "I know but... just ignore it the best you can."

Yza nodded quietly and kept walking with him, as they approached the city there was a small camp setup outside, some cat like people were busy setting up shop and creating a fire pit to cook something for their caravan to eat. Yza smiled towards the khajjiti and waved, one of the cat people nodded back politely. at least the khajjit were kind, but she supposed they were in the same boat as her people in terms of being too "different" for the tastes of the powers that be.

Starscream looked around the town then at her. "Where did you want to go?" He asked with a slight head tilt.

Yza honestly wasn't sure, she had hoped that maybe she would hear something familiar again, like they had last night, but nothing stood out to her as she swiveled her head to look around the city. "I'm not really sure, I was hoping there would be some kind of clue to what we heard back at the farm... I mean I guess we could ask someone if they heard anything weird a couple nights ago?" she said with a small shrug, but she wasn't certain.

"That would be the best course of action." Starscream said as he turned his attention back ahead of them.

Glancing around for whatever face seemed friendly enough to approach she noticed a blacksmith woman at her forge hammering out a new sword. She had noticed them but hadn't given any weird looks other than a passing glance which was a good enough sign to her that it was safe enough to approach, well at least enough to have a conversation, she wasn't looking to get any fingers crushed on an iron today. "Uhm... good morning mam, sorry to interrupt but I had a question...." she asked quietly as she woman paused her work to look at the pair. "Sure? How can I help..?" she asked with a quirked brow. “A couple of nights ago... did you hear a strange shouting from around here? any idea where it came from?" she asked hoping someone else had heard the call as they had. the women rubbed her chin as she thought. "Now I think I did? got woken up from my sleep a couple nights ago by it, not sure where exactly it came from though, but people been saying it may have been the greybeards." she said with a shrug. turning back to her work she continued. "Why do you want to know?" she asked curiously what had these strangers coming all the way to this place just to ask a question like that. "Uhm... no reason... just curious..." she said glancing to the side. "Who are the greybeards by chance?" the women laughed. "Ah, they’re old hermits living up top of high Hrothgar, they're said to be masters of the ancient art of the Thuum, people don't hear from the often so it was quite a surprise when the shout rang out a couple nights ago.." she explained as she gestured towards the tall mountain quite a ways from the city. "There’s a path leading up to their monastery in the village of Ivarstead, only real way to climb the mountain." she said with a smile. the young womer smiled back as she nodded. "Thank you miss! That’s just what I needed to know! Thank you! Have a good day!" she called as she hurried back to the gate, more than happy to be leaving this place as soon as possible. but the woman called back. "Wait where you are going? You don't expect to climb the mountain without any gear, do you? It’s not exactly an easy hike kid." she warned.

Starscream smirked at the comment and shook his head. "Simple organics..." He muttered to himself as he followed Ysa.

Yza didn't hear as she made it back to the city gates, waiting for the holo of the bot she was traveling with before walking through.

Starscream not noticing she had already run ahead rushed to catch up, getting distracted looking around the town.

Yza sighed with content when they were finally out of earshot of the city guards, “See! It wasn’t so difficult to find a clue.” She said with a confident smile. She sighed. “Looks like answers to my situation may be within reach after all.” She said looking up at him. She slowed as they neared the caravan though. She looked through her bag and found her coin purse as she walked over.. ”Do you guys have any food for sale?” She asked feeling her stomach growl. She didn’t really like buying stuff in the cities, Nordic food tended to be bland and with the shop and bar keepers tending to be rude to her people she didn’t have the patience to deal with them anyways, at least the khajjit were polite, and they sometimes had more interesting and unique things to try out.

Starscream watched before turning his head back towards the mountain. He was doubting that the answers she wanted would be that easy to get. He sighed to himself, getting lost in thought, debating whether to bring that up with her or not.

After finding something tasty to eat the womer waved goodbye to the cat folk and joined the holo again as she took a small bite of her breakfast while they walked.

Starscream took a deep breath and looked at her. "How much faith do you have in the words of those in that village?"

Yza glanced up with a mouthful of food as she shrugged. Did she have much choice? All she could really do was ask, and the woman seemed nice enough.

"All I'm saying is to try and keep your options open. Even if there doesn't seem to be any, one may show up when you least expect it." He said as he turned his head away.

Yza smiled and swallowed before wiping her mouth on her sleeve. “Alright, I’ll keep it in mind.” She said though she didn’t seem too worried about the next leg of their journey.

Chapter Text

"I suppose now would be the time that human half expected us to 'climb' this mountain hmm?" He said with a certain smugness.

Yzadreth nodded. “Yah basically.” She said with a small smile, not that she fully intended to walk the entire way if she understood the flyer right.

Starscream looked around to make sure no one else was in the current area. When he was certain of that, his holoform faded as he transformed and landed close by.

Yza grinned as she ran up to him. “So- what’s it like when you’re like that?” She asked curiously. “I mean when you have that other form present and your real body, do you like… see both views at once?” She asked wondering what it would feel like. She thought it would be awfully confusing to be walking around on the ground with the holo while trying to stay airborne many feet above.

Starscream tilted his head and laughed slightly. "Yes, I can see from both my holoform and my real body. It's fairly common practice when we interact with organic races. Some planets don't allow my kind to be there, so we use holoforms to move about virtually undetected."

Yza nodded. “Huh, cool I would’ve thought it would be disorienting seeing from two views at the same time, but I guess you guys are pretty used to it though.” She said.

"Some more than others... I recently had to get used to it when several others and myself were trapped on another world." Starscream explained with a growl.

Yza tilted her head. “Not your first time getting lost?” She asked curiously.

Starscream shook his head. "Unfortunately. We ended up on this strange world called Halpha. The inhabitants there were... odd to put it mildly..."

Yza nodded curiously, not sure what could qualify as odd in the robots mind but not questioning him.

"Anyways, enough about that. We should get moving." Starscream said folding his arms.

Yza nodded in agreement with a small smile as she hurried her pace running towards the tall mountain ahead of them. Ready to see what was at the top and hopefully get her much needed answers from these hermits she’d heard about.

Starscream kept up with her easily enough, looking around to be sure nothing potentially dangerous was around.

It took a little while but soon they were at the foot of the mountain as Yza looked up at the sheer slope in front of them. She wasn’t sure if she could fly in that manner to scale the cliff surface. But she wanted to try to use her wings more. She wanted to fly like him someday, so she had to try.

Starscream crossed his arma and looked down at her. "So, how exactly do you want to approach this?"

“I-I don’t know if I can go straight up like that…” she gulped the cliff looking a bit more intimidating than she had hoped it would be. Maybe one day she would be able to scale it, but this was taller than she could clearly see from the bottom.

Starscream smirked and knelt, holding his hand down to her.

Yza looked up at him uncertain at first but deciding to trust him again she climbed up.

Starscream stood up as he held her close to his chassis. "Hold on tight." He said shortly before jumping.

Yza nodded eyes a little wide as she made sure to find a hold on the bot before they shot up into the air higher than she had ever been before. most would likely be scared with the sudden leap, but to her it was thrilling, the chill that ran up her back she couldn't tell if it came from the returning cold at this altitude or sheer excitement.

Starscream landed elegantly and looked around, moving his hand enough for her to see as well. She seemed to enjoy the view after all and who was he to steal that simple joy from her?

Yza shook her head as she let her eyes scan the horizon, had they really scaled the mountain so fast? She looked down from where they had come from and her view was only obstructed by fog and clouds.

Carefully Starscream set her down at his feet. "How much farther do we have before we find these hermits?"

“It sounded like they were quite a ways up, the woman mentioned a path but I think we skipped quite a bit of it…” she said as she looked around, noticing a stand of stacked stones, similar to the ones that marked her parents graves she noticed how there was quite a few of them wrapping their way up the mountain, some stone steps carved into the mountain side winding slowly up. She knew at the end of this path they would find what they were looking for. It was a bit icy, and the wind was getting heavier up here, but she knew they had to keep going.

Starscream lowered his wings as he stood up straight. "Let's go then before this weather threatens to freeze me solid. "

Yza nodded as she hurried up the path. Almost slipping a few times as the wind tried to push her towards the ledge, she had to tuck her wings in knowing they would likely get her thrown off the side of the mountain if she wasn’t careful.

Starscream helped keep her steady as they went along the path. His frame giving off a small shiver that he tried to shake off.

After an amount of time Yza finally saw something in the distance, a stone structure built into the side of the mountain, with a large set of doors, the building looked ancient, but two pots of fire burned, and candles lit in the frosted windows showed evidence of life inside. “I think we found it serjo…” she said before continuing up the steps to the door, giving a heavy shove she managed to get the doors opened.

Starscream folded his arms, as he stepped near one of the fire pots, though he attempted to make it seem like he was fine.

“Are you going to be ok? Maybe you could use that form of yours and follow me into the building, you don’t have to stay out here in freezing cold the entire time serjo?” She suggested to him seeing his shivering frame and hearing the metal shake.

"Holoform is just a tangible projection for me to interact with organics, it has no effect on my body's ability to maintain its core temperature." Starscream said as he shook a bit. "I should be fine until you return..."

Yza shrugged but nodded. “Alright, I’ll try not to take long. Finally entering she noticed a few hooded figures, one of them lowered their hoods to show an older man, with wouldn’t she have guessed it? A grey beard. “Are you the ones who shouted into the sky two nights ago…?” She asked as the old Nord looked surprised. “Yes child we were, and I have a feeling I know what brings you here, child tell me, have you used the Thuum?” He asked patiently gesturing for her to talk into the room further. “I-I’m not sure I know what that is…” she said her ears tilting down. “Ah I shall explain it then, the shout which you heard that night, we were responding to the one who shouted first, this little Mer is the language of the dragons, these shouts are words of power that very few mortals ever learn, are you perhaps the one who shouted first?” He asked as her ears flicked up as realization sank in… she’d shouted yes… it had all been a blur of emotion she barely remembered it, but she nodded. “Yes serjo… it was me…. I, it confused me, so much happened in the past couple days and I needed answers, the shout I heard from you, it was my only real clue so I had to follow it… can you tell me about this… dragon tongue? Why is it I can speak it?” She asked, feeling like she was getting more questions for every answer she received.

Starscream meanwhile sat down by the fire curling up as much as he could to try and keep his internal temperature in check. He would need to find a better solution to this issue once Yza returned. Hopefully this talk with the hermits wouldn’t take long, why did so many organic planets have these blasted arctic regions? Halpha, Earth, now this place.

The conversation went longer than Yzadreth had imagined, after giving an example of her shout they were able to teach her a new piece, and they explained that this was a sign of something else she hadn’t been aware of… she was something called Dragonborn… that she could consume the souls of dragons and take their power as her own… she was warned this was a great responsibility and not to rush herself but she was determined to learn more. They hoped to give her a test, to retrieve a relic from one of the ancient burial grounds as a test of her abilities and to teach her more about what she could do… it was a lot to take in but she tried to wrap her head around it as she walked back out the front doors to Starscream who looked like he was about to turn frozen solid at any Moment. She hurried over to him and leapt up onto his shoulder to use her ancestors’ flames once more trying to warm him back up.

Starscream slowly moved his hand and opened his optics. His entire frame shivered as he turned his head to her. "Nearly talked you to death, I suppose?" He tried to maintain a cocky smile on his face but failed as he lowered his head to conserve as much heat as he could.

“Almost, but not as much as they almost talked you to death! let’s get out of here before the cold kills you serjo.” She said looking up at him. She didn’t like the cold much either.

Starscream sighed as he nodded. Slowly the seeker stood up on his shaking legs.

Yza held tight preparing for the bot to fly if he was planning to.

Starscream looked back at his near frozen wings then at her and shook his head. Instead he walked down the path, keeping his arms folded across his chassis.

Yza nodded in understanding trying to help warm him as they descended the mountain slowly. Starscream shivered again as he continued walking down the path. "This is just as bad as the Kvaris region..." he grumbled to himself.

"All we have to do is reach the bottom and we should be fine serjo, we won't be in the cold for long.." she tried to assure him though she was shivering too once her fire cloak dispelled.

Starscream went over to the edge he thought they had come from and looked down. "How confident are you that my shock absorbers are still functioning properly?"

Yzadreth looked down at his feet curiously, it was hard to tell in in the snow. "not sure... how about your wings? could try to glide lower so the ice melts before trying to land?" she said unsure if he could do anything with his wings in these conditions.

Starscream glanced back as he moved his wings. A pained expression on his face as he did so. "I might be able to that..."

“Are you going to be alright? She asked seeing his painful grimace. She felt bad for having him come all the way up here with her.

"I'll be fine." He said as he tilted his wings at an angle. "Are you ready?" He asked ignoring any pain he felt.

Yza nodded clinging a little more tightly, she wanted to find some way to help him, but they could think of that once they were back on the ground safely out of the cold.

Starscream soon jumped down to a lower level, making a landing that wasn't as graceful as on the way up. He stumbled into a rock before regaining his balance.

Yza nearly fell off his shoulder as she clung tighter before tumbling down a safe distance away with only minor scuffs on her hands and face. she hurried back over to the seeker. "You ok? that looked urr- felt rough." Yza said looking concerned.

Starscream stood up straight and sighed. "I'm fine..." He insisted and looked down at her. Yza nodded though still a bit doubtful after having seen the pain on his face earlier but she wasn't going to argue with the seeker as she readjusted her tunic and flapped her wings to free them of remaining snow and frost.

He lowered himself enough to hold his hand down to her. "Do you still trust me?"

Yza smiled as she nodded. "Of course I do serjo, I just don't want to accidentally lose you." she said as she approached and climbed up.

Starscream held her close and smirked. "You give my durability too little credit..." He said then jump down again. Yza smiled with small laugh before clinging on tight again as they continued the descent again.

Starscream managed to keep his balance a bit better this time as he landed. He looked down once again. "One more long jump..."

"I’m ready!" she chirped up at him, finally able to see the bottom of the mountain. Starscream let out a deep sigh then took the jump down. Yzadreth let out a small huff once they finally reached the warmth of the mountains base. it was crazy how fast the temperature could drop so high up.

Once he landed, Starscream carefully set her down. "Did you get any answers from them?"

Yza nodded. "Some, not all- but more than I had before... apparently I'm something called a dragonborn? Apparently, I can eat a dragon’s soul and learn its powers... which is that weird shouting we heard... and what I did when I broke down at the house. It comes to me more naturally than it does anyone else, I learned a shout only an hour or so after the dragon died, these guys had to learn their shouts by training for years... and there are places I can learn more, they even taught me a few they know! actually let me show you one of them! it's really neat!" she said with a grin as she looked for a spot to climb up and get some height. finding another suitable rock, she took a deep breath and let out a strange language that echoed in the air, her feet seemed to be lifted off the ground for just a moment as an unseen force shot her forward. for the first time she didn't need to take a racing start at her takeoff, the shout had carried her into the air with little effort. as she grinned at the seeker.

Starscream folded his arm with an impressed expression. "At least they taught you something useful." He said with a grin.

Yza beamed up at him with pointed teeth after her successful take off. She was excited to see what else was out there, she sighed remembering the elders’ warnings though. “They said I need to be careful though… I mentioned the dragon attack… they said that the dragons may be after me because of what I am… they think I’m a threat because I can take their souls and powers… so that may have been the reason one showed up at my house… I just don’t know why it came then? Like… where did it come from? I still don’t know how it got there, according to the elders the dragons were extinct and they honestly can’t tell how it’s possible one attacked me.” She said her wings were lowering as she thought about it. If she hadn’t been born what she was, would her mother still be alive? She wasn’t sure…

Starscream shuttered at the thought of more dragons showing up. "I suppose we'll just have to be careful then."

Yza nodded, she supposed that meant she shouldn’t be using her powers too often, shouting could just bring more attention to herself. Fun as it was to launch herself into the air with nothing but a yell, getting attacked again didn’t sound worth it.

"Did those fossils at least point you in a direction we could be heading?" He asked raising an optic ridge

Yza nodded, “uh yah they put a place on my map that has some words of power recorded in them somewhere and some old relic they requested I pick up for them if I wanted to learn some more from them… I’m not too familiar with the location it’s supposed to be an old barrow…” she said looking at the map trying to figure out the best way to reach their destination.

Starscream looked at the map over her shoulder. "Are we to improvise then?"

Yza shrugged. “I Guess so?” She said as she carefully closed it. “

Starscream straightened out and stretched, feeling his joints and limbs had thawed enough for him to freely move again. Yza once she had gathered her bearings and sense of direction decided to stretch her legs for a while and walk with the bot instead of just perching on his shoulder like she had been. she hoped she was going the right direction, taking the map out occasionally to double check for anything that could be off.

Starscream lowered his wings and looked at the sky. Some part of him being reminded of Vos. Below Yza hummed as she wandered down the path, going back through what seemed to be a mountain pass she hoped this was the right direction, luckily there was no sign of colder climate in this area, the road ahead seemed quiet and the air was comfortable.

Starscream kept his wings tighter to his body as they went through the pass, keeping a lookout for anything out of place. Yza glanced up at the sky now and then, she took out her map, surely the barrow must be somewhere around here.

Starscream glanced down at her and tilted his head. "Are we close to our destination?"

Yza looked a little unsure as she glanced up handing him the map. "I'm not sure, I thought we'd have seen it by now." she said feeling guilty if she had gotten them both lost. Starscream glanced at the map then looked around before turning his sights back to her and shrugging.

her ears tilted down looking at it. "Should we turn back? It will be dark soon..." she said unsure of what to do. She wasn't sure how she felt being in this valley as the sun was getting ready to go down.

"That would probably be for the best." Starscream said as he handed back the map to her.

The womer gave a small huff as she nodded and put it away, feeling a little down she wasted time coming all the way out there, she'd have to find another village and ask for directions to point them too. For now, they should find a place to rest.

Starscream raised and optic ridge before picking her up.

Yza hadn't expected the sudden lift and swiveled to face him. "Sorry I got us lost...” she said with a small pout.

"Don't worry about it. There's always tomorrow." Starscream said as he walked out of the mountain pass. Yza nodded quietly with a tired sigh as she leaned against him. The sun had already started hiding behind the mountains and the small womer was feeling sleepy.

Starscream soon stepped away from the path, and finding a decently hidden spot, carefully sat down. Yza had ended up curled up against him, having fallen asleep not long before the seeker had found a place to settle down for the night.

Starscream adjusted his wings position as he laid down, being careful not to wake her. He ended up staying awake longer than he wanted, staring up at the sky, occasionally checking to make sure Yza was sleeping alright.

Chapter Text

Yza slept peacefully for most of the night, though as early morning started to arrive the little womers ears flicked up as she thought she heard something approaching.

Starscream raised his head slightly and looked around before resting back down.

Yza blinked quietly in the low light, the noise seemed to be gone for now as she went to rest before she heard a roar in the distance and she froze before sitting bolt upright.

Starscream sat up and looked in the direction of the sound. "What was that?"

Yza was going to respond when it came again, there was a shape in the sky that was familiar enough to make the little womer shudder. "Serjo I think it's another one." she squeaked out. The only thing the girl could think of was what happened to her mother as she tried to pull herself up to act... or something she wasn't sure. Surprisingly though the dragon didn't go towards them, instead she noticed a light in the distance, what looked like a watch tower, but she noticed it was set ablaze as her eyes widened. "Serjo I think it's trying to attack a city." she called up. Despite the fear she bolted towards the flames, she couldn't watch anymore people lose their lives to one of these creatures.

Starscream quickly got up and went after her then stopped realizing he shouldn't go any further. He growled before having his holoform appear and chase after her.

Yza ran towards the smoke and flames in the distance, she could hear the roar in the sky and shouting from below, guards with bows and arrows trying to shoot the beast down without much luck. the tower looked damaged, the upper half having been crashed into it seemed looking unstable.

Finally catching up to her, Starscream grabbed her arm. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?!"

"But they- those people! They need help!" she said her eyes wide and burning. She was tense but looked determined despite the trembling in her body.

"And how are we supposed to help them?!" He shouted back before looking at the buildings.

Yza bit her bottom lip glaring at the holo pilot knowing she didn't have an answer. and yet her reckless heart was calling her to act and she couldn't fight against her instincts. she looked up at the burning tower as she saw the dragon land on the ground nearby. then her plan struck her and she knew she had to move now. with a deep breath she prepared her voice as she shouted.

"WULD!" and with an impossible amount of force the womer broke out of his grip and had launched herself towards the tower as she took out her father’s sword. The beast below her was distracted as she climbed up the ledge of the partially collapsed tower. steadying herself she took aim and she dove for the beast while it's back was turned trying to snap its teeth around one of the guards, only moments later did the beast screech in pain and confusion as it reared up trying to see what had landed on its back, Yza with her blade had drove her sword into the monsters chest. When it tried to throw her off, she dug her fingers into the beasts’ scales until they bled from the force as she twisted the blade with as much strength as she could muster. The dragon roared before launching itself into the air as the womer's eyes widened she held on as tight as she possibly could, but she could feel herself slipping as she started to panic. she glanced to the side trying to see where the holo pilot was or the bots’ true form from where she was. That’s when she noticed a possible advantage. she would like to see the beast fight without being able to fly. She gritted her teeth as she took out a smaller knife, she didn't dare pull out the sword and lose her grip on the beast as she hacked at the base of the creature’s wing as it roared in rage and pain and tried to roll her off of its back. but as she had planned, even if she couldn't cut it completely, she had damaged it vitally as the beast began to lose control and dive out of control towards the ground... it was then she finally realized her error as she saw the ground approaching at breakneck speeds. eyes wide she yanked the sword out and threw herself away from the monster tumbling in the air for moment before she barely caught herself and skidded on her hands and knees against the ground. winded, terrified, shocked, but not dead to her relief as she caught her breath looking back as she saw light flowing around her body as the dragon’s corpse turned back to bones on the path it had crashed down upon.

Even through a near hysterical fear, Starscream managed to track her down. Seeing her still standing relieved some fear as he sighed before running over to her.

Yza was still in a daze of shock hardly believing she had pulled it off, the surviving guards were busy trying to pull their injured brethren from the wreckage as she looked back up to see Starscream running towards her, or at least his holo as she ran back over to him and dove into his arms. despite her stubbornness she had been scared and hardly believed she had done this herself, and much as the little womer often did when overwhelmed she cried, though whether that was tears of relief, or fear or guilt, she couldn't tell. but she clung on tightly, knowing she had done something likely stupid and scared this companion of hers to oblivion and back. She was glad they had returned despite her recklessness because she wouldn't know what to do on her own.

Starscream had been set to yell at her, scold her for running off to such a dangerous situation. However, seeing her cling to him, he sighed and embraced her, choosing to remain silent for now.

The girl wiped at her eyes sniffling before finally finding the courage to look back up at him. "I-I'm sorry serjo--I had to do something..." she said still bubbling tears feeling guilt for trying to run away from him before.

Starscream pulled away from her just a bit as he placed his hands on her shoulders. "Don't ever run off like that again... You could have been hurt or killed." He tried not to raise his voice. Yza nodded before bowing her head and hugging him again. She knew that much, she just couldn't watch it happen again. Starscream sighed as he returned the gesture.

after some time, the young womer finally started to calm down. the adrenaline and fear having melted back into tiredness again as her eyes drooped. She felt sore and she couldn't help but think of her mum when she caught sight of dragon bones nearby.

Starscream looked down at her. "It might be best if we left this place now." Yza nodded quietly wiping her eyes one more time before following him. She wasn't sure where to go next, but she didn't want to be here anymore. Once they were far enough away, Starscream's holoform faded once more as he landed nearby. He then knelt and lowered his hand to her.

Yza smiled tiredly and approached without hesitation as she climbed back up to the now familiar perch she had found on his shoulder.

Starscream stood up and started to walk down the path they had been on yesterday. "Will you be alright?"

"I think so serjo... I'm just tired..." she said quietly snuggling a little closer with a yawn as her wings fluttered restlessly before finally settling down again.

Starscream nodded. "Rest then. I'll try to find the location they tasked you to go to."

Yza nodded quietly as she yawned again. "Alright... thank you serjo." she murmured before letting her eyes close.... slaying dragons took a lot of energy it seemed. Starscream smiled softly as he continued his way.

Sometime later the little womer opened her eyes, rubbing them she sat up slowly as she looked around the area, she could see the stone structures of old ruins hidden among hills, it appeared they had found their destination. Starscream was sitting against some large rocks, doing some much needed self-maintenance, every once in a while, glancing up to see if she was awake. When he seen her sit up, he stopped what he was doing.

“You found the ruins?” She asked with a sleepy smile as she yawned before stretching. The aching had lessened with rest as she looked towards the entrance. The door itself was large enough for the bot to fit through, but she wasn’t sure what the inside would be like the deeper they needed to travel… she had a feeling from the extensive building she could see on the surface this was going to be rather large ruins… but that didn’t mean it would be easy to navigate.

"It wasn't simple to find. I went around in circles several times before I found it." The seekers growled as he stood up. "Whatever it is those hermits want from here better be worth the trouble."

Yza nodded. “Can’t help that most of this place is buried in the ground now, the barrows are ancient. But they said there may be more information of use to me here as well while I was looking so thought it might be worth a shot, I hadn’t realized how difficult it would be to locate though.” She said quietly, it was a bit windy, but not freezing, still she had to wonder what was inside.

"Well then... Shall we?" Starscream didn't wait for a response as he went over to the door. Yza smiled as she happed to her feet and hurried after him pushing open the doors, the entry of the barrow was actually quite large, however to go further in the doorway was much narrower and shorter, made for those the size of an average mortal… less so designed for even the smaller of cybertronians…

Starscream grumbled to himself and looked down at her. "Looks like you're stuck with my holoform again..." He said as he had his holo appear once more.

Yza hummed in agreement. “That may be a theme serjo… they didn’t exactly build their cities for large robots…” she said.

"That is abundantly clear..." Starscream said then walked off ahead. Yza nodded as she checked her bag before continuing deeper into the ruins. The barrow it seemed, was an ancient tomb, bodies of the deceased Nords mostly bones now, the air was colder and damper as they descended into the ancient city. it was unnerving for the young womer, but she kept her head up, and her blade on hand... should anything be lurking in this place. Starscream looked back at her. "What is it, exactly that they wanted you to find in this pit?"

Yza hummed trying to think of how to explain it. "some old relic... an instrument I think? they called it the horn of Jurgan wind caller? apparently he was one of the first people to use the Thuum...he's the one created the monastery on High Hrothgar, he's buried here somewhere and the relic is in the same room that he is I think." she said not sure how this horn meant anything, but she had been told that there were other secrets within that would test her new abilities, and potential for finding new shouts she could learn if she knew where to look.

"All this way for some instrument..." Starscream sighed. "Whatever... I suppose we should be on the lookout for traps then." He grumbled. Yza nodded before pausing as she heard something moving in the distance, a gravelly voice she couldn't understand that sounded like something between growling and choking had her squinting her eyes in the low light as she stepped forward cautiously with her blade drawn.

Starscream froze and looked around. "What was that?!"

"I-I'm not sure... I mean... I used to hear rumors that some of the barrows are haunted... I didn't think they were true though, I thought it was just rumors to keep robbers from looting these places." she whispered. she tried to convince herself that a walking corpse wouldn't be as scary as a dragon... at least they were the same size as her... or closer.

Starscream regretted not keeping any of the weapons he had available to him on Halpha. He looked around for anything he could use. Soon he went and grabbed a dagger from the ground.

Yza took a couple steps closer before finally the creature came out of hiding, it looked at them with glowing eyes holding an old sword as it shouted at them with more force than Yza thought possible for a corpse that was so taken by time already, it nearly threw threw the girl off her feet if she hadn't braced herself before trying to charge at the creature herself, swinging her sword down in an arc to try and get the zombified nord to lay down like it was already supposed to be.

Starscream took a step back. Seeing the undead reminded him of the Terrorcons he had recently had to deal with. However he shook his head. Unlike the horrors he faced, these were at one point just organics. "Decapitate it!" He shouted.

Yza did so as best as she could, it tried clumsily to swing down on her but she side stepped the attack, while it's body was bent over from the missed swing she turned and brought her own blade down on its neck as the commander had said and the body fell still once more on the stone floor.

Starscream gave a sigh of relief. "Looks like there was some truth to those human horror films Knockout watches." He muttered as he walked over to her. Yza poked at the thing with the toe of her boot, holding her nose with one hand, this thing stunk she didn't want to be around it any longer than she had too. but her gaze turned back to the seeker in mild confusion wondering what he was muttering about.

Starscream shook his head as if telling her not worry about it. "Let's keep moving. " Yza shrugged before she continued further into the tunnels, she took note of some stone buttons to avoid, and that some traps seemed to have been already set before she had gotten there that she had to dodge and weave or simply rush through in the hope she didn't get hit.

Starscream easily maneuvered through the traps, almost seeming to make it into a game for himself as he had a wide grin on his face. Yza watched him curiously, she wasn’t quite confident enough to just copy his movements, but she thought it was funny how much he seemed to be enjoying this.

As he reached the other side unscathed, the seeker turned on his heels and gave a slight bow. The womer couldn’t help but give a small snicker. “Show off,” she teased but she was smiling, and it did look fun, if only she didn’t have to worry about accidentally chopping her own wings off in an axe swinging trap or burning them to a crisp in a gout of fire, she too would be dancing her way through these traps like a stage performer. But alas, she couldn’t be so brazen.

The air commander straightened his stance and folded his arms across his chest. "When you have been through half of what I have, this will seem like a training exercise." Yza tilted her head and nodded before completing the last puzzle to join his side once more. Starscream looked at her and smirked. "Not bad."

Finally, they had pushed themselves on into a more open room, the crypt they were in was at least 3 stories in height, she could see a ledge that once supported a bridge that had fallen. Though she was confident with her abilities she could cross it. She could see a device on the other side and noticed a locked gate towards the far end of the room.

Starscream crossed his arms and glanced at her, curious to see how she planned to get across.

Yza took a deep breath before shouting once more. "WULD!" spreading her wings she was able to cross the gap just barely. She had to catch the ledge with one hand and flutter her wings to push herself up. pulling the switch, the door on the other side opened. She noticed however something below, a wall of text carved into stone, she thought she could hear chanting yet this chamber was empty. feeling called to investigate she glided down to stand in front of the text. Her vision darkened but one of the ancient words seemed to glow as a power slowly flowed into her body. She could hear a shout in her mind and even at a whisper as she repeated it the girl’s body turned to that of a ghost, but only for a few moments.

Had he witnessed that with his true form, the seekers’ wings would be at their lowest point. "I suppose this irritating trip was worth it." He muttered. Yza nodded with a grin as she launched herself back up to the platform the holo had been waiting on. now to figure out how for her friend to proceed, it wasn't like his holo could fly itself.

"How are you going to get across?" she asked, she could use her own wings, but she wasn’t strong enough to carry him. Starscream looked around, walking over to the edge to see if there was any way for him to simply jump across. Yza couldn't see anything for him to be able to catch and leap over, the jump looked too far for someone without wings. but she was curious if he saw anything she didn't if not she had one idea... but she wasn't sure how much he would like it...

Not seeing any way across himself, Starscream turned to her and as if mentally preparing himself for what he was about to ask, let out a deep sigh. "Would there be one of those... things you're able to do be able to get me across?"

Yza gave a small snort as she tried not to laugh. she nodded. "I think so.... but I don't think you'll like it..." she warned the seeker. "I suggest you stay close to the ledge and prepare to jump when you hear my signal..." she said hoping she had enough force to clear him to the other side.

Starscream kept himself close to the edge and sighed once more and nodded. Yza approached taking a deep breath and holding it before opening her mouth again as the shout came tearing out of throat and off her tongue.

"Fus... Ro, DAH!" from her lips came an impossible gust of wind, like a leaf in a hurricane the seeker war thrown forwards across the room in only a matter of seconds.

Starscream braced himself for the impact as he hit the floor on the other side. Landing on his back and his eyes wide open, he was slightly regretting his choice. Slowly he sat up with a groan and shook his head.

moments later the womer glided over to his side, worried she had perhaps gone too far with her shout she landed near him where he was still on his back. "Are you ok Serjo?" she asked hurriedly, her wings fluttering behind her nervously.

Starscream raised his hand and nodded as he carefully got back to his feet. Yza sighed with relief reaching down to help pull him to his feet. "well at least it worked.." she said quietly before looking back towards the gate, it opened to another room, three stone pillars stood unmoving and beyond were three closed gates, she entered the room looking it over she saw now sign of a device with which to open the gates to the next chamber. Her wings fluttered in irritation and confusion as she went back to the other room wondering if there was anything she had missed in the larger chamber, but she saw nothing that stood out.

Starscream went into the room and looked around. He then sighed and leaned against one of the pillars.

As the seeker rested his back against the pillar it began to glow and the sound of one of the three gates opening was heard. Yzas ears flicked up as she hurried back into the room, once the seeker had moved away from the pillar though it stopped glowing and the gate shut once more.

Starscream tilted his head then looked over at one of the other pillars before walking over to it. With his approach it too sprang to life, lifting another one of the doors, but the one from before stayed closed until yza approached it once more. it seemed this puzzle was a timed one. Starscream thought for a moment then stepped between the pillar he had just approached and the one neither had went to.

the signal was weak, but it was just enough for the gates to open, Yza rushed through to the other side before pulling a lever, all the gates opened fully and stuck there. she gave a thumbed up the pathway now open.

Quickly, Starscream made his way over to her and looked back with a grin.

Yza looked ahead, it seemed there was still a way to go but it felt like they were close.

Glancing back to the path ahead, Starscream began to walk to whatever challenge they would have to face next.

Finally, they came to a final hallway, water on either side of the path and a tomb holding something above a pedestal. As Yza went forward statues rose up out of the water spooking her, but it seemed they weren’t harmful. Blinking her eyes she calmed herself again before approaching the pedestal, sitting in the holder was not a horn, but a little note. She narrowed her eyes as she read it. Someone had been here before them, her wings flicked in irritation, someone knew they were coming? The note instructed her to go to Riverwood and go to the sleeping giant inn and ask for the attic room. She wasn’t sure what kind of trick this was supposed to be, but she was seconds away from crumpling up that paper and setting it on fire. All she could say was that at least she had learned a new shout… but still she couldn’t believe what was happening. She just wanted to get this over with and now they had to backtrack again…. At least they didn’t have to go back up the mountain so soon.

Starscream folded his arm and raised his eyebrow. "Don't tell me some pathetic looter got here before we did?" He said with spite. the womers ears flattened as she passed him the paper without a word. Starscream looked at it then sighed. Even if he could read what was written he knew what it implied.

The womer sighed as she folded it up. “Whoever got here first wants to meet, they gave me a location to visit, a tavern in Riverwood. I think it’s a village near Whiterun if I remember the map correctly.” She said quietly.

Starscream went to go back the way they came before stopping, remembering how they got to this point to begin with. He looked back at her. "You can make it back on your own, right?" He asked not wanting to be thrown halfway across a room again.

Yza nodded. “Yah I got it. I’ll meet you outside.” She said confidently to the bot. Starscream nodded before his holoform faded.

It took some time for her to make her way back out of the old crypt, she had to admit it was a lot creepier without the bots holo nearby. She knew he wasn’t far but that still didn’t stop her from feeling on edge. She was just glad all the traps were disarmed at this point as she finally exited the final set of doors back to the entrance.

Starscream looked up from his self maintenance once again. "No issues on the way out, I hope?"

“I made it alright, still creepy as the void down there though, I hope I don’t have to go delving through too many ruins like this…” she sighed tiredly.

Starscream huffed as he stood up. "If you accept more tasks from those hermits, it's very likely we'll keep ending up in places like this." Yza nodded quietly, her antennae sinking a little bit understanding his point. She would have to weigh whether what she was potentially learning from these places was worth the ventures.

Starscream sighed then held his hand down to her. "I suppose for now, however, we should go to that location you mentioned." Yza smiled, hopefully they wouldn’t be running into any more dead ends, she was not looking for a wild goose chase, she didn’t think it would be this difficult to learn more, but at least she wasn’t going in these circles alone.

Starscream glanced at her with a questioning look. "You said this Riverwood was near Whiterun?" Yza nodded pulling out her map, at least the settlements were clearly marked on the map, she pointed to a smaller village across the river from whiterun tucked into the woods bordering the tundra.

“Hopefully it’s not that far away, and hopefully they have the stupid horn we’re looking for. Honestly, it’s confusing, if they wanted the horn why would they even leave a note? They could have just taken it and left it at that.” She huffed, not that she wasn’t glad to still have a clue but she wondered what the writer of this note wanted from them- or whoever they had been expecting to enter this crypt as there should have been no way of them knowing she was the one that would be sent to look for it.

Starscream huffed as he turned his attention back to the path. "They want what all idiots like them want. Either money or a favor to acquire another trinket of more value."

Yza sighed with a nod. “Yah probably, not sure how desperate I will be to help them after the goose chase they just made us go through though.” She said her ears and antennae flicking quietly.

Starscream folded his arms. "If all else fails I could just threaten them to give you the item." He said half jokingly half serious.

Yza laughed and shook her head. "I don't think we'd need to, but who knows what we're gonna find." she said as she walked near him. now that she didn't feel so claustrophobic as she was back in the crypt she felt she had more energy to go out and continue on her own two feet for now.

Starscream sighed as he glanced up towards the sky. "For whoever it was that stole that item, they would have either had to somehow snuck passed us while we were going through, which would also mean they would have also had to get around me at the entrance somehow, or they have been following us since we went up the mountain and overheard your conversation with the hermits and rushed here as fast as they could."

Yza nodded. “you think we would have noticed them at somepoint? Unless they knew about this item and this was just a note they left for whoever found it?”

Starscream glanced down at her. "If that were the case, the individual in question could be long dead for all we know."

Yza nodded. “Yah, let’s hope that’s not the case… I don’t feel like looting any more tombs anytime soon.” she said with a small shiver.

"If all tombs on this planet have undead, I'm going to have to agree with you..." Starscream muttered as his frame shivered.

Yza shrugged. “Couldn’t tell you I’ve never had to dive into one before.” She said.

Starscream shook his head. "You've not witnessed Terrorcons. Trust me, the undead can get far worse..."

Yza frowned nervously. “Like how much worse?” she asked unsure what he must have seen to have been so terrified of one.

"Think of... and Undead of my kind... with a corrupting force that drains your lifely vigor... One that is unrelenting until you extinguish their previously destroyed spark." Starscream explained with a fear in voice.

Yzas eyes widened as she blinked. “So like vampires?!” She said having heard of monsters like that, once mortals corrupted by the daedric prince molag bal into creatures that could only feed on the blood of mortals. Trying to imagine one the same size as her companion was enough to drain the blood from her face.

Starscream raised on optic ridge. "That's...one type of Terrorcon... the other doesn't even need to touch you to feel drained. Dark Energon tends to have that effect on any normal Cybertronian physiology."

Yza shivered as she nodded. “Well I hope there isn’t anything like that around wherever we need to go…”

Starscream nodded with a slight sigh. "Organic undead, at the very least, seem to be far simpler to put down." Yza agreed silently, glad she’d never had to meet anything like he’d described. Starscream turned his attention back to the path. Wishing he had not brought up the terrorcons, his frame shook a little at the memories.

Yza looked up at him when he started shaking and tilted her head before narrowing her eyes and leaping up to his shoulder again. “You going to be ok?” She asked as she let one of her hands rest on the side of his helm.

Starscream looked at her from the corner of his optic and nodded. "I will be fine..." he said with some uncertainty in his tone.

Yzas wings fluttered not buying it as she pouted with a small tilt of her head. She sighed before nodded. She wasn’t going to argue with him about it. “If you say so.” She said quietly.

It took a few hours but eventually they had made their way close to the small village. Yza jumped down from the seekers arm ready to see what was in store. “Well, here’s the village, let’s see if we can find what we’re looking for.” Starscream gave a slight quiet sigh of exhaustion as he had his holoform appear again.

Yza smiled up at him. “Hopefully won’t take long.” She said trying to keep her hopes up as she walked into the village looking for the inn. Starscream followed not too far behind, his holo's posture slightly slouched as he looked around the village.

Yza finally spotted a sign with a name grinning, this was their stop. “Here we are… hey are you ok? You look tired?” She asked wondering if it would be better for her to go alone and let the bot rest some.

"Just... been using my holo more than I'm use to..." The seeker said before he covered his mouth and yawned. "...I should be fine until after we find out about who took that trinket."

Yza nodded though she looked worried as she hurried inside seeing the innkeeper she hurried over to him. “Hello serjo, is the attic room available?” She asked curiously noting that there was in fact no attic in this inn. The man looked questioningly up at her unsure how to respond until an older Nord woman out. “Sorry kid, we don’t have an attic room but the one over here is available, let me show you.” She said gesturing to the room beside them. As she walked in silently asking them to follow. Yza glanced at the seeker before following. Once they were inside, she closed the door and folded her arms… “so you’re the Dragonborn?” The Nord asked looking unconvinced. Yza shrugged. “That’s what the old hermits on the mountain said yah?” She said as the Nord sighed, she hadn’t been expecting a kid… Well, she didn’t have much choice. Yza had her own question before she could speak again though. “The horn, where is it, you’re the one that left the note in the borrow?” She said glaring up at the lady. The Nord sighed holding her forehead with one hand. “Yes I was, look I’m sorry for making you go on a massive hunt but I needed to speak to you, but I’m also being followed and I needed to be sure that whoever came here wasn’t someone that’s been on my tail for years, I know I may sound insane right now but I’m actually trying to help you.” She said to the womer who looked unamused. “I’ve been looking into the dragons, and I have a theory, but I need proof is they hold any water and for that I need your help.” She spoke.

Starscream rolled his eye, knowing there was a catch. He shook his head as he turned his sights away. "It's never just something simple..." he said to himself quietly in Vosian.

Yza sighed. “Ok what do you want…. Better not be another damn tomb.” She said crossing her arms as the Nord woman sighed… “Not exactly, not another burrow, but it is a burial ground…” she explained walking over to wardrobe she opened the door before taking out a key and opening a hidden door in the back leading into a basement area with a large table covered in a map. “People have been wondering where the dragons have been coming from, but I have a reason to believe they aren’t just coming back to this area, they are coming back to life… the sightings of these attacks? They have all taken place near locations where dragons were buried. And there seems to be a pattern to it. If I’m correct, we’ll be able to predict the next location one of them will try to wake up from…” she explained. “I need your help because you well and truly may be the only person alive on this world that can possibly put a stop to it.” She said with a deep frown, she didn’t enjoy asking a young person to do this…. But this was the one Akatosh had chosen for whatever reason, so it was her job to help her.

Starscream looked back at Yza and tilted his head slightly. As much as he didn't enjoy the sound of hunting down these supposedly risen dragons in burial grounds of all places, it was her choice to make.

Yzas antennae and ears flattened nervously as she took a step back. “Why me?” She asked uneasily. The Nord woman sighed. “Being Dragonborn, you are capable of absorbing the dragon’s soul, if we can kill the beasts, your absorption of their soul would make certain that the beast stays dead permanently…” she explained quietly, she didn’t like this anymore than the small womer who gave a weak sigh. “If I don’t….?” She said, glancing away. “Then neither of us get the answers we’re looking for.” She said with a shake of her head. The womer lowered hers with a small frown but finally looked the woman in the eye and nodded. “I’ll do it.” She vowed.

Starscream cocked a brow and folded his arms across his chest. "When say 'we'... are you implying you are going to travel with us?" He asked in a serious tone.

The Nord nodded. “If you’re willing to wait a little while I’ll gather my things and go with you, if not I can mark your map and we will meet up at the location.” She said giving them the option of whether to have her with them. Yza pursed her lips glancing at the holo before turning back to the Nord. “I…. Think it will be best we travel separately…” she said to the lady.

Starscream sighed and nodded. The less amount of time he would have to spend with his holoform out the better.

The woman nodded. “Alright then here let me mark your map.” She said as she showed the place they would be going to, surprisingly not far from her former home…” I’ll meet you there, careful travels, there’s been trouble on the roads with more than just dragons.” She warned before going to prepare her gear for the journey. Yza took her map and left the inn with the seeker.

Chapter Text

Starscream yawned then shook his head before looking at her. "I will meet you outside the town... I cannot keep my holoform up any longer..." He said not long before it faded.

Yza hurried to the edge of town wanting to make sure her friend was alright. Once she met up with him again, she smiled. “Serjo… do you need to rest before we continue? We can stop if you need to…?” She said to the seeker having seen how tired he was.

Starscream sat down, lowering his head. "Rest would be welcomed for a moment..." He muttered as he placed his hands on the back of his neck.

Yza nodded sitting down next to him feeling a bit worried. “Is there anything I can do to help? Or do you just need sleep?” She asked looking up at the exhausted seeker.

Starscream glanced at her. "Unless there is energon here, recharge will have to be enough..." He said with another sigh as he laid back.

Yza nodded quietly before tilting her head. “What is energon? Is that like your food or something?” She asked curiously. Her wings fluttering slightly.

Starscream nodded as he stared at the sky. "In the sense that I said, yes... most forms of energon are either liquid or crystal..."

Yza tilted her head. “I hadn’t heard of the name, but what does it look like exactly?” She asked, her mum used to keep and collect all kinds of gems and crystals that she would use in her creations, and she remembered where her mother said she found some of them… as for a liquid form of whatever this crystal was she had no idea but crystals were something they may be able to come across.

Starscream thought of how to describe it. "Depending on if it is charged or not, it could have a brilliant blue glow to it or a dim almost teal color... it is toxic for most organics to even touch or be near..."

Yzadreth hummed in thought, she hadn’t seen her mother keeping anything toxic, but the color and properties of the crystal did remind her of something her mum had a very limited stash of. “I’m not sure if this may be the same thing… but my mum had some small blue crystals she used to use in her machines to power them… if we go back to my old home, I can show them too you? Not sure if it’s what you’re looking for but the place we will be meeting the lady is close to our home…” she said to the mech.

Starscream looked at her with a slightly puzzled look. "If it is not too far out of the way, it would not hurt to check..."

Yza nodded. “We can do that after you rest though, you look like you want to pass out…” she admitted.

Starscream nodded, turning his head back. He was having difficulty keeping his optics open and soon gave in to his exhaustion.

Yza sat quietly, usually this was the other way around as she would pass out well before the seeker ever did, but she watched the forest quietly as she waited for the mech to wake up when he was ready again. She hummed quietly one of the old songs her mum used to sing to her while she looked around the area and waited for her friend to recharge.

The seeker's body seemed to become more lax, his head turning slightly to the side and his hands twitching a little.

Yza watched him twitching quietly wondering if this was normal for him as she carefully climbed up to his chassis to see a little higher she was careful to not wake him though as she sighed and decided she should probably take a small rest before they continued as well… she didn’t want to be facing a dragon half asleep.

Starscream's vents slowed and any of his internal systems that could be heard grew quieter than they seemed they should. Yza gave a small sigh looking around the clearing before letting her own eyes close as she started to drift off on top of him. Her wings fluttered now and then as she slept.

After some time, it was as if Starscream forced himself to wake up, opening his optics slightly and looking around.

Yza feeling the mech shift yawned and sat up looking at the mech curiously. She didn’t think it had been that long. “Serjo? Something the matter or are you getting up?” She asked curiously as she sat up and rubbed one of her eyes.

Starscream looked at her then rested his head back and sighed as he covered his optics with his arm. "I..." he muttered before gritting his denta. "I do not want to go into stasis... not now..." he spoke in Vosian.

Yza tilted her head it sounded strange and quite off but she swore her mother spoke that language, or something similar, she didn’t speak it too often, and only to her, usually when she was singing a lullaby or trying to comfort her when she was scared. But she thought she could understand the words he was saying. Her ears flattening, she didn’t know what stasis was…. It wasn’t like death, was it? she looked worried. “Serjo are you going to be ok? Maybe I… I can go to my home and bring the crystals here?” She asked though she worried what would happen if this stasis happened before she returned.

Starscream lifted his arm slightly to glance at her again. "No... I will accompany you... I need to move around." he said as his arm went to his side.

Yza nodded as she jumped back down to continue going with him. Hopefully they would make it back to her home before the seeker could pass out again.

Starscream slowly stood up and shook his head before looking down at her.

“Will you make it?” She asked, still feeling uneasy seeing the seeker this unsteady. Trying to hurry she led them back towards her former home watching her friend carefully to make sure the mech didn’t collapse on her. Although being slower than he would usually be, Starscream managed to keep up with her, even if he was stumbling every now and then.

Finally, after what felt like too long, they had reached the old cabin, it felt strange returning here so soon, it almost felt wrong, but she pushed past the doubt and entered the old house, nothing out of place since they had left a few days ago, the only thing unsettling was the silence. She gave a small shudder as she took a deep breath and went towards the lift to go down into the converted ruins her mother had made her lab and forge. This is where she kept the crystals, finding the small collection she carefully placed them in a pouch, unsure if they were toxic like the seeker had said she was careful to handle the crystals with a glove as she hurried back to the struggling mech. “Here, this is the stuff, I hope it helps.” She said holding the bag up to him so he could see for himself. “I’m- not really sure where to get more… according to my mother this stuff was particularly rare…” she admitted quietly.

Starscream carefully picked up one of the crystals and looked it over. "This is energon... a form of energon I've not seen..." he muttered softly. Maybe it was because it was from the world that it was different from the variants he had seen before.

I think my mum used to call it aetherium? She told me stories of how they would use this to power their tools and machines, but it’s rare… There were mines for this long ago, but I really have no idea where they would be, or if there would be anything left in them after all this time?” She said quietly, but at least she had this small amount.

Starscream nodded. It was strange that any form of energon could be found here, but he wasn't going to complain. The seeker carefully sat as he took the crystal. Once again closing his optics and letting out a deep sigh.

“How do your people usually find energon? Do you think there could be more? For now that’s all my mother had, but I doubt that will be enough to last you…” she said still worried for the mech.

Starscream opened his optics. "The amount of energy given off by energon is usually easy enough to detect with the proper equipment."

Yza nodded quietly. “I don’t suppose you have any of that equipment with you though….” she said with a sigh. “Well hopefully this will be able to help a little while.” She said glad they had at least something.

Starscream nodded. "It will last for a while. So long as I don't overdo it." He said before sighing and rubbing the back of his neck.

Yza sighed. “Right… then I’m assuming no more holo.” She said shaking her head. “Now, Two options, I go there on my own to meet the lady, or we find an explanation to why I am traveling with a giant centurion”

Starscream looked at her before standing back up. "As if I would allow you to face such things with a female we don't even know." He growled, obviously not trusting the woman who they had only just met. "For all we know she could be waiting to end us herself."

Yza's ears flattened but she sighed. "I certainly hope not but I understand your point..." she said as she continued walking with the seeker towards the location they had been told to meet with the woman. close to the road she could see the woman waiting, now clad in armor with an odd-looking sword and a shield. the woman hearing footsteps turned around to give a relieved greeting, she wasn't sure if the kid would even show up, however when she saw the girls companion, she froze her eyes darting up. drawing her sword and staring at the mech. "kid what in oblivion is that?!?" she shouted in disbelief. "A friend, he's been helping me, and I'm going to help him get home when this mess is over." she said crossing her arms. the woman shook her head. "H-how is that this not just attacking you? US!? are you insane a Dwemer machine? where did this come from?" Yza glared at the woman stepping forward and making the woman lower her weapon. "You’re being rude. and he's not an automaton, he's the same person you met at the inn, this is what he really looks like." she said as the woman relented. "I- I don't even know where to begin asking questions kid but ok, I suppose giant machines don't matter right now, are you ready to check out the burial grounds now?" she asked trying to regain her composure after such a shock.

Starscream growled and rolled his optics. "Insult me again and you won't last the day..." He snarled in his native language. "Fragging organic wretch..." He muttered to himself in spite as he walked past the woman.

Yza sighed glancing up at the annoyed mech. "I suggest you just get used to him if you really intend to help us. he’s, my companion." she said to the lady as she followed Starscream. the woman sighed as she guided them to the burial grounds.

Starscream looked around and shivered slightly, feeling uneasy about being in the area.

Yza's ears flicked as she heard something flying closer. "That sounds like trouble..." she murmured as she brandishes her own sword. A gust of wind came from the mountains as she saw a dragon swoop down ahead of them. It spoke in its tongue as something rumbled beneath the ground. with a roar a second dragon burst from the earth "Alduuiin" the risen dragon roared as the other dragon seemed to give the newly awoken one an order. before the first one larger one, black scales and red eyes flew away leaving them with the second beast as it looked towards them and roared trying to attack them with a breath of ice shards that cut into them as Yza tried to brace herself. it seemed the woman had been right, and they found the culprit of the awakenings. but they had to take care of this monster first.

Starscream raised his arms to block the ice as his hands turned to blasters. He aimed at the dragon and tried to fire only for his weapons to fail him yet again. He pulled his arms back and looked at his guns only to growl in frustration as they turned back to his hands.

Yza struggled to keep her stance before she took a deep breath and shouted. “Wuld— Nah!” She was shot forward as she brought her blade down on the beast’s head. The dragon let out a roar of pain before trying to throw her up into the air. Delphine’s eyes widened as she ran forward as well, coming around the dragon’s side she cleaved at its neck, with a surprising amount of force and speed the dragon was downed. Yza and Delphine watched the dragons body convulse before it let out one last gurgling cry and began to turn to ash and dust, the remaining light of the dragon flowed into the young womer taking her breath away for a moment before she coughed regaining her balance again as she saw the pile of bones that had been a massive beast only moments ago… she was glad this fight was over but Delphine still looked shaken. “By Kyne… then it was true…” she whispered under her breath.

Starscream watched with amazement but soon shook his head and gritted his denta as he turned to leave.

Yza was going to leave as well before she turned back to the woman. "You... you promised us more answers if we helped you." she said to the lady who nodded. "like I said before, I'm sorry I had to give you the run around before, I wanted to make sure I could trust you... my name is Delphine, I am a member of an order known as the Blades, our purpose was to protect the dragonborn emperors... ever since the war with the Aldemeri Dominion though, and the white gold concordant was signed, our faction has been hunted down by the Thalmor trying to execute us. I am unsure if any of my faction still survive beyond me, most of us had already been killed." she said with a frown, reaching into her satchel she pulled out an old horn made from a tusk of an animal. "here's the horn the Greybeards were looking for. thank you for your help today, but I still have much to investigate about this mess if you’re willing to still work with me..." she said, though at this point she didn't want to force the kids’ hands, but this would be a lot easier to handle with a dragonborns help.

Starscream folded his arms as he listened. Not bothering to look at either of them. He then sighed and walked off out of the burial grounds.

Yza thought for a moment... she wanted to know more, and wondered on what the woman had said earlier, was she really the only one capable of stopping these dragon attacks? she felt unsure, part of her just wanted to help her friend get home, but she couldn't let her homeland get ripped apart more than it already was... thinking of how that dragon had taken her mother, picturing more of them doing the same to people all across the realm made her feel sick.. but she was only one girl... what could she possibly do against a threat this big?

-------------------------------

When Starscream was a fair distance away, he sat down, examining his arm before opening panels to look through the inner wiring. He sighed to himself as he began redirecting some other wires, every now and again making sure he could still move his hand.

"I- I will return to the inn after I've spent some time helping my friend... I- I know that something needs to be done, but I need to help him too..." she said quietly finally leaving the burial grounds as she walked back towards the mech. "did something happen to your arm?" she asked, she wished she knew how to help but this was a problem her mother would have been more familiar with..

Starscream didn't look at her as he continued to mess with the inner workings of his arm. "No... well... yes... I suppose... my weapons failed to fire, so I'm 'remedying' that by rewiring some non-critical functions."

Yza quirked a brow unsure how he was able to determine what was critical or not. "Wonder why they're not working?" she thought aloud before an idea came to mind as she recalled something her mother had been building for one of the centurions. an arm mounted crossbow. large enough to throw spears. she wondered if it would work for her friend, it may be the right size... "If we stop at my house again, my mom may have had something you could use..." she said quietly.

Starscream finally raised his sights to her then sighed and closed the panels on his arm. "Very well." He said as he got back to his feet.

Yza trudged through the snow back towards her family’s silent old house. shivering as she had to ignore the worry again she went back down into the depths, remembering the scrolls her mother used to use, she had a feeling she wouldn't be able to lift this massive thing as she found one of the old teleportation scrolls and used it to get back to the surface where Starscream was waiting, she also had a few bolts that went with the crossbow. "Think you could use this? My mum had built it for one of the centurions she had guarding the ruins..." she said letting him see the weapon for himself.

Starscream tilted his head as he carefully grabbed it and looked it over. "Hmm... it's no missile launcher, but it may have to do."

"I don't think we have those here.... but yah... these pack a punch..." she said recalling how her mother said these were strong enough to take down a mammoth...

Starscream nodded and opened another panel on his arm. Setting the ballista in the opening and making sure it was properly secured.

Yza sighed as she shook some snow off her wings. "let’s get back out of the cold... though... I'm not sure what we should do next..." she admitted unsure if she should return to the hermits or speak with Delphine again. Everything felt like a mess.

Once the weapon was in place, Starscream carefully picked her up and placed her on his shoulder. He then turned and walked back to the path.

Yza sighed quietly as she settled down carefully. Hopefully they wouldn't have to return here again... each time she looked at the old house the less familiar it felt and the colder she felt inside. Despite that sentiment she couldn't help but look back at the silent building one last time.

Starscream glanced at her from the corner of his optic. "Will you be alright?" He asked, noticing her looking back towards the house.

Yza's wings flattened tiringly against her back as her ears drooped. she nodded sadly. "Yah... I'll be ok. just feels weird going back... I lived there my whole life, but it doesn't feel like home anymore..." she said quietly forcing herself to look away from the empty shell of a house they were leaving behind.

Starscream sighed and nodded. "I know how you feel. It never does..." He muttered.

Yza wiped at her eyes trying to push past the painful memories as she let the seeker walk them away from the past. Starscream looked back to the path and shook his head. "If you need to talk about it, do so. It will not benefit you by holding it in."

Yza lowered her gaze as she hugged her legs to her chest. "You were there..." she replied not seeing a point in speaking about what he'd already witnessed. she shook her head quietly before finally glancing back at him with teary eyes. "For so long Mum and I were all we had, she was always there... it feels wrong... this whole world feels wrong with her gone..." she said quietly.

"And what are you going to do about it?" The seeker questioned raising an optic ridge.

Yza wiped her eyes shaking her head. "I don't know." she admitted feeling more hollow and bitter than she thought she would... she wanted to be good. She wanted to protect others... but this hardly felt like her war to fight... if it was, it only felt worth fighting against the force that had taken the only real light she had left in this world away. Her mother had always taught her to be brave, to see the good in those she found and to treasure the world they lived in... but she couldn't feel it anymore. what did she owe this place that only ever took from her. and yet she wasn't willing to watch it burn down at the claws and teeth of these creatures.

Starscream let out a huff. "So, you don't know if you would take penned up anger out on the species that took so much from you? You don't know if you would make sure they couldn't do that to anyone else?"

Yza felt her eyes open a little wider the womer slowly uncurling herself as her ears flicked. Maybe he was right... but was she able to do it. Could she stop it? She pressed her face against the seekers helm as she tried to clear her head before she nodded quietly.

Starscream sighed quietly. "Whatever you decide, you are not alone. So long as I do not go into stasis, I will assist if I can."

"Thank you... serjo..." she said quietly, finally opening her eyes fully, ready for the next steps in their journey. "I want to get this back to the hermits and see what else they can teach me, and that woman, much as I don't like her, she seems to have some knowledge on these beasts and a plan to try and take care of them... she seems the closest we have to a lead against these things.." she said trying to think of what their plan was. "I want to know what- or who... that large dragon was... we know they're the one raising the others, but I want to know why and how..." she said.

Starscream nodded then looked towards the mountain. "When we arrive at the foot of the mountain... It may not be wise for me to follow you up this time."

Yza nodded. "I can do it this time. I'm sure of it..." she said trying to show confidence, she was a little nervous, but she couldn't let the mech go into stasis trying to follow her up.

Starscream nodded before turning slightly and making his way towards the mountain.

After they had reached the familiar destination Yzadreth carefully stood up on his shoulder, crouching down slightly as she prepared to leap. She gave a nod to the seeker before launching herself into the air with her shouts. It took a bit longer without the seekers’ aid, but eventually she had found her way back to the monastery. Coming back down the mountain she had learned another piece of her whirlwind shout as she finally took one last leap down before letting her wings catch the air and help her land once again. Unfortunately, the elders could tell her nothing about the large dragon she had seen, but at least she had gained another addition to her abilities. It seemed they would have to visit the inn again.

Starscream gave a sigh and rolled his optics, and he looked back towards the town and crossed his arms. He had a feeling the hermits didn't have much left to tell her.

---------------------------------------------

Yza looked towards up at the seeker. "How are you feeling? still tired?" she asked hoping the aetherium she had given him would last.

Starscream shook his head. "I am fine for the moment. You realize you will have to go into the towns yourself now?"

Yza nodded quietly. “I’ll be able to handle it…” she said not wanting to strain him anymore than he already did. When they were close to the outskirts of the village she jumped down and hurried towards the inn, hoping to see Delphine and speak with her. Starscream moved off the path, into a spot he was sure no one would see him and sat down to wait for her.

Yza spoke a little more with the woman learning more about her plans, she had been hoping to learn more about the dragons from her, she was still looking into the matter, and right now she needed someone to be her eyes and ears at a gathering taking place near solitude. While she wasn’t sure if the Thalmor that had been hunting her may have anything to do with this issue, she did know they may have information they didn’t, she needed to see it, but she couldn’t very well break into their embassy herself, she needed her to steal documents, she wasn’t sure if this was really going to be helpful but she was willing to work with the only woman that seemed to have any intention of trying to aid her.

Starscream let out a deep sigh and closed his optics, letting his systems run low to preserve power but remained awake enough for when she returned or in case anyone or anything tried to get near him.

Yza sighed finally making her way back to the mech. "so... Delphine thinks that the Thalmor may have information kept at their embassy... I'm not sure about that but she wants me to break in and steal records from them..." she murmured nervously. She had been able to fight the dragons but was she able to just sneak into one of these places? She knew Starscream wouldn't be able to follow her...she would be going in alone.

Starscream opened his optics and looked at her. "She just expects you to go into an area I would presume is heavily guarded and steal from some random organization?"

"You act like you’re surprised given what she asked us to do the first time..." she said as she folded her arms.

The seeker shook his head. "Not surprised, more so just disappointed in the wretch." He said before slowly standing up.

Yza nodded quietly. "She’s the only one that seems to have a clue where we could look for answers, I don't know who else we can turn too." she said looking away as she kept walking in the direction she had been told the embassy was.

Starscream sighed. "Fair enough..." he muttered before looking ahead of them.

Yza hummed quietly as they followed the road west.... they were coming into a colder region again as she pulled her coat a little tighter, it seemed it was back to the cold once more as she saw a small walled set of buildings, she could see some Thalmor in their uniforms standing by the entrance... Delphine had suggested that she try to use an invitation to sneak into the party in a disguise... but she knew she was even less likely to pull that off. Her best bet was to go in around the back and try to steal the documents from the building in back. If she hadn't been capable of flight... this would have been much more difficult. Noticing an open window on the upper floor she leapt up to the ledge of the wall. she thought to shout for a moment before realizing it would blow her cover. Instead, she tried to jump and flutter her wings fast, hard enough to push her just high enough to reach the windows ledge. She barely made it as she clambered at the ledge before carefully trying to open the window far enough to slip inside.

Looking around the area she didn't see anyone, but she could hear a groan from the lower level as she froze. carefully sneaking to the edge of the railing she saw a man chained up to the wall looking battered as she gasped. Looking nearby she spotted a desk with papers on it and a key. She held her breath as she carefully went over and looked at the papers quickly, she didn't have time to read them carefully though as she looked in some of the drawers before carefully trying to sneak down to the bottom level. coming up the man he looked startled. "Please no more! I swear I don't know anything!" he pleaded before she put a finger to his mouth. "shhh serjo I'm not one of them, what are you doing here?" she asked as she tried to see if the key would fit the lock to the cuffs, he was in. the man blinked in confusion before sighing in relief. "Divines be praised, I honestly don't know, they were looking for some man named Esbern, they thought I was him but I have no idea what they are talking about, when they realized I wasn't their guy I thought they were just going to beat me until I was dead..." he whispered shaking his head as Yza frowned. "Let’s get you out of here..." she said finally getting the lock undone as she heard footsteps from up the stairs.

Starscream paced back and forth some distance away from the building. Occasionally looking up where she had entered to see if she was trying to get out. He stopped for a moment and crossed his arms as his wings lowered.

Yza's eyes widened as she saw a guard enter, she didn't get away in time when the guard spotted her with the prisoner, she had just freed. the guard shouted and heavily armored Mer came into the room throwing spells of fire and ice at the two of them as she yelped before finally calling on her shouts blowing the guards back with unrelenting force as she grabbed the man’s hand and ran for the exit she had taken. the man looked panicked seeing her rushing towards the open window before she spread her wings and tried to take the man with her as she dove down over the wall into the deep snow on the other side. it was a rough landing as she wasn't used to carrying weight when she tried to fly but they had gotten away for now, she spotted an archer in the window though aiming for them as she forced herself to scramble to her feet and once again pulled the man with her as she hurried toward Starscream with a look of slight panic at having nearly been caught. as well as barely dodging an arrow that was shot at them both.

Starscream's optics widened as he ran to her carefully picking her up before turning his back towards the source of the arrows, making sure to cover her with his other hand. "Are you harmed?" He asked with panic in his voice.

The small womer shook like a leaf but looked up at him to shake her head no. she was mostly just startled thankfully, but she had made it away safely. the man however that she had saved seemed to have passed out on the ground. He was still wounded as she looked worriedly at them. "They caught this man thinking he was someone else... he's hurt." she said to the mech looking at the man. She didn't think they could take him with them, but she didn't just want to leave the guy to die in the snow.

Starscream looked back towards the man before letting out a low growl and setting her down. "Go hide, I will retrieve the human." He said before turning and running towards where the man had passed out.

Yza nodded going towards a group of trees as she hid in among the snow-covered bushes and needles of the pine woods. watching the seeker carefully. She shivered slightly holding her shoulder, she realized she had landed harder than she thought, it hurt quite a bit now that she was sitting still.

Starscream soon picked up the man, not being as gentle as he was with Yza but enough to not harm the man. The seeker then turned and ran back towards the tree line.

Yza waved the seeker over before wincing and holding her shoulder. Giving a sigh of relief seeing the man wasn’t completely dead. She summoned a weak healing spell trying to help treat the man while he was unconscious. She shivered again before looking up at Starscream again realizing that they still needed to keep going, at least to someplace warmer to the guy didn’t die of frostbite or hypothermia.

Starscream tilted his head, noticing her holding her shoulder. He held his other hand out to her. "Are you sure you are alright?"

Yza sighed glancing down at the injured arm. “They didn’t get me, but I landed on my arm pretty hard when jumped out the window…” she admitted glancing back up at the mech.

Starscream sighed as he gently set her on his shoulder. "Don't try to move it too much. It might cause more damage." He said before he started to walk away from the building.

Yza nodded, trying to keep it still as possible as they left the area. She was exhausted from running around and the moment of panic, but her arm hurt too much for her to fall asleep.

Once they were in a warmer area, the seeker looked at her. "Where are we to leave this human?" He wasn't about to admit he would have just left him as soon as they were out of eye shot of where she had just escaped from.

Yza sighed seeing an old cottage that looked pretty much abandoned now, she pointed towards it with her non injured arm. “We can set him down near here, when he wakes up at least, he’ll be able to rest inside a shelter…” she said quietly. She would help get the man inside, but she was still hurt and he was heavy.

Starscream nodded and cautiously went to the cottage. He then set the man by the door and slowly backed up.

The man groaned barely stirring as they finally left. Yza sighed quietly leaning against the mech carefully trying to support her arm hoping it would heal correctly and that the damage wasn’t severe.

Starscream stopped at a decent clearing and carefully sat down against some large rocks before looking at her. "How bad is the pain?"

Yza looked at her arm, she was still able to move it but not without wincing. She wasn’t sure if she had accidentally dislocated something, but she didn’t think it was broken thankfully.

Starscream sighed and gently took her in his hands, and he turned and laid down. He then softly set her down on his chassis.

Careful of her arm the womer finally curled up slightly as she tried to fall asleep, exhaustion finally winning out over the pain.

Starscream softly rested his hand on her before closing his optics and soon went into a proper recharge.

The little womer sighed quietly in her sleep dreams filtering into her mind of what the future would bring…. She would shiver a little before flinching in pain when arm moved by accident as she slept through the pain in her arm. Although not waking up, Starscream's hand twitched slightly before curling around her a little.

Chapter Text

Sometime later the womer finally woke up again, her ears and antennae twitching quietly as her three eyes blinked open. She still felt groggy and her arm was still sore, but not as bad as the day before.

By the time she woke, Starscream had already been awake, staring at the sky. He kept his vents and other systems low as to not disturb her.

Yza yawned quietly as she finally sat up. “good morning…” she murmured tiredly rubbing at one of her eyes with her uninjured arm.

Starscream looked at her and moved his hand. "How does your arm feel?"

“Still sore but not as painful as yesterday…” she said quietly still hesitant to move it much.

Starscream nodded and looked back to the sky. "That is something at least."

Yzadreth nodded quietly. “Should we keep going or rest more…?” She sighed wanting to get the documents back to Delphine to see what she had to say, but she also really didn’t feel like moving much with her arm still in pain, even as she tried to use some restoration magic to help it heal.

"That is more so up to you considering you will have to meet with that wretch again. " Starscream said, refusing to call the woman by her name.

Yza sighed. “I know, but I do have the information she was looking for, may as well pass it off to her and maybe we can take a break from that stuff while she goes over it… I wonder if we would be able to find anything else to help you, we may as well see if there is anything of use to help you get home or at least keep yourself powered while you’re stuck here…” she said she had one idea but she wasn’t exactly sure how to reach the place, but her mother used to speak of a large cavern deep beneath skyrim where multiple clans of her mother’s people once resided, the space was massive holding multiple cities within it, and it was also host to some of the Dwemer’s largest mines… it was usually dangerous to go into these places but her mum had mentioned that robots wouldn’t attack her or Yza because they were seen as residents of the city. They would have to watch for other threats like the Falmer or wild animals that had wandered their way into the caves, but it was likely their best shot at finding more energy for the seeker.

Starscream sighed deeply and nodded. "I suppose you are right..."

Yza went back to the village keeping a careful check on her arm, when she had returned to the inn Delphine looked worried seeing the injury and tried to help treat it as she created a makeshift sling for the womer. She felt guilty for sending the girl into danger, but she didn’t know who else she could possibly send. For now, she would look over the findings and let the womer that had already given her this much help rest. Once Yza returned to the mech she sighed. “Well it may take her a while to go over everything, but I do have one idea of where we may be able to find more aetheirum… there used to be a large hub of Dwemer cities in a cavern below Skyrim, it’s called Blackreach, but this was also where a lot of the larger mines were located, I think it’s the best chance we have of finding more of the crystals you eat.” She said but she sighed. “Only thing is I’m not sure where the entrances are…. It would mean delving into some of the old ruins of my mum’s people…” she said to the bot.

"I guess we should start searching then." The seeker said as he stood up with a grin. He then lowered his hand down to her.

Yza smiled carefully climbing up, she was glad Delphine was able to help her with her arm, at least she was able to confirm it wasn’t broken and out of alignment, which she tried to help fix. She tried to think of the locations where larger ruins could be found, she wouldn’t be surprised if they were the locations that connected Blackreach to the surface.

"Would there be any telltale signs when we have found these ruins?" Starscream asked as he glanced at her.

Yza nodded. “Look for vents of steam or bronze pipes, sound of turning gears and stuff, my mom’s people were really the only people that used technology like this, still are. Cities have some towers on the surface that we’d use to get inside, but it can be hard to tell which ones were the largest as most of the structures are underground.” She explained. “The architecture would be just like what you saw when you appeared in mom’s lab.” She explained.

Starscream nodded as he started walking. "I must admit... from what little I did see, there seems to be some similarities between what I seen in your mother's lab and Cybertronian technology."

“Mum had a theory she was working on but never had time to fully explore it… unfortunately she’s no longer around to even think about it… but apparently she’s been suspicious since she helped your friends return home… the device they used was unusual, she had thought her mother created it but she’s starting to think maybe it was something they had found… it was created with materials she didn’t recognize on Nirn…” she said quietly.

Starscream raised an optic ridge. "When you say 'friends' did your mother ever tell you who exactly she had met?"

Hmm she told me one was named Shadowgleam, and another Predaking? She also mentioned a smaller bot named Echo?” She said quietly.

Starscream stopped for a moment before shaking his head. "So, this is where the beasts ended up..." he growled to himself.

Yza tilted her head. “What’s wrong?” She asked curiously. “They were your friends, right? They came from the same place you did?” She asked wondering if she had been mistaken…

Starscream huffed. "Hardly... I suppose you can say, I do not exactly get along with Predacons..." He said not wanting to go into too much detail.

Yza nodded “ah ok-- “she said quietly. “--Well, my mum said they were kind to her, didn’t realize you never got along with them.” She shrugged before flinching, she had to stop doing that

Starscream rolled his optics then looked at her. "Be careful. No matter how minor it may be, I would rather you not strain that injury."

Yza nodded quietly, holding her arm still as they explored the area looking for telltale signs of any ruins.

After some time Starscream stretched his wings, raising them to their highest point before they fell back to their normal position. He turned his head to see if he missed any signs of the structures she described.

Yza didn't see anything at first, but in the afternoon sun she finally caught sight of something glinting through the trees reflecting the rays of light. She turned her head to look seeing a stone tower with gilded sculptures and supports and carvings. pipes shooting up through the ground and a large carved bronze door waited long abandoned as she turned to look at Starscream. "Wait this is one of them, I'm sure of it." she said trying to get his attention to see the structure hidden through the trees and hills.

Starscream looked over and nodded slightly before making his way towards the structure.

Yza spotted a lever next to the door that she carefully pulled down with her good arm. The doors opened inwards. The tower was quite tall, enough to accommodate even the seeker comfortably. she could hear something ahead though, besides the spinning of gears or gushing of steam and water through pipes. It sounded like a person muttering to themselves, complaining about something. she tilted her head wondering what on earth this was about before just shaking her head as she wandered forwards. though she was careful to have her weapon at hand in case it was someone not so friendly.

Starscream lowered his wings as he followed alongside her, slightly raising the arm that had the ballista in case they were attacked.

when Yza came around the corner she saw a robed man, some kind of mage it seemed pacing back and forth muttering to himself as he was pouring over his notebook. "oh come on this must be the right place! where is my damn guard, some use they are wandering off like this- there you- AHHHG!" the man yelped having not looked up immediately thinking Yza had been his lost companion, only to discover the young womer and the giant robot pointing towards them with a ballista. the man looked like he was about to jump out of his own skin or faint as he held his chest his book dropped to the floor looking at the bot. when it didn't immediately shoot them though, and noticed how calm the womer was he glanced between them curiously slowly calming down... "I- I am sorry you quite startled me..." he said trying to bring his composure back. "I am a researcher from the college of Winterhold, I've come here with an assistant that appears to have wandered off despite my clear instructions to stay close..." he sighed in exasperation. "You haven't happened to run into a another in here? if you find him could you kindly tell him to get back here before he gets himself killed by gods know what?" he asked shaking his head. Yza tilted her head curiously. " Alright? um what exactly are you researching?" she asked wondering if this was something that could be useful to them. the man grinned clearly ready to give a whole lecture as Yza waved her arms. "Ah well a couple of things actually! first of all this is one of the three grand cities that ruled the ancient Dwemer civilizations of Skyrims northern clans, as such it is one of few locations with access to their capital of Blackreach and its many secrets I hope to uncover. and this city is also home to one of two Dwemer occulories in the region! I was hoping to uncover the secrets in the occulory but the way is locked tight, it seems to need some kind of device to unseal the doors." he said shaking his head.

Starscream groaned to himself before walking off ahead, looking around the area as he went. "Typical humans, getting themselves lost..." he muttered to himself and shook his head.

Yza sighed, her ears twitching as she closed her eyes for a moment trying to process the scholars drawn out explanation. but despite this one thing did interest her about what he was talking about. "What exactly were you hoping to find in the occulory?" she asked curiously as the mage smiled. "well besides being used to map out the stars as well as mapping locations they are often the safe houses for very ancient and powerful relics, I am hoping to see what this occulory is hiding, though I don't think I'll be able to get into this room anytime soon, not without the right key." he sighed. "Be careful in there, though I suppose your rather large metal friend is capable..." he said looking at the seeker curiously. "How odd, how did you manage to make one of the automatons docile? All the ones I've ever come across attack on sight? They don't look like any of the machines I've seen in these ruins either..." he said as Yza rolled her eyes. "It’s a long story, but we should be going, if we find your friend we'll send him back your way..." she said as she continued with Starscream hoping to avoid any more long-winded lectures from the chatty mage.

Starscream froze, hearing himself being called an automaton again, his wings going to their lowest point. "One more... One more filthy organic calls me that and they'll wish they knew how to fly..." he growled in Vosian as he tightly clenched his fists.

Yza's ears tilted down as she looked up sympathetically to the bot. She sighed quietly reaching her hand up to the seekers. "Try not to take it personally, they don't realize you aren't from this world, most of the machines found in the ruins aren't really seen as creatures with free will.." she said in dwemeri's having felt prompted to do so after hearing the mech speaking in a language that sounded so similar.

Starscream's eyes widened as he looked and knelt down to her. "You can speak Cybertronian?" He asked with surprise in his voice.

Yza blinked shaking her head. "um I don't think- that is the langauge my mothers people spoke..." she explained quietly she was just as confused as to why she understood him. "the language here is called Dwemeri's... not many people know how to speak it, honestly I think it was only my mother and now myself..." she admitted.

Starscream looked away for a moment. "There may be more to your mother's theory than even she may have realized." He spoke in normal Cybertronian.

Yza nodded quietly, eyes wide in wonder. "You think my mum's people were connected to yours then?" she asked almost not believing it.

Starscream nodded. "It is very possible..." he said as he glared back towards the mage. "Not a word of this to anyone else." He then carefully picked her up as he stood up.

Yza nodded quietly. "My lips are sealed, not that anyone in this world would believe me." she said with a sigh and a roll of her eyes as she settled down again.

"That does not mean those that do would not use the technology to further their own goals." Starscream said, setting her on his shoulder as he continued down into the ruins.

Yza smiled but nodded in understanding, she didn't have any intention of saying anything about it, it was a project her mother rarely spoke of, and she kept many of her projects and theories to herself, having only really talked to her and her father when he was still alive.

Starscream glanced at her. "What else have you heard me say?" He asked now knowing she was able to understand his native language.

"Most all the threats you've given passing strangers and the lady at the inn." she said with small laugh.

Starscream turned his head away, embarrassed she had heard all that. Yza smiled teasingly but sighed before shaking her head and looking back towards where they were walking.

Starscream looked around, feeling more like they were in an old section of Cybertron the longer they were there.

Yza thought for a moment as she pondered what the man had said. “On the way back, we should try to get into the occulory… the man said that mums people kept powerful relics inside them, if her theory is right it could have technology from your people.” She said as she hoped the man didn’t figure out how to get inside on his own.

Starscream nodded. "Agreed. It is bad enough humans from where I am from have stolen technology from my kind... and worse..." He growled.

Yza nodded. “It’s a good thing my people were great at keeping stuff locked up… I don’t think he’d be able to get in, it looks like he needed some kind of lexicon to open the door, and even then I’m pretty sure that just opens up the room, the item would still be locked behind other security measures…” she said hoping that she wasn’t underestimating the odd mage.

"And hopefully the human's companion hasn't found anything to lead them into chamber." The seeker said as he looked ahead of them.

Yza nodded quietly as they continued deeper down a while later of walking and she realized they found their answer, there was a dead man on the ground clutching a small cube, a centurion was powered down nearby but she could see the ballista bolt through the man’s torso that was clearly launched from the slumbering machine. “Well…. I think we found the guys companion…” she said feeling almost bad for the guy. “Guess we should let the man know about his companion… but I think that’s the device the man needed to open the door, guess we can use it instead.” She sighed quietly.

Starscream knelt down carefully and pulled the cube from the body. Staring at it for a moment before standing back up. The seeker delicately wrapped his digits around it to hide it from view, dead set on keeping it from the mage.

Yza sighed, seeing a necklace on the man’s neck, she took it off of him as well. “I’ll just give this back to the mage… proof we found him and he’s gone…” she said to the mech with a small frown as she carefully got back on the seeker’s shoulders, ready to continue.

Starscream nodded and sighed. "Shall we go to him now and get him out of here?"

“Sure, less to worry about I guess.” She said with a small nod.

"And less likely of him attempting to follow us..." Starscream said before making his way back.

Returning to the man he looked up startling again for a moment before realizing it was the same pair he’d seen earlier. “Ah, you’ve returned, have you found my companion? Did you let him know where I am?” He asked before Yza frowned and carefully got down from Starscreams’ shoulder. “Serjo, I’m sorry to inform you but your companion is dead… he got too close to one of the machines that were guarding the city and got shot, this was his.” She said as she took out the necklace from her pocket holding it out to the man who looked shocked before deflating in resignation. “Ah… I see… gods I told that man to be careful… I should let his family know. Thank you for letting me know what happened… as much as I want to uncover these mysteries it will have to wait until this is taken care of… thank you for your help… “ he said with a resigned sigh as he picked up his belongings and took the necklace Yza had found on the dead man.

Starscream rolled his optics. "It is your own fault for wandering into a place you have no business being..." he muttered in a low tone.

The mage sighed shaking his head. “The ruins will be here when I have an opportunity to return… if you’re still planning to go in there again be careful, hate to see you end up like him.”

Starscream huffed and turned around as he crossed his arms. "Unlikely to happen." He growled and started to walk off.

The man gasped eyes wide in shock unable to respond, never in his life had he heard a machine talk… he didn’t think that was something they could do. But the man had other things to take care besides gawking at this machine, so he quickly left the ruins as Yza watched him leave. At least he wouldn’t be a problem anymore.

Starscream looked over his shoulder. "Good riddance..." he said coldly, his patience with the man clearly spent.

Yza sighed tiredly looking up at the seeker. “You good?” She asked seeing his irritation clearly. She looked towards the pedestal for the lexicon. “Should we go in now and check it out?” She asked curiously.

Starscream nodded to both questions as he knelt down and held out the cube to her.

Yza took it carefully before approaching the pedestal, the cube started to glow before opening slightly and after shifting around for a moment closed again before blinking as the doors to the room unsealed and the cube was released from the pedestal again. Inside the room was a dome, there were mirror like crystals on the ceiling mounted on rings and a mechanism in the center that seemed to gather the light from the mirrors. However, the lights didn’t align properly, the beams of light instead hitting the walls before dissipating, she could see something under the device though, something in a container sealed beneath the floor by the mechanism they would need to fix in order to open.

Starscream looked up at the mirrors and tilted his head before smirking. "A simple yet effective security measure." He said folding his arms.

Yza nodded as she approached the device thinking quietly she remembered something her mum had told her when needing to adjust alignment on some devices, telling her temperature had a major effect, she summoned a weak fire spell and began to heat up the mirrors as they shifted until finally the lights lined up with all the mirrors and were reflected into the center device. Feeling the ground shifting beneath her Yza hurried to the side of the room as the device that was hidden below the floor slowly rose up and opened.

Starscream watched and tilted his head, looking at the device as he took a step to it. He knelt down to get a better look at it before turning his gaze back to her.

Yza approached grabbing the item carefully. It was a scroll? She had this feeling she ought not open it yet, something about the scroll felt important, and clearly the Dwemer wouldn’t have held onto it so securely if it wasn’t. She looked back up at the mech. “Well, that’s that taken care of…. Guess we should head deeper and try to find the lift to Blackreach…” she said.

Starscream nodded and stood back up. "Hopefully we do not run into any surprises along the way." Yza nodded quietly as she secured the scroll in her pack, hopefully she would be able to figure out its use but for now they needed to find food for the seeker. Starscream walked out of the room and looked around as he placed his hand on the wall.

Yza glanced up seeing him leaning against the wall. “You holding out ok?” She asked the bot knowing he was likely on low power. They needed to find the aetherium soon, hopefully her hunch was correct, it took some more time walking, going past the body of the man they had found earlier finally she found what looked like a platform. There was another pedestal that had a slot for a lexicon, likely the same one they still carried. “I think this is the lift…” she said as she approached the pedestal, gesturing for the bot to come inside the room so the lift wouldn’t leave without them as she placed it inside and the platform started to descend.

Starscream closed his optics for a moment as they descended. His wings lowered as he sighed and opened his optics once again when they reached the bottom.

Down below it was much darker, though it made sense so far below the earth, when they stepped out though they came into a massive cavern, the seeker probably could have flown comfortably within this space if he had the energy. There was a stone path leading to one of the primary cities toward the center of the cavern was a strange glowing sphere giving a warm glow to the city beneath it, much like the sun would illuminate the sky on the surface. Outside it’s touch though the rest of the cavern was lit with tiny sparkling lights from glowing fungus and bits of odd crystals twinkling like stars on the cavern’s roof. Yzas eyes were wide looking around the massive area having heard stories but never imagining just how strange this place would feel. The cavern looked like it could go on forever, just how expansive was this place? It felt like a whole other world down here.

Starscream looked around with his optics widened. "I have... only heard stories of places similar to this on Cybertron from my carrier... Cities that shown just as brilliantly as Iacon ever had..." he muttered stepping further into the cavern.

"This just further proves mom’s theory right..." she said breath taken as she let her wings spread a bit, the chill from the air above gone, it was actually mild here.

Starscream let out a sigh. "My sire never allowed my siblings or I to leave the surface of Cybertron... I was to be his replacement as Senator of Vos after Thundercracker proved too... violent for politics... I... always wanted to go against his wishes and explore what lay beneath."

"Well guess you found your chance to explore then, even if it's not your home world..." she said as she walked down the path trying to soak everything in. She kept her eyes peeled for anything that looked like a mine entrance...

Starscream nodded as he followed along beside her, mentally mocking his sire with a small smirk on his face.

It took some time to find the edge of the cavern, but she was able to find it by following an underground river along its bank. She finally saw what appeared to be an abandoned mineshaft. It was quite dark there, but she could see ancient metal and stone barrels and something that resembled tracks that had long been left to settle. "I think this is the most likely place to find what we're looking for..." she said entering cautiously.

Starscream folded his wings in a way he was sure they wouldn't clip on anything as he followed. It kept getting darker as they went deeper but she thought she could see a pale blue light as they were rounding a bend. As the seeker seen the glow, he went ahead of Yza to check it out.

The mine seemed to have a collapsed tunnel, but the light was peeking through its cracks, and it was surprisingly bright for so low below the surface. Yza looked to the seeker curiously. "Can you see anything through the rubble?" she asked wondering if she should try to look herself. They may need to find another way into this chamber they couldn't reach. or find a way to clear the rubble.

Starscream looked around the rubble. "Yes but... I do not believe it wise for either of us to attempt to move this. It may very well cause the entire mine to collapse on us."

Yza nodded with a long sigh. "Alright, do you see any other entrances into the place? some way we could go around to get there?" she asked the mech who was able to see more clearly than here.

Starscream turned his gaze at her. "There should always be more than one entrance into mines like this. If not, another way around within this tunnel."

Yza nodded. "Alright, then let’s check one of the other turns or find another mine entrance, one of them have to lead here again, does it look like what you're looking for?" she asked wanting to make sure this was worth backtracking to find.

"It does. And being so close, it has the same feel as Energon." Starscream said before turning and backtracking. Yzadreth smiled, glad they were so close. She carefully followed the bot through the dark tunnels searching for the chamber again.

Feeling a familiar draw, the seeker turned a corner but then looked back towards Yza.

Yzadreath looked up at him when he paused. "All good?" she asked curiously wondering why he'd stopped.

"You... did not have to do this..." Starscream said as a strange way of thanking her.

Yza grinned up at him. "Well, I wasn't just going to let you starve to death... your like... the third person in my entire life that hasn't been terrible." she said looking to the side as she kicked a small rock to the side.

Starscream tilted his head before he knelt down and gently picked her up. His hands being somewhat shaky.

Yza looked back at him she could feel him shaking. "y-you ok...?" she asked, not sure if it was something she'd said or done, or if he was just that low on energy.

"What you said... It reminded me of something my younger sister told me..." Starscream said as he lowered his head. "A foolish thing to bring up now I suppose..."

Yza's ears tilted down but she nodded. "Didn’t know that- do I remind you of her?" she asked wondering if that was part of the reason the seeker was so accepting of her, even beyond her mother’s dying request that he take care of her.

Starscream nodded. "Yes. You are so much like Skywarp..." he said then laughed slightly. "Except she was quite a bit more shy... No thanks to our Sire that is..." Yza nodded quietly, she wondered what may have happened to the seeker’s sister. she had a feeling it may not be a topic he spoke on much though.

Starscream sighed and carefully set her down before shakingly standing up. "Let us continue while I still have the strength to do so..."

Yza nodded. "I'm right behind you." she said following the seeker as they finally saw a familiar light. the womer grinned hurrying her pace as she followed the mech to see the chamber fully with her own eyes.

Starscream smiled a little and took a step towards it until an audible creaking could be heard from his joints and he collapsed onto his knees.

Yza's eyes widened skidding to a halt as she turned back to him. "serjo?" she called back to him, she realized he was at his limit as she quickly turned around and hurried to gather some of the aetherium for him. The seeker turned himself enough to sit against the wall, his head leaning back as he closed his optics for a moment.

Yza looked around the room, nothing at her height she could reach. However, that didn't mean she was out of options. She saw a large cluster of crystal up above her; she would need to fly up and pull it out. she took a deep breath, the energy in the room felt odd but she didn't pay attention to it as she shouted herself up to the skinny ledge and grabbed the crystal, it almost burned when she tried to grab it but she grunted as she pulled with all her might until finally it came loose. she yelped when she fell backwards off the ledge, spreading her wings she caught herself before she could injure herself further as she shook her head and hurried back to the seeker.

Starscream opened his optics hearing her shout. He then attempted to stand, only to manage to get to one knee and support himself by leaning against the wall by the time she got back to him.

Yza hurried over to him hopping up on a boulder to get closer to his face as she held up the crystal. Her hands were covered in blue dust to the point they were glowing, she also had glowing markings on the rest of her body. "Here before you pass out." she said.

Starscream delicately took the crystal from her and sat back. He looked at her hands and winced slightly. "Clean that off before it starts to burn..." he said in a weakened tone.

Yza looked down before nodding, having seen a nearby stream further up the tunnel she went over and washed her hands and arms clean. She still noticed the odd glyphs on her hands glowing vibrantly where the energon used to be.

Once Starscream had taken the crystal he leaned back, allowing his systems to adjust as he let out a deep sigh. Yza wandered back to him as she hopped back up on the boulder and sat down making sure he was feeling better as she took a short rest herself.

Starscream glanced at her and tilted his head, noticing the markings. "Did something happen?" He asked softly.

Yza shrugged. "They showed up when I tried to pull the aetherium out of the rocks, I washed everything off but their still glowing... doesn't hurt or anything though, honestly mom got the same sort of thing on her whenever she was using tools with that stuff in it." she said her wings fluttering the light blue glow had even crept through the veins of her wings.

Starscream slowly sat up and examined the glyphs. "...I have never heard of or seen energon effect organics in this way..."

Yza shrugged before trying to stay somewhat still, though she was also now trying to look at the glyphs after seeing his fascination with them, she had assumed this was normal? She saw it all the time with her mom, so she never questioned it. “I’m going to make a bet this is another check mark in my mother’s theory?” She asked, energon didn’t do that to him did it?

"It is possible..." Starscream confirmed as he straightened his posture.

Yza smiled, it was strange when she started this journey, she hadn’t planned on confirming the theories of her mother, but she found herself proud of making so many discoveries with the seeker, ones she wished she could have shared with her mother, but this was still a wonderful feeling. However, she was starting to feel groggy from their travels, tempted as she was to curl up on the rock where she was, she knew she shouldn’t fall asleep in the mineshaft.

Starscream sighed before slowly getting back to his feet, still somewhat shaky but able to keep his balance. He looked down at her. "Wait outside the mine... I will gather more energon, so we do not have to return here any time soon..."

Yza nodded quietly as she rubbed at her eyes before making her way towards the exit. Once she was outside, she found large glowing mushroom to shelter herself under as she sat down tiredly, trying as she might to stay awake, her eyes eventually slipped shut as she started to sleep.

When Starscream had gathered enough, he walked out of the mine and looked around. As soon as he seen her, the seeker quietly went over and laid down, making sure his wings were in a more favorable position as he did so.

Yza still half asleep blinked open one tired eye seeing the seeker return. She smiled before sleepily getting up and making her over to lay down next to him, it didn’t take long for her to fall asleep again as her wings fluttered slightly while she dreamed. Starscream looked at her and smiled softly as he soon fell asleep himself.

Chapter Text

Sometime later the young womer finally opened her eyes again, she wasn’t entirely sure what time of day it was given they were deep under the earth, but she felt she had slept for quite some time as she yawned quietly before sitting up.

Soon after she woke up, Starscream's hand twitched before he jolted awake as if by something unpleasant. He brought his hand up to his optics and growled in a low tone.

Yzadreth jumped slightly as she saw him startle awake, her own senses shooting to life at his sudden movements as she looked up at him and then around the area looking for whatever had gotten his attention.

Starscream sighed then sat up enough to lean back on his arm. He moved his hand away from his optics and looked around.

Yza shifted realizing it hadn’t been their surroundings that had startled the bot but something in his own head as stood up and carefully climbed onto his shoulder before flopping down again as a sort of hug. “Bad dream?” She asked him quietly, seeing as that was the only thing she could think of that would scare him enough to jump like that.

Starscream nodded a little. "Brought on by bad memories..." He said with annoyance in his voice.

Yza sighed though her ears flicked up curiously wondering what he had been thinking of. “You going to be alright?” she asked, tilting her head.

"Yes... this is not an uncommon occurrence..."The seeker muttered in a rather defeated tone.

Yza nodded quietly as she slowly sat up. “Want to talk about it?” she asked.

Starscream thought for a moment before shaking his head. "... No... I would rather not trouble you with these memories..."

Yzas ears lowered in understanding, though she didn’t mind listening she didn’t want to push it. She did, however, stand up carefully on his shoulder to give him a hug on the side of his helm, pressing the side of her face against his gently.

Starscream slowly turned his head to her then gently pressed the crest of his helm against the top of her head.

Yza closed her eyes as she let herself smile before opening them. “Besides the dreams, how do you feel?” She asked curiously.

"Better than last night." The seeker responded as he lifted his head. "And you... No other unexpected side effects from handling energon?"

Yza shook her head, the glow had subsided completely by now. “Nope I’m fine, I feel normal.” She said with a small shrug.

Starscream nodded. "Then, unless we have other business here, it may be in our best interest to move on." Yza nodded in agreement before she realized something, she had shrugged, but there was no pain? She looked at her previously injured shoulder and realized it had healed completely as she blinked. Had the energon did that? She didn’t think she would be able to recover that quickly.

Starscream had turned his head away, carefully standing up to make sure she didn't fall off.

Yza hummed in thought before looking up at him. “Umm, this energon as you call it? Does it also heal you guys? Or is it just food?” She asked curiously.

Starscream looked at her. "It is also our... what do you organics call it... Blood?... But yes, when used as such, it can be used to heal us. Why do you ask?"

Yza waved her previously injured arm for him to see. “This…. It doesn’t hurt anymore…” she said taking off the sling entirely it was as if she’d never damaged it in the first place.

Starscream had a look of confusion come over him seeing she was no longer injured. "Are you sure you even are organic?" He asked, half serious half joking.

“Pretty sure yah?” She said with a tilt of her head. Sure, her mom suspected a connection but she never went so far as to suggest they were robots…. How could she be? She wasn’t made of metal?

"Hm... It might also be that your mother's people spent enough time around energon that their bodies adapted accordingly to it." Starscream said, trying to find some reasonable explanation.

Yza shrugged not knowing what to tell him, he knew as much as she did about what was happening with her, whatever the case she would count it a blessing that it was able to heal her.

Starscream shrugged slight before making his way back to the lift. "What are the chances that human hasn't suddenly decided to return?"

“I don’t think he would, he seemed pretty serious about telling the man’s family about what happened… that could be a way away, if it was in Winterhold we aren’t near there, it’s way up north near my old home.” She explained.

"Good... The way he was gawking at me for simply speaking was... ugh..." he said with disgust as his wings lowered.

Yza sighed sadly but nodded. “Sorry, people around here aren’t the most accepting of differences… nor of giant robots…” she admitted, unfortunately she felt like the mages reaction was what a lot of people would react like towards the seeker, not that she didn’t understand the problem herself, she’d gotten plenty of stares for her wings and eyes, not to mention her sharp teeth and razor like claws on the end of her hand. Even if she didn’t have these bizarre features her heritage as a dunmer was enough to make most of the nords in Windhelm feel repulsed. She was glad that her family had lived outside the city, she wasn’t sure she could have taken living in its walls stuck in the grey quarter.

Starscream glanced at her from the corner of his optic. "As I recall you were the one to also attempt to attack me with a cooking utensil when we first encountered each other."

“Well now I know you’re a good giant robot, honestly, I thought you were a bandit or something that had broken in to my mom’s lab…. I hadn’t looked to see what I was trying to hit… I hadn’t expected to see you.” She said with a small shrug.

Starscream chuckled. "Is that so? And what if I was not a 'good giant robot'?"

Yza shrugged. “Dunno?” She spoke. “Hit you with a spoon I guess?” She laughed.

Starscream grinned and shook his head. "That might have worked only to confuse me long enough for you to run."

She smiled, “well I could’ve just left you down there, you needed moms help to get out before.” She teased.

Starscream raised an optic ridge. "I doubt that was the only way out."

Yza grinned. “You didn’t know that?” She said with a small laugh, “besides you wouldn’t have fit through any of the doorways!”

"Well... I'm sure you would have been proud leaving a defenseless Cybertronian down there to rust." Starscream said sarcastically.

Yza shook her head. “I only would have done it if you were a bad giant robot.” She said crossing her arms.

Starscream laughed. "Of course you would. Depending on who you listen to, I am one."

“Well, that ‘who’ isn’t here to say anything to me, so I don’t care what they think.” She said with a small smile.

"Remember that if you ever come across an Autobot." Starscream said with a slight smile.

Yza gave a curious look unsure what an autoboot even was but nodded. Starscream grew silent as he stepped onto the lift, mentally cursing himself for bringing up the Autobots.

Yzadreth was quiet herself, mostly wondering what exactly an Autobot was… she assumed they were the bad robots? Perhaps it was so given how Starscream had gone quiet.

Starscream sighed as they reached the top and he stepped out. "Forget what I said about them. They are not here and I doubt they will be..."

Yza nodded. “Fair enough, anyways… I guess this means I must go speak to you know who again…” she said rolling her eyes.

Starscream growled as he rolled his optics. He then gently picked her up from his shoulder. "Are you certain you want to keep trusting that wretch?" Yza hummed quietly in thought, she really didn’t want to but again she was left with questions of what exactly she could do instead.

Starscream sighed and set her down. "Just... be careful. She may only be using you until she has no more need for you..."

“I’m well aware, if I can just find a lead to follow myself, I wish I didn’t have to rely on her…” she said shaking herself to try and knock loose her doubts of the Blades woman.

Yzadreth entered the inn again, Delphine gave a small smile greeting her glad to see she was feeling better, though wondering just how she managed to heal from her injury this quickly. Delphine gave her more information she was able to gather from the thalmor, she had been surprised to learn what she had. another of her team was still alive, Esbern, Yza recalled the man they'd held hostage thinking he was someone else, apparently he was hiding beneath the city of Riften somewhere, Delphines former teammate was the one to have first theorized about the return of the dragons, if anyone could help them break through the rest of this mystery and find a solution it would be him. the womer hoped this man was better at helping her than Delphine was.

Instead of sitting, Starscream was pacing with his arms crossed. Feeling too restless to sit still, his mind wandering back to what had woken him up.

Yzadreth came back through the forest looking around for the seeker. She finally caught sight of him pacing in the woods as she went over to him. "Serjo?" she asked seeing he was agitated again. "Did something happen?" she asked looking up to him.

Starscream stopped and looked down at her. "Nothing happened. I am just... distracted..." He hated admitting that much but he could just lie to her.

Yza nodded as she leapt up and climbed back onto his shoulder again. "Are you sure you don't want to talk about it... you listened to my stuff, I can at least hear you out..." she said quietly.

Starscream sighed and placed his hand over his optics. "It is memories... long before the war started..."

Yza rested her hand on the side of his helm. "if you need to talk about it it's ok... I know I may not understand everything but I can try..." she said leaning against him for a moment before looking up at him again.

Starscream looked away. "My sire... He wasn't exactly the kindest individual. He seen Thundercracker and I as his 'precautionary heirs' and he outright hated Skywarp. To say he was abusive would be an understatement." He explained with an drawn out sigh at the end.

Yza frowned quietly but nodded. From the little he had already spoken of the bot she knew he had to be a real piece of work and a total jerk, but she was sure he was only scratching the surface of what had happened with his family. "You’ve mentioned your siblings a few times... where are they? Did your sire do something to them......?" she said feeling her ears drawn sadly for her companion.

Starscream's wings lowered to their lowest point. "No... he had nothing to do with their deaths... he was already offline by the time the war had started..."

Yza nodded but her wings flattened against her back, so they were gone... she lowered her gaze to the ground feeling pain for the bot before she looked back at him. "what was it you remembered about your father then... that was what had woken you earlier?" she asked quietly.

"...Even if he was not the cause of my siblings' demise... He was very much the reason for our carrier's... On a rare day Thundercracker and I returned to our 'home' early, we witnessed him put them offline. My brother, in a fit of rage, went after him." Starscream let out another sigh as he spoke and soon sat down, his wings dragging on the ground as he slouched forward.

Yza swallowed hearing this as she pressed the side of her face against his helm again. "He was cruel...I'm sorry your father had to be such a monster..." she said shakily.

"I tried... I tried to save them... I tried anything I could think of... It was all for nothing..." The seeker said as he placed his hands over his face. "Thundercracker did kill our Sire that day and was arrested for slaughtering a senator."

Yza nodded quietly imagining what it must have been like.

Starscream sighed as he brought his knees up a bit and rested his arms on them, unsure if he wanted to speak anymore at the moment.

Yza sighed quietly carefully getting up, she flew up a little higher and ended up on top of his helm as she gave him a hug and let her ancestors cloak cover him. He didn't need to talk anymore... she would just wait for him until he was ready to say more or move on.

Starscream glanced up at her and raised an optic ridge for a moment.

Yza looked back down at him balancing carefully on top of his helm as she looked down into his eyes. "You going to be alright to continue...?" she asked quietly. her wings flicking with concern for the bot.

"I will be soon enough." Starscream said not wanting to nod and end up having her fall.

Yza nodded giving another hug as she let herself slide back down to his shoulder and flop onto her stomach with a small huff as she let her wings stretch while she waited for him to collect himself. Starscream chuckled a little watching her then turned his head away. He shifted slightly and raised his wings to a more comfortable position.

Yza crossed her arms and let her head rest on them like a pillow as she watched him with half open eyes, it was nice to just relax for a little while. Starscream sighed and raised his sights to look at the sky.

"How are you feeling?" she asked curiously noticing him looking up at the sky.

Starscream looked back at her. "Better... I have not spoken of what happened to anyone before..."

Yza nodded letting her wings flatten against her back as she leaned against him. "I can't imagine holding that in for so long... I'm sorry about your family serjo..." she said softly.

"I truly thought I had gotten over what happened... buried it deep in my processor... but it keeps coming back to haunt me." He said and leaned back on his hands.

Yza nodded quietly. "Yah, mom said that sort of stuff sticks around, she would still get memories of stuff that happened when she was just a kid sometimes. " She said.

Starscream sighed then stood up. "Well... no matter what we say or do... it will not change the past."

Yza nodded quietly. "Yah... just have to keep going then..." she said softly, still sad for her friend’s loss and the suffering he had to go through.

Starscream stretched a little before going back to the path. "What did the wretch tell you?"

"Apparently someone she used to know from her former team is still alive, she found out he's been hiding underneath one of the cities... he's the one from her team that first created a theory about the return of the dragons. If we can find him first, we may be able to learn how to stop this dragon from raising the others." she said as she sat up again

"Did she tell you where to look or was it just 'under one of the cities'?" Starscream asked, glancing at her.

Yza nodded with a small laugh. "Riften, apparently their sewers are a popular place for people to hide out when they don't want to be found..." she said with a small sigh.

Starscream nodded slightly as he turned his head back. "And where is this Riften?"

"south east of the country... it's quite a ways away..." she admitted with a small sigh.

Starscream let out a deep sigh. "Then we better not waste anymore time..." Yza nodded she wished she could fly the same way he did, she had a feeling it would be so much faster to get places, but for the most part she was still relying on her wings just to gain an extra bit of distance. and she wasn't exactly very fast.

"If I knew you wouldn't pass out, I would simply transform and fly us there." Starscream said as he folded his arms.

Yzas wings flicked up curiously as she looked at him. She wanted to see that! She couldn’t imagine how going that fast would feel. She wanted to try! But she knew the bot was probably too worried about her not being able to handle it.

Starscream looked at her and shook his head. "Before you ask, the answer is no." He said with a deadpan expression.

Yza let out a small huff and pouted as she glanced away. looked like they would be walking...

Starscream sighed and looked away. "Sorry but when I can go at... What does that Predacon say?... 'go at the speed of mach Jesus'... whatever that means... I do not believe it wise to put you through that."

Yzadreth sighed but nodded. "aww all right but it looks so cool when I saw you taking off over whiterun!" she said as she let herself flop down again while they traveled. She was getting used to being perched up on his shoulder like this. She could keep her balance pretty well at this point.

Starscream chuckled. "At least you were the only one to see that."

Yza laughed a bit as well. “One day, I swear I’m going to fly with you.” She said confidently.

Starscream raised and optic ridge. "You sound so sure of that." He said teasingly.

“It’ll happen! I swear it.” She said with a determined grin.

Starscream let out a small laugh. "We will see about that."

After quite a few hours of travel yza finally saw the wall of a hold between the trees she carefully flew down from the seekers shoulder about to approach the gates when two guards stopped her. “Halt, anyone who enters must pay the visitors tax.” One of them said, the womer backed up looking confused. “I w-what? What in oblivion is that supposed to mean?” She said looking between the guards, there was no way they were being serious? “Look I’m in a real hurry I don’t have time for jokes would you kindly back off.” She said trying to push her way through.

Starscream growled and without much thought and being annoyed by such a ridiculous notion, had his holoform appear in a more time appropriate attire and stormed over. "What sort of idiotic policy is this 'visitor's tax'?!" He snarled getting in the face of one of the guards.

The guards hadn’t been expecting another to come as yza crossed her arms and glared at the guards. “You know what I think it is serjo, a petty scam! Let us in this is clearly a damn shake down.” She said raising her voice as the guards tried to calm the womer down to stop her from making a scene. The guards finally relented as long as she promised not to make a scene. At that yza huffed and walked past them for a moment turning around and smacking one of them upside the head. She usually didn’t get this angry but something about this felt gross and she wasn’t about to just let them get away with trying to rob every damn person that comes through the doors.

Starscream snorted and followed her. "Visitor's tax... fragging worthless humans..." he growled. "This fool the wretch sent you to find had better be more useful than her."

Yza nodded quietly speaking under breath in dwemeris. ”it better not be a waste of time, I hope this is the last time I have to work with her…” she muttered quietly. Walking inside there was a man staring them down she glanced at him feeling a bit unnerved but raised her head and looked away trying not to pay him any mind. She could overhear a few conversations somebody mentioned a thieves guild, ah… no wonder this city felt so wrong. She continued walking towards the market square hoping to find a way into the ratway. However before she could even approach the steps downwards she was approached by another man. He looked to be a merchant of some kind but she wasn’t sure if she wanted what he was selling.

Starscream stepped close to her, placing his hand on her shoulder. He already didn't like being in this place and with the man approaching her, he felt the need to protect her.

“Whatever it is your selling I’m not interested.” She said sticking closer to the seeker, she was trying to stay confident but there was a lot of people… she wasn’t great with a lot of people, and it felt like she was getting stared at from all over. “Ay, not selling, was gonna offer you a job lass.” He said with a thick accent as he crossed his arms, yza shook her head. “I don’t need anything and im already on business for someone else leave me alone, if you wanted to help me then you can help me find a guy named Esbern, I heard he’d be found down in the ratway below the city, have you heard of him?” She asked not looking impressed by the man whatsoever. “Ah that I may be able to help you with, my crew has eyes and ears all around the city, I’m sure one of them knows where your missing person is at, I’ll cut you deal, if you can prove yourself by helping me pull off this lil job I will let you into our little group and I’ll have one my friends help you find this guy your looking for.?” He said trying to look charming she wasn’t taking it. She took a deep breath before clasping her hands together, walk way, all she had to do was walk away, but no… no she really couldn’t this man was absolutely toying with her and she was sick and tired of dealing with people using her like that. “No, I’ll make this clear, I’m not helping you, I’m not interested, now how about you tell me where the hell this man is before someone else finds him and gets him killed I do not have time for these stupid games and I’m tired of idiots like you thinking they can just manipulate me with a few words and a smile. If you aren’t helping get out of my way.” She shouted shoving the man back against one of the nearby vendors stalls.

Starscream grabbed her arm and pulled her back over to him. "As much as I hate humans... remember what those guards said... We can't find the man if we've been kicked out of this slag pit."

Yza took a deep breath before turning around and hugging him. She did not like it here, she just wanted to get out of this stupid city… but he was right as she looked up and nodded at him before carefully walking past the man and going down the steps, towards the entrance to the sewers. Starscream glared at the man as he passed and followed her down to the sewers.

Yza found the door, but it was locked. Sighing she rolled her eyes and tried to pick the lock… it broke… she tried again much the same… finally losing patience she took a shout at the door and ripped the gate open as she walked inside.

Starscream's eyes widened for a moment before he followed her. "I suppose that works..." he muttered to himself.

Yza nodded. “Sorry I ran out of picks…” she admitted embarrassed for needing to make so much noise to get through.

"You could have asked for my assistance." Starscream said as he tilted his head.

Yza blushed further embarrassed for not realizing she could have also done that. She guessed she had been getting used to needing to go into places like this on her own, she had nearly forgotten she had the seekers holo as a companion with her right now…

Starscream sighed. "Well, that aside... Let's find this human before he manages to die somehow..."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yzadreth tried to ignore the stench as she continued through the tunnels. She could hear voices ahead though as she approached worriedly, were they too late? She wasn’t sure if they would need to fight them, she hoped not.

Starscream stayed close to her as they approached the voices, wary if they were about to get attacked.

They were just outside a larger room, she could see a group of Altmer in black and gold cloaks, it seemed the Thalmor had already started their search. She gritted her teeth. She was honestly nervous, as much as she was willing to push and shove to get people to back away from her… she wasn’t used to trying to fight a person off… dragons apparently she could handle… but needing to seriously wound or potentially kill another person felt twisted as she swallowed hard.

Starscream growled as he stepped ahead of her, holding his arm in front of her. "Stay behind me." Yza nodded silently, she took out her sword just in case but she wasn’t sure what the seeker was planning to do. Starscream reached to his side and pulled out a distorted looking dagger as he crouched down slightly and slowly made his way towards the armed humans.

One of the mer was giving orders to the others as they searched the area, they all carried some kind of blade or had magic ready to cast along with torches to help them see in the dark tunnels of the ratway.

Starscream hid behind things as best he could. Watching where the humans were carefully. Yza watched silently staying close to the seeker as she heard the mer searching the area. It was dark in the area they were hiding, she hadn’t seen a small bucket that had been covered by the shadows as she accidentally hit it and she froze as one of the soldiers looked over holding up a torch her eyes widened as the soldier shouted the other warriors to attention of the uninvited guests.

Starscream quickly went over and covered the soldier's mouth before stabbing him in the throat. The mer fell but the alarm had already been raised as the soldiers started their attack, a fire ball was flung in their direction, setting the crate they had been hiding behind on fire as another mer with a sword tried to come behind them and strike. But Yza was faster as she raised her own blade and blocked it before it could hit the seeker, even if it was just his holo.

Starscream turned and gripped the dagger in his hand tighter. The blade seemed to extend with a low glow of purple and near black flame as the seeker leaped up and sent a wave of the flame at the one that shot the fire ball.

The mer dodged by sending another one directly at the seeker as Yzadreth disarmed the soldier that had tried to stab them. He reached for a dagger but in a moment of following her instincts she swiped her blade up cutting across the soldier’s chest as they fell. Her eyes widened in shock for a moment she hadn’t meant to kill. She was distracted and another soldier came to try and fight the seeker and the womer. This one attempting to shoot a paralysis spell onto the seeker.

Starscream dodged and lunged at the soldier. Grabbing the human and slicing his dagger across his throat. He turned his head to look at Yza. "Snap out of it! It's either us or them and I refuse to have you die on me again!" He shouted in Vosian not realizing he had basically called her his deceased sister.

Yza came to her senses again with a quick breath she ran towards one of the soldiers her sword drawn she cloaked herself in flames as one of the soldiers tried to come up behind her when she ended up slashing the mer in front of her and shoving his body off a ledge. The one that had come up behind her was caught in the flames and reeled back for a moment from the pain before trying to hit her again. As she swung around and ended up putting the blade through the soldiers chest. The last of the soldiers taken down by Starscream the womer was shaking a bit as she finally pulled herself back. She’d never in her life ever killed another person before… she’d fought monsters, the undead, even dragons now… but they had been living breathing people and she had taken their lives… and yet she knew that if she hadn’t, they would have taken hers.

Starscream put his dagger away and turned to her. He walked over to her with a serious expression then placed his hand on her shoulder and squeezed it slightly.

Yza took a deep breath finally pulling herself out of her shock as she tried not to start crying. She turned and hugged the seeker again, she was glad he had been with her. She couldn’t imagine trying to do this without him… she would have been dead right now.

Starscream let out a deep sigh and returned the gesture. "Please... don't freeze up like that again..." he pleaded.

Yza nodded quietly though the tears had finally started rolling down her face when she looked back up at him. She never had to take lives like that before, it was terrifying… but she knew to see this journey through she needed to fight, and that may lead her to fight against other people, not just creatures or beasts…

The seeker brought his hand up and gently wiped tears from her face. "I know it's difficult thinking about the lives you end. But it's no different than felling an attacking animal." Yza nodded blinking her eyes trying to stop the turmoil inside her head right now as she gave a shaky sigh resting her head against his shoulder. She knew she ought to continue though… Starscream sighed and gently rubbed her back between her wings. He wasn't going to force her to move on until she was ready.

It took a little while for her to recover. She finally pulled away after a deep breath… “I’m ready to keep going…” she said softly finally shaking herself out of her daze.

Starscream nodded, keeping his hand on her shoulder. "Then let's find this man and leave as soon as possible."

Chapter Text

Yza continued on up the stairs towards the next section of the ratway, looking to the side she saw a door that was dead bolted shut. “Hello? Is someone in there?” She called. Knocking on the door a voice came back. “Go away!” cried an older man’s voice, yza sighed and shook her head. “Are you Esbern? Delphine sent us.” She called from the other side as the noise on the other side of the door paused before she could hear multiple locks being undone. “By the divines, really, Delphine? She’s still alive? Oh thank talos she is ok…. Come in come in. He said inviting them into the room. “Serjo, uh thank you for the invitation but we actually need you to come with us, don’t worry the soldiers are gone… but we need your help…” she said as the older man gave a small hum and crossed his arms. “Ahh, I see what exactly did you need help with? Hopefully something im not too scatterbrained to help you with at this point?” He asked. Yza nodded. “Serjo, the dragons, their coming back, your theory was right and we need your help to stop it.” She said as the man looked taken aback. “Oh divines….” He said looking mortified but understanding. “So… alduin has returned then…. “ he said shaking his head, he put up his finger telling them to stay for a moment. “Let me gather my things, I’ll tell you more on the way but we shouldn’t waste any time.” He said as he started packing what few belongings he owned.

Starscream folded his arms and looked at her. "Why does this feel too easy?" he asked with a suspicious tone. Yza nodded quietly not saying anything at first wanting to hear anything that the man might have to say.

Starscream sighed and stepped a fair distance away, mainly to make sure no one else showed up.

Yza decided to go inside and help the man pack some of his things as she hoped to as she hoped to ask him some questions. “So… where did you go to make these theories, Delphine mentioned you had started on this years ago before the blades disbanded? How did you know this was going to happen?” She asked quietly as the man sighed. “Ah… well I used to be quite an adventurer in my day actually, when I wasn’t on duty for the emperor I would often go to investigate the old barrows and study the old language the ancient birds left behind in their former cities and tombs. I also studied the word walls left by the tongues and for the dragon priests before them. I learned much about the dragon cults of old and the history of the origin of the tongues and Dragonborn’s from these places… but the farther I dug the more disturbing some of the information became… ah tell me dear… how familiar are you with the concepts of kalpas, or cycles if you will?” He asked as he took the last of his things and stepped out of the room. “I um… hmmm I think mom talked about it a couple times but I don’t know much…?” She said quietly as he sighed and shook his head. “That’s alright child most people don’t bother with the theories of creation.” He admitted with a sigh. “But as the concept of kalpas and cycles is concerned with our problem right now… see the dragons.. they are the children of akatosh, the god of time, it was akatosh that first set this world into motion during the dawn era… but that was not the first time he had to do such a thing…” he said quietly as yza tilted her head… “what do you mean?” She asked unsure what he meant by doing it more than once. “Because our realm, mundus or Nirn, was not always as it was now… our world has started over many times, more than we could possibly hope to count or possibly comprehend… akatosh starts a worlds cycle in the dawn era and it was his children he left in charge to see time continued to flow smoothely… and then there was his first born… alduin… alduin is akatoshs counter… for it is his job to bring the current cycles to a close so new one may begin… for this he is called the world eater…” he said quietly. Yzas eyes widened slowly as she paused. “Wait you mean to tell me that this dragon is planning to destroy the world?” She said feeling her usually hot blood run cold.

Seeing no current threat, Starscream looked back and walked to the doorway.

The man gave a quiet sigh shaking his head. “It’s not quite that simple, see one of the rod walls I uncovered… it described the story of how the dragons became distracted from their true purpose… they became obsessed with the power their wielded over mortal kind and became more interested in ruling over the weak with iron claw and violence than with actually governing the worlds laws… Alduin especially became a problem, he lost interest in his role in the cycles deciding he would rather torment the mortals his father put him in charge of. He abandoned his role in the way of cycles.” He explained. “It was because of the suffering of the people that one of the goddesses took notices of their pain, she along with one of Alduins brothers decided to share the voice with the humans so that they may bring the tyranny of the dragons to an end and worship the gods in peace… while many records I have found claimed that Alduin was slain by the voice of ancient tongues… I found another, older feeling of the tail that says he was simply sent away… they mentioned the use of one of the ancient elder scrolls to lock the beast away, but there was a warning that it may not completely stay his wrath… that he would return… and I suppose that means it sent him here into the future.” He spoke. Yzas ears flattened. “So, he doesn’t want to destroy the world?” She asked curiously as the man shook his head. “I can’t say for certain child, perhaps he has seen back to his ways and decided to fulfill his role again to try and bring about the end of our kalpa… or perhaps he is simply still enraged for being sent away and seeks to raise his brethren in revenge for our fighting back. Either case it’s very troubling news.” He said walking towards the seekers holo. “He paused for a moment before shaking his head. “Wait a moment, my goodness I am sorry I’ve forgotten my manners, I never asked your names? Who are you both? Other than Delphine’s helpers? I apologize if she’s treated you harshly, she’s always been a stubborn one since she joined the order.”

Starscream folded his arms, debating if he should tell the man his actual name or to lie and use a false one. In the end he huffed slightly, deciding it would be too much effort to keep up the facade. "My name is Starscream." He spoke. At least the man seemed more polite than the woman they had to deal with.

“And I am Yzadreth. I’m the Dragonborn, but starscream has been helping me on my journey.” She explained to the older man. “Ah I see, your quite brave for one so young…” he said to the young womer. “In anycase, I hope to return to the world wall I found with the old tale of alduin, we need to know if there if there is anything that can be done to stop alduin… there are accounts of a shout the old tongues used to ground the dragons, make them vulnerable, but I haven’t seen nor heard of any accounts where this shout would be found… if it can be found. See this shout was said to be antithesis of all the dragons could comprehend… the words used to bring them down could be used only by mortals alone, for the shout made dragons mortal themselves. if we can find this shout, it is our best chance of defeating Alduin…” he said with a sigh to the girl.

Starscream cocked a brow and looked at her. "This sounds worth it for us to investigate as well." He was becoming used to switching languages so often, he didn't realize he spoke in his native tongue again.

Yza nodded with a small smile. ”I think so too.” she said before turning back to the older blade. “We’d like to go with you.” She said to the man who chuckled. “Ah I’ll be good for the company, been some time since I went traveling, good to be out of that old stinking cell at least, but the place we are heading will be a way out near Markarth, it’s a bit of a hike.” He said to the two as Yza nodded. “We can handle it, nothing Delphine hasn’t asked us to do already.” She said with a shrug as he nodded. “I see, well then shall we go?” He asked the duo as Yza nodded the man gave a small smile and continued onward trying to recall the way out of the ratways.

Starscream folded his arms behind his back. "Should we warn the poor man about who I am? I'd so hate to hold myself to that threat I made when he's been far more polite than the wretch."

Yzadreth nodded. “Sir there’s something I need to tell you before we get outside the city…” she said before the left the more secluded area of the ratway. The man paused but nodded. “Go on? What is it dear?” He asked patiently before she glanced at the holo. “My friend starscream is not a human…” she said as he quirked a brow. “What of it? I’ve worked with khajjit and Bretons before? It’s nothing of matter?” He said not understanding what she was trying to say. “No, I mean… this isn’t my friends real body… this is just a projection he can create when interacting with people like us… his real body is outside the city…” she explained quietly as the man tilted his head. “Oh? what are you then? Are you a Daedra sir? Or some other kind of familiar she has with her?” He asked wondering what he was wandering into. “He’s a robot.” She said leaving the man speechless for a moment. “Like the Dwemer?” He said looking between the two. “More so than even what they were able to build, he’s fully living, just made of metal…” she explained as he tried to comprehend how this was possible. “I have a feeling this is something easier seen than explained…” the older gentleman sighed. “Well, a thank you for the forewarning, I wouldn’t be getting far if I gave myself a heart attack seeing a centurion or some such coming towards me.” He said with a small laugh. “Anything else I should know?” He asked as he was turning to exit the sewers.

Starscream nodded. "Do not call me an automaton when you do see my true form." He warned then looked at Yza. "I will wait for you outside this slag pit." He said before the holoform faded. Esbern nodded as did Yza as she went back out through the city towards the section of the forest Starscream had been waiting.

Starscream looked over from where he was sitting then stood up and went over to them.

Yza waved as the man looked up and up some more, he had been warned but he hadn’t expected him to be so large. “Oh my, you weren’t joking… well then… ah shall we go then I guess?” He said ready to walk to the next location when he saw Yza leaping up to sit on the bots shoulder.

Starscream carefully knelt and held out his hand to him. "It would be far quicker if you told me where to go."

The man blinked a little hesitant. “Ah I see… are you sure that is quite safe….?” He asked unsure how he felt about being so high up off the ground. Not that the young womer seemed bothered by it. “Don’t worry, it will be fine.” She called to old blade as he sighed and accepted the offer. “The location is to the northwest, just before the hold of Markarth, the one thing we may have to watch for is if any forsworn are in the area… they’ve been getting rather aggressive lately.” He said recalling whispers and rumors he’d heard while he was hiding.

Starscream huffed and stood back up before heading in the direction of their next destination.

Yzadreth relaxed glad to be out of the city again, and at least this time the extra company was nice, the old man wasn't so bad, she liked him better than Delphine she had been getting bossed around by till now. The old Blade looked a little nervous though, he still didn't mind the adventure, but he really wasn't used to being up so high and didn't think he ever would be.

Starscream moved his wings up to stretch them a bit before they fell back to their normal position. As nervous as the man had been before about getting up on the seekers shoulder, he had to admit this was a lot faster and much less painful than needing to walk all the way across Skyrim on foot. Yza meanwhile had once more laid down on her stomach as she watched the scenery shift further West they went, the terrain becoming hillier again and trees becoming sparser. The sun was going down when they started to near their destination.

Seeing the next area, Starscream stepped to the side of the path. "Either we wait until the morning to deal with another settlement, or we go and get this over with now."

The man looked up. "Oh, the location is not in the city proper, we're actually very close. hmmm having the cover of night would be helpful if there are any forsworn in the area, we may have to sneak around them to get into the ruins... otherwise it may be best to wait until morning." he said as Yza thought. "I think trying to get in while it's dark is probably for the best." she said not wanting to risk getting seen though she recalled how she had messed up the last time she tried to sneak and almost gotten them killed in the Ratway.

Starscream sighed and nodded as he knelt for them to get off.

Yza jumped down confidently and was able to help Esbern down while somewhat shakily he was fine. “Well, that was quite something…” he said before looking towards the ruins, he could the fire of a few camps set up near the entrance, it looked like they would have to be careful about how they entered.

Starscream sat down as he had his holoform appear again.

"Everyone ready?" Yzadreth whispered to the two. hopefully she didn't mess up terribly this time while trying to sneak inside the old barrow looking structure.

Starscream nodded, placing his hand on the hilt of his dagger.

Yzadreth took a deep breath and was surprised when the Blade decided to go first, he certainly seemed prepared as he snuck towards the entrance carefully Yzadreth wasn't far behind him as she made sure the watch her steps more carefully this time.

Starscream followed behind them, making sure nothing tried to sneak up on the group.

Yza glanced behind them as they finally managed to clear the camp and sneak into the ruins. she gave a sigh of relief as she looked back to the blade then back at Starscream. looked like they had gotten through one difficult challenge, now onto navigating these ruins she was sure would be trapped in some way, considering the first one she had to go into.

Yza was surprised there wasn’t many undead here, however that didn’t mean the ruin was easy to get through, there were multiple puzzles and traps, and soon enough they were faced with a locked door, there was no lever or other hint of a way to unlock it, an odd spiral pattern in the floor with a hole in the center going down somewhere. Yza glanced around the room unsure how this was even supposed to work… She approached the door trying to see if she could feel anything that stood out, see if there was a hidden button or lever to push or pull.

Starscream walked around the room curiously. Gently pressing his hand on the wall then looked down at the floor pattern.

The blade sighed reading the inscriptions on the wall humming in thought, this was about as far as he had been able to get the last time he came to this place, he was never able to unlock the door himself he tried to see if anything was written that would give a clue to opening door. That was until one of the inscriptions that was carved into the spiral caught his attention. “Blood of the dragon will sh-“ Esbern read out loud as Yza had walked over to inspect the spiral and its epicenter. That was when the womer let out a screech when thin sharp spike shot up through the floor into her hand. It retracted as quickly as it had flung itself up. The womers hand dripped blood down into the spiral as it went into the tiny hole. Suddenly the floor lit up as did the door before it slowly started moving, sliding down into the ground giving them a way into the next room. She would have been cursing but her surprise at the room opening was enough to keep her silent as she held her hand.

Hearing her screech, Starscream immediately went over to her gently grabbing her shoulders but soon turned his attention to the now opened entryway.

The blade hurried over seeing her hand he sighed “here, step away from that”. he said as he looked in his pack for a bandage. Thankfully he had kept some on him as he carefully wrapped the girl’s hand before tying it. “I suppose we should go in and see what we find… are you alright?” He asked Yza, the womer nodded. “Sorry, it just startled me…” she admitted with a nervous laugh, but she gave the man a grateful smile for helping wrap it up.

Starscream tilted his head, thinking back to what happened at the mine. "When we are through here, I wish to test something, if you would be willing." He said softly.

Yza nodded. ”yah sure?” she said curious what he had in mind. The blade had already walked into the room and was holding up a torch to read the text on the wall, it was yet again the same story, but it gave more details this time… there was a lot to take in, he had a feeling this may take a while. Some of the text was harder to translate than others and some of the text had been damaged or lost completely from the aging ruins.

Starscream nodded then looked back to the room ahead of them. "As I said, after we are through here." He said as he let go of her shoulders.

Yza nodded before following the other two as she looked around the large room. “What exactly were these ruins used for anyways serjo? I didn’t see any undead up and about so this isn’t a tomb? What is this place?” She asked curiously. The man smiled. “This is the location where the blades first came into being. Before serving the emperors our first duty was to help the Dragonborn and other tongues. This was where the first blades assembled… it makes sense that that place would have the most accurate historical account of what happened to the dragons and Alduin as it was the Dragonborn and the tongues that fought Alduin back before, I was hoping that somewhere here we may learn how they were granted access to the shout you will need.” He said still looking over the wall closely

Starscream looked over the wall, tilting his head slightly before turning his attention back to Yza. Yza sighed as she looked over the wall, it was odd she never read a language like this before, yet when she stared at it long enough, she swore she could understand it somehow. Besides the script there was also some murals she tilted her head seeing a picture of a strange lady and another dragon standing atop a tall mountain. She thought she recognized that place. “Is that High Hrothgar?” She asked pointing to the mountain in the carving. The man nodded. “Yes, that depicts the divine Kyne, and the Dovah Parthurnax, the ones who gave mortals the ability to use the voice… Yza nodded quietly. “Maybe I’m jumping to conclusions… but do you think maybe the answer is up on top of the mountain?” She asked.

"It could be our only option at the moment. Unless there's more to this." Starscream said as he turned his gaze back to the wall.

The blade nodded quietly. “It seems so, it’s difficult to read much of this given how worn and damaged these carvings are… but signs do seem to be pointing to the mountain, though what we are looking for is likely beyond the monastery itself, on the throat of the world, that is the peak of the mountain.” He said.

"We know where to look next at the very least." Starscream said as he placed his hands behind his back.

The older man nodded as he sighed. “I hope you don’t mind if I stay here for a while longer? As much as I would like to join you I still want to see if I can glean anymore information from these carvings and inscriptions. It may take me a while to go through all of this.” He admitted.

Starscream raised a brow. "Are you not worried you may be attacked by these Forsworn?" He asked.

“I haven’t seen any sign of them having tried to enter the ruins at any point, while they have a camp outside none of them know I’m in here. I should be fine if I stay put.” he said.

Starscream gave a slight shrug. "Very well then." He said then turned to Yza.

Yza nodded quietly. “Please be careful serjo… I don’t want to see anything bad happen to you.” She said, still unsure if they should leave him but the blade seemed confident, he could handle himself as she sighed. “Let’s go serjo.” She said as she turned back to the seeker.

Starscream nodded before turning and walking out of the room.

Yza was close behind him, carefully maneuvering their way around the traps and out of the ruins she gave a small sigh. Once they were out of sight and sound of the Forsworn camp, she let out a small huff before turning to the seeker in his true form curiously. "so.... you said you wanted to test something serjo?" she asked with a tilt of her head, her wings fluttering a little.

Starscream looked at her as his holoform faded and nodded. "Yes. You said that it may have been from the energon that healed your shoulder." He said as he held out a crystal to her. "I am curious as to the extent of this."

Yzadreth blinked but nodded. "ah alright..." she said carefully taking a hold of it. She slowly unwrapped her hand. it stung a little and she could still see a bit of blood, but as she touched the crystal to her hand it let off a light blue glow, the light seemed to react with her blood turning it a similar color as it crept up her veins and created glowing glyphs on her skin, watching with wide eyes she saw the wound close in only moments before the crystal finally started dim again as did the glyphs on her skin and the glowing of her veins. she smiled in amazement before looking up at the seeker with some excitement in her eyes.

The seeker's optics were wide as he watched what happened. He had never seen anything like that throughout his life. "It seems energon is not only beneficial to me..." He wasn't sure what else to say.

Yza nodded before letting him take it again. "Well, that was cool... I wonder what else it can do? Other than heal me which is great to know? Though I thought you said this stuff was supposed to be toxic to organic life?" she asked with a tilt of her head.

Starscream nodded. "It is. I have u-.. seen it happen before." He said, quickly correcting himself.

Yzadreth raised a brow at his near slip but nodded. “Huh… weird then, wonder what made us different…” she said quietly thinking of her mother and what the rest of her people were probably like before, all she really had was stories from her mothers childhood to go off of and speculative guesses from so called scholars on her mothers people, none of which were alive during the time they existed…

"Perhaps on our travels we will find the answer to that." Starscream said as he placed the crystal in a compartment on his arm.

Yza nodded. “Ready to return to the mountain again?” She asked quietly,

Starscream nodded and stood up. "Although I do not look forward to being there again..." he muttered.

Yza nodded quietly, “I know it gets cold… are you coming up with me as yourself or are you planning to use your holo again?” She asked curiously.

"I will be using my holoform. I would rather not go into stasis from frigid temperatures." The seeker said as he looked towards the mountain.

Yza nodded quietly. “Understandable…” she said though she realized that meant they would probably have to walk the long way around unless his holo could sprout wings like her. Hopefully they will find what they needed at the top of the mountain. Finally finding their way to the base of the 7000 steps she glanced at the seekers holo

Starscream's shoulders dropped staring at the steps. Although his holo wouldn't be physically pained by the climb up, it still would be tedious.

“Taking the ladies warning from back in Whiterun a bit more seriously now?” She teased the seeker trying to lighten the mood, but yah she had a feeling this would take a while, and this Time they weren’t stopping at just high Hrothgar, they would need to make their way to the summit….

Starscream snorted and shook his head before letting out a deep sigh. "Can't be any worse than being stranded in the arctic without being able to fly." He said as he started moving forward.

Yzadreth laughed a little but nodded as she started up the slope.

Starscream looked back at her. "Are you sure you will be able to handle the cold this time?" He asked with a smirk on his face.

“You saw where I live twice, you tell me serjo.” She retorted though she had to shake some frost off her wings before she put her coat back on to cover them.

Starscream chuckled. "I would think here is far more cold than your home."

Yza shrugged. "I'll survive a few hours, besides, I'm the one that can safely set myself on fire if I really wanted to warm up." she said looking up at him.

Starscream rolled his eyes. "Yes, you and your 'magic'." He said in a mocking yet playful tone.

"Ay, come on it's useful! You'd use it too if you could I bet." she said crossing her arms, her antennae flicking a little in place of how her wings would usually flutter.

"But I cannot." He stated. "So how would I know I would use it?" He said grinning, obviously messing with her at this point.

Yza hummed in thought as she paused before pulling out something from her pack, papers, also books. "I know your real body probably can't use them but wonder if your holo can do it? These are spell books and spell scrolls. The books will teach you spells you can cast using magicka, the scrolls are one time use spells that don't require magicka to be cast. also, if we ever go into a town or find one on our adventures, you could probably use a staff." she said wanting to see what he thought of magic if he could cast with it.

Starscream raised a brow. "It is one thing hurling... what I did with the dagger. It is another to use magic, I'm sure." He said, not wanting to admit to his previous usage of dark energon.

Yza gave a smile. "What? You don't want to try?" she asked giving a tilt of her head.

"Truthfully... no..." He said as if hiding something behind his baritone response.

Yza pouted and rolled her eyes. "Why not? won't hurt to try? If it doesn't work it doesn't work, not a big deal, and if it does work you got something new to try out?" she reasoned with a small smile.

Starscream sighed to keep his composure. He turned his head back and continued walking.

Yza let out a small huff and rolled her eyes before following him again, guessing he was just going to be stubborn.

The seeker didn't speak much more as they made their way to the summit.

Chapter Text

Yza felt a little unsure about what had seemed to bother the seeker, she didn't mind it being quiet on the way up, but it still felt a little awkward. Pretty soon they were past the monastery, she had stopped in quickly to ask the hermits about what might be found at the top, she was shocked to hear that their apparent leader actually resided up there, they tried to discourage her from climbing up but being determined they finally let the duo continue on their way up. Giving Yza access to another set of new shouts, ones that would help them reach the summit safely.

Starscream sighed as he turned his gaze downward. He felt an explanation for his sudden behavior was needed but he was unsure of how to word his thoughts.

"Hey... you are feeling alright? You’ve been quiet since I asked about magic...?" she said curiously, her ears twitching as she put a hand on the holo's shoulder.

"Yes... ...No... I do not have the words to explain myself... At least not without sounding out of line..." He muttered, unsure if that was even the right phrase to use.

Yza tilted her head as she walked closer “I'm not sure I understand but ok...." she said quietly. "You ready to continue on?" she asked, seeing the second part of their journey, clouds and wind seemed to make the path vanish in front of them. It looked like it was her turn to use her new abilities. inhaling deeply despite the biting cold she let out her shout, ringing through the air, the sky itself seemed to answer her cry in response as the path before them cleared of clouds and the roaring wind died to but a whisper. She was amazed at the new ability but knew they should hurry before the shout’s effects wore off.

Starscream looked at her then sighed to himself before turning back and continuing.

slowly but surely, they made their way to the summit. for a moment all was quiet. she saw nobody up here though, she could see a word wall though as she carefully approached wondering where on earth an old man could possibly live on this summit and survive. That was until she heard the flapping of large wings as something large landed on a nearby ledge. "Dovah kiin.... So, you have finally come to seek some answers... I wondered when and if this day would arrive." the beast spoke though was surprisingly calm. "do not fear me mortal, I am not your enemy... my name is Parthunax, I was the one that helped Kyne teach your kind the way of the voice..." he said, his voice rumbled when he spoke even if he seemed to be trying to whisper. The womers eyes were opened wide...

Starscream stepped back, his eyes wide, unsure of what to make of the dragon as he spoke.

Yzadreth was frozen at first in shock, unable to move for a few moments as she breathed out a puff of warm steam into the freezing air. "Then... are you the one that can teach me the shout... the shout to stop Alduin...?" she asked the elder dragon hesitantly taking a step forward as the large winged beast lowered his snout towards her. "I unfortunately cannot teach you that shout myself... for it is unknowable to my kiin... its very existence is impossible for us to comprehend or use... it is a shout only mortals alone could use." he said as he raised his head and shook it slowly. "But... I can give you aid in finding the ones who can teach you..." the old Dov' said as he motioned with his head towards the center of the summit. "This is where Alduin was first fought by the mortals and driven away by the elder scroll. The resulting clash created a time wound, a scar in our reality that is still very much present." the dov explained as Yza saw something like smoke or mist wavering in the air, something that that was intangible, but she could feel it. "if the elder scroll that was used to send Alduin away was used within the time wound, you would be able to see back into that battle long ago... you would be able to learn the shout of the mortals from the humans that first created it." he explained as Yza's eyes widened. "y-you wouldn't happen to be talking about this...?" she said as she pulled out the scroll from the dwemer ruins as the old dov looked surprised with a tilt of his head as he folded his wings in. "you have certainly come prepared little mortal, I am unsure whether it was fate that helped you find this relic or if you somehow knew it would be necessary in your journey, but yes, I recognize the power of this scroll, it is certainly the same one that was used here.”

Starscream soon calmed himself, figuring if the beast wanted to attack, he would have already. He soon folded his arms and listened, somewhat glad they did go to the ruins to find energon.

Yzadreth smiled. “I think the answer is lucky… we happened to find it while searching for something else…” she explained as she looked at the scroll. “So… I just read the scrolls in front of the waving air? How do I get back.?” She asked, unsure how this would work. “After the scroll has been read and the goal achieved you will be returned to this place and time once more. “ he said.

Starscream looked at her. "Are you prepared to do this?" he asked with concern in his voice.

”im going to have to be serjo…” she said reluctantly. If she wanted to stop this monster, she needed to be brave now… though she did turn around to the seekers holo and pulled him into a hug, still nervous but she knew this was something she had to do.

Starscream immediately returned the gesture. "Come back alive, little one..." he muttered softly.

Yza clung a little tighter and nodded silently with a small shudder, she would tell herself it was just from the cold, but there was a very real fear this wouldn’t end well as she pulled away to look at his face. ”I promise.” she said before walking towards the time wound. Gulping she held the scroll tight though her small body shook slightly before she finally opened up the scroll. There was a bright flash of light as the womer froze, suddenly she was somewhere else- or no she was in the same place, but there were others here, and she could hear a monstrous roar as terrifyingly large black dragon with blood red eyes landed. Three warriors stood against the beast, one holding a scroll one a sword and the other a war hammer. One of the men shouted forcing the dragon, Alduin, to stumble before they roared in rage. “Pathetic mortal! You dare to defy me?! What is this treachery? What have you done?” The beast roared rearing up on their hind legs the dragon prepared to strike as the second warrior shouted and the first turned to the man holding the scroll. “Use it now!” They called as the person opened up the scroll Yzadreth finally felt the words of power flow into her as she heard it echoing in her head as the vision faded and she was back in the mountain with the seeker and parthunax.

Starscream slowly went over to her. "Are you alright?" he asked calmly.

Yzadreth stumbled a little as she held her head but nodded as she slowly came back to her senses. Yza smiled up at the seeker before she heard parthunax shift, giving a low growl the dragon flew in front of the two with a rumble in his throat he stared at the sky as another shape came from the dark sky, two red eyes burned behind blackened scales, Alduin was here.

Starscream turned his attention towards the black dragon and pulled out his dagger. He wasn't sure how much help he would actually be, but he wasn't about to run away and leave Yza to deal with the dragon on her own.

Yzadreth readied her blade glaring at the dragon. Parthurnax spoke to the eldest dragon. “You are too late Alduin, the Dovahkiin has learned the shout that shall be your undoing.” At that the first born laughed. “Do not mock me brother, once I am finished with these pathetic mortals I will wring my teeth around your neck for your treachery.” He roared. “Mortals do not be mistaken, you may have the words of my enemies, but you are by no means their equals, and I will consume your souls as I have consumed the souls of sovengarde… you will not stop me.” He roared soaring through the air gouting flames as Yzadreth lifted her blade to try and defend against the onslaught. Parthurnax took to the sky swiping at his brother digging his talon like claws into the larger dragons shoulder. The black dragon roared in rage snapping at the old Dov’s neck, forcing the other to land. Alduin was prepared to attack again when Yzadreth finally belted out her shout. The world eater was forced to land.

With the dragon on the ground, the seeker went about to attack him, choosing to go from the side to go directly for the beast's wings.

Alduin growled rearing up to bring one of his massive legs down on the seeker before Yza leapt up on top of the dragon, swinging the sword down onto his neck. as they roared shoving the holo back and throwing the womer off them and against the word wall. Power flowed into her but she could feel herself winded as she stumbled to her feet shouting again to try and keep the dragon at bay. "You are a foolish mortal, I will never be defeated, not by you nor any other fool that thinks they can stand in my way..." he growled before Yza grabbed her blade tight and shoved it through his snout. The beast snarled, throwing the sword away as they breathed fire on the young womer parthurnax jumped in front covering the girl with his wings as he roared at the first born. the dragon laughed. "Pathetic, you're hardly even worth my time." The dragon snarled even as they were bleeding severely, Alduin seemed more amused than concerned or scared. He was utterly confident he was untouchable as he flew away back into the sky shockingly leaving them all alive despite his threats.

Starscream growled as he watched the dragon fly away. "For an 'all powerful' beast, he does not know how to hold to his threats..." he snarled.

Yzadreth coughed sitting up as Parthunax backed up slightly to make sure the womer was alright. "Mortal, are you injured?" they asked as they lowered their head to help bring the girl back to her feet. "I- I thought we almost had him... I cut into his damn neck how in oblivion is he still alive?" she said tired and quite sore from the battle that had nearly cracked one of her ribs when she got thrown. Her sword was laying in the snow staining it red with the dragon’s blood. the wounds she had inflicted should have been killing but the dragon looked completely unhindered by the attacks. unless the dragon was damn good at bluffing. Parthurnax sighed. "Alduin is the strongest of the dov... I do not wish to admit it but it may be impossible to win against him, at least permanently, within the mortal realm of mundus..." he said parthurnax kept his wings tucked low, she could see that one of his wings was quite damaged, he likely wouldn't be flying again for a while.

The seeker huffed and rolled his eyes. "And I suppose we'll have to find a way to take him to another realm to destroy him."

Yza made her way back next to the seeker trying to keep herself focused between the pain she felt and the anger at having failed to stop the beast when they had the chance. But she listened carefully to the old dovah as he shook his head. “Alduin mentioned having consumed the souls of many mortals… I can think of one location besides Nirn itself where he could do such a thing… sovengarde… the paradise of the Nordic afterlife. I know of only one way to get there though, there is a temple far above the clouds called Skaldafinn, the ancient city holds gateway to this realm…” Parthurnax explained, he would carry the mortals there himself but he feared he would be unable to fly at all with his injured wing… he was also well aware that this temple would be heavily guarded by the brethren loyal to Alduin.

Starscream looked at her and rested his hand on his shoulder before turned his head back to the dragon. "Depending if there is any opposition, I may be able to get her and I there." He said. He still wasn't sure if he should try flying there with her, but if was some place above the clouds as they described, it would be far easier to get there with his alt mode.

The old dov nodded. “It is likely guarded by Alduins more loyal followers, whether that be dragon priests from the ancient human cults or other dovah he had raised from the dead with his return… it will be a dangerous flight even for a dov like myself… I would offer you passage myself, but I may be grounded for some time little mortal.” He said remorsefully.

Starscream sighed. "There has to be another way to get there then, even if it means trying to 'convince' one of his followers to aid us."

The dov, rumbled in thought, smoke flaring from his nostrils as he gave a huff… “perhaps there is… the hold of white run, it’s castle Dragonsreach, was initially created to take a dovah prisoner… if you could lure one of his followers into the hold you may be able to capture them.” Yzas eyes widened. “Yah good idea except I’m pretty sure the jarl will beg to disagree…?” She said, she didn’t imagine that the king of the hold would just let them use his home and city as an experiment like this.

"We do not have much of a choice." Starscream said as he looked at her. "If that is our only other option, we have to take it."

Yza nodded. “Let’s hope we’re convincing enough…” she said not sure if she was confident to try something like this.

Starscream raised a brow. "I suppose it's a good thing I was in politics..." he muttered in slight disgust of himself.

Yza sighed and nodded. “Hopefully we only have to do it this once, but know knows how convoluted this could get… the jarl also has to consider the fact this country is embroiled in a civil war and either side of the conflict could take a moment of weakness to try and attack his hold, Whiterun is a neutral territory..” she said to the seeker. She had almost gone this entire journey without thinking of it, but now that they were talking politics and trying to speak to jarls she realized this may be a very tricky situation…

"The threat of imminent destruction from a powerful force tends to sway the minds of lower and higher castes a like fairly easily." Starscream said sounding fairly confident.

Yzadreth closed her eyes for a moment before nodding, she would trust the seeker for this...she wasn't exactly a great spokesperson... at least she didn't think so... considering her blunder when going to rescue Esbern she wasn't sure she had the social etiquette or patience to handle something this important. Her mother may have had the where with all for such a feat, but she was a soul that could read a person’s emotions like a book and could pull heartstrings like a practiced bard played a lute. to her mother being a positive influence and convincing force was natural, all she really had going for her was a title and a loud voice that would probably do better at scaring people than convincing a crowd to allow a dragon to come inside their city.

Starscream sighed. "We can speak more of this on the way there. Shall we?"

Yzadreth nodded. "Yah, let's go before I do end up turning into an ice sculpture." she said, she had a feeling she was not going to enjoy the trek down given the beating she had just received from Alduin, but she didn't have much of a choice. She couldn't just stay up there; they needed to move and the sooner they were out of the cold the better. for now, she settled for using her ancestors’ cloak finally and letting the warmth of her magic blanket over her for a time as they tried to make their way through the coldest part of the descent.

Although currently unaffected by the cold, Starscream was beginning to feel fatigued by the over usage of his holoform, the fight with the dragon not helping any with the feeling, but he didn't want to deactivate it yet, to make sure Yza made it down safely.

it felt like it took forever to get back to the forest floor they had started from. she was surprised she hadn't passed out on the way back; she was just about ready to though as she rubbed her eyes and coughed again still feeling her chest burn from the time in the cold and the strain from the battle.

As they reached his true form, Starscream deactivated his holo and gently picked her up. "Looks as though we both need rest before we move on." He said calmly.

Yza nodded not even feeling the energy to crack a joke as she let herself rest against him. trying to remain awake a bit longer until they found the place they would settle for the night. She coughed again, it was painful, but she hoped sleep and time to heal would help alleviate the problem. If worst came to worst, she could try to use the energon like she had with her shoulder and hand previously... but still right now all she wanted to do was sleep as she curled up with him, it didn't take long for her to pass out.

Starscream stayed awake long enough to make sure she was resting alright. His optics barely open and soon enough went into recharge.

Yzadreth shook a little in her sleep coughing slightly before finally seeming to settle more her wings twitched slightly while she rest though one of them seemed to struggle a little unseen to the young womer who still was cuddled up in her oversized cloak to sleep.

Starscream woke up with a slight twitch early the next morning. He brought his hand to his mouth as he yawned then looked to Yza.

Yza was still asleep, laying on her side now when she usually lay on her stomach most of the time. She coughed again in her sleep as her wings tried to move, she shifted uncomfortably with a small groan.

Starscream let out a quiet tired sigh as he rested his hand over her gently, not wanting to wake her. He couldn't help but think of when he was a youngling and being with his younger sibling.

when one of the digits touched her back the womer flinched letting out a small hiss under her breath as her eyes slowly opened, whatever happened had finally woken her up as she blinked her eyes before trying to sit up. She winced as she stopped her movements. her back... god something was painful... now that the freezing numbness had worn off during the night something stung like oblivion when she tried to move her wings. she gritted her sharp teeth glancing up at the seeker with a worried expression.

Starscream moved his hand and sat up enough to lean on his arm. "Were you injured during the fight?" He asked in a concerned tone.

Yzadreth glanced behind her giving a reluctant nod, she hadn't felt it like this last night, it had been so cold her wings had been basically numb, now that they had thawed she could actually feel the injury as she squeezed her eyes shut and carefully tried to remove her cloak so she could actually see what had happened.

Starscream opened the compartment on his arm he kept some of the energon in. He almost felt reluctant to pull it out, unsure if continued exposure would harm her further instead of help. Seeing no other alternative, he sighed to himself and pulled the crystal out.

When her wings were finally uncovered from the cloak it was revealed that at some point in the fight, one of them had been torn. Likely being frozen as it was, getting thrown against the wall during the battle had likely resulted in the damage, the freezing temperatures had made it impossible to feel the damage before. she looked up at the energon the crystal seemed to work best when it made contact with the location of the injury so she hesitantly let him put the crystal up to her wings.

Starscream stopped before the crystal made contact with her, seeing the look on her face. "I will not proceed if you want to let it heal naturally instead."

Yzadreth winced but sighed. "No.. no... this has helped before, it should help now... it just hurts..." she said looking up at him, she didn't usually like her wings being touched, but her mother and father when he was still around would sometimes check them for her incase they were worried about injuries... she trusted the seeker and knew the energon could heal her, besides, if she just relied on it to heal naturally, it may not heal correctly, and she had no way of knowing how long it would take, couldn't face off against Alduin and his minions while her wing was damaged like this.

Starscream nodded before gently bringing a digit under her wings to help support them as he carefully held the crystal against them. "If it becomes too painful, say so."

Yzadreth remained still aside a small shiver as the touch felt cold before the energon created a warm sensation until it almost burned. She clenched a fist but wanted to make sure it was fully healed, she could bear a bit of pain if it meant her wing was repaired.

When it looked like her wing was healed, the seeker slowly pulled the crystal away. "Better?"

Yzadreth slowly moved them, the burning gone and no longer pained when moving the appendages she gave a sigh of relief. “Much.” She answered gratefully. “Thank you serjo.” She said quietly.

Starscream placed the energon back and closed the compartment. "Did it not bother you last night?" He asked with a slight tilt to his head.

“It was so cold my entire back felt numb…. I didn’t feel the full extent of the injury until after it thawed this morning…” she said glad the tear hadn’t been irreversible.

Starscream sat up the rest of the way, stretching his wings and arms. "At least your injuries were able to be healed..." he said before yawning again.

“Are you ready to keep going?” She asked curiously as she stood up. Starscream let out a sigh before standing up and nodding.

Yzadreth settled back on his shoulder for now, she still twitched a bit nervous for their coming audience with the jarl. “So… how would you plan to approach the jarl?.” She said unsure what they should do first.

"Introduce myself as a Senator of a far-off city. Wouldn't be too far from the truth since Vos was a major city on Cybertron. Not that I plan on showing up to this human as a Cybertronian mind you." Starscream explained as he folded his arms behind his back. "The rest entirely depends on how they intend to treat me."

Yzadreth nodded. “Not that I’m much a speaker but being Dragonborn is apparently some kind of legendary title around here… still not sure how likely they’ll be to take me seriously though…” she said quietly.

"After your outburst in the other town, it might be best to leave the talking to me..." Starscream said, although not forgetting his own at the outlandish claim the guards had made.

Yzadreth nodded with a sheepish grin. Though sighing still a bit embarrassed for her outburst in Riften. “Sorry for nearly causing such a mess but your probably right…” she said quietly as her ears flicked down and her antennae twitched in thought.

Starscream chuckled. "At least you were more controlled than Thundercracker. The reason he didn't become a senator... besides the obvious... He ended up getting into a fight with a delegate..."

Yzadreth nodded, honestly if the people from Starscreams world were at all like the people here in terms of manners and respect for others she didn’t blame the seekers brother in the slightest.

Starscream then sighed a little but still kept a smile on his face. "Not that I never had the urge to go after some dignitaries... some off world and even some from Iacon tested my patience to its limits..."

Yza nodded quietly. “Your politics sounds chaotic…” she said though she was aware she was in no place to judge given the sorry mess Skyrim was in right now with civil war.

"You have no idea..." The seeker retorted. "When the war just started was probably the calmest and most panic driven I had ever been in."

Yza nodded quietly, she was glad a million times over that the seeker had been here to help her all this time. She never could have handled this on her own. They were coming close to the edge of the forest, she could see the walls of Whiterun up on their hill again as she nodded to Starscream. "Ready when you are." she said quietly. They had quite show to put on.... She wondered where exactly Starscream was planning to be saying he was from... hopefully the jarl wasn't too familiar with the world outside Skyrim...

Starscream nodded and knelt down and had his holoform appear. He wouldn't admit that he was still nervous. It had been a long time since he had to deal with anything related to politics, but he wasn't about to back down now.

Yzadreth took a deep breath and walked with him towards the city, hopefully their voices would be enough...

Starscream sighed and looked at her. "Is there anything else you can tell me about this place?"

Yzadreth sighed, she wasn't exactly accustomed to Whiterun, the closest hold to her had be Windhelm... she didn't know much about this jarl or his subjects, besides that they were a major trading hub for the country given their central location in the region. But even then, it wasn't really considered a capital either, that claim was being contested between Solitude which backed the Empire and Windhelm which was commanded by the Stormcloaks and their rebellion. she tried to tell the seeker what she could but she wasn't sure what was useful to know or if anything she had heard was inaccurate.

Starscream listened carefully as he looked back ahead of them. He may have to just wing it with any discussion he would have with the ruler of Whiterun.

Yzadreth took a deep breath as they approached the entrance of dragons reach. she nodded to the seeker as she pushed open the doors for them to enter.

Starscream sighed quietly then held himself in a more regal posture as he walked in. First impressions were always important, no matter who one was dealing with... something he always remembered his Sire trying to drill into him and his brother when they were younger.

Yzadreth watched the seeker for a moment seeing his posture straighten he seemed to become taller almost just by the way he held himself. She tried to imitate him but her face felt flushed trying to force confidence she didn't feel. As they entered there were guards standing ready to defend their jarl, there was a long table that sat mostly empty but ready to invite guests when the need arises. At the very end was a throne where the jarl of the hold sat standing up curiously as the two strangers entered his keep. His sword thane kept their weapon at hand in case their advances were a threat to their lord. The steward stepped back though held their record book tight ready to take down whatever this may have been about.

Starscream stopped at a respectable distance as to not warrant any misunderstandings and bowed his head slightly. "Greetings, oh great Lord..." He started before introducing himself as a Senator of Vos. He wasn't about to lie about the name of his own city, but he did lie about where it was, saying it was in a far-off land outside of their current location, even if it was technically the truth as well.

The Jarl bowed his head politely. "Greetings Senator, what brings you to my hold from such a faraway land?" he asked curious to hear the disguised seeker out as he watched him and the young womer that had accompanied him. He had to admit he had never heard of this Vos, he had visitors from many neighboring lands, but he had never heard of a place known as Vos, but for now he would hear them out.

Starscream placed his hands behind his back and went on to convincingly lie of how he arrived in these lands to an extent. Of how his entourage was slaughtered by a dragon, his survival owed only to Yza. As he described and obviously lied about some parts of their adventures up until their confrontation with Alduin.

The Jarl listened carefully, eyes wide, he had heard of the dragons attacks, the one that had assaulted one of their guard towers outside the city and the appearance of the strange young womer that had saved them from the beast, he realized now that this was the same womer that one of the injured survivors from that attack had spoken of. " your young companion is quite brave senator, I heard of this one’s heroic actions at the northern watchtower some weeks ago, I had wanted to thank you for saving my men and allowing them to return home safely that night, but you had already run off into the night before anyone could try to find where you went. I am glad to see you have found your way here again so I may properly thank you." he said to the womer though not wanting to ignore the senator he turned his attention back to Starscream. "And I am sorry for the loss of your own people senator, if there is something I can do to help you reach your destination or return home please let me know..." he said to the holo seeker.

Starscream nodded, glad that he still knew how to address higher castes. "There may be... After our fight with the dread beast, we learned of a way that could potentially end him for good." He started to explain everything he could remember of their discussion with Parthurnax, although omitting the fact it was a dragon they had spoken to in order to acquire the information.

Jarl Balgruuf stood up from his throne perplexed. “Senator, do I hear you right, capturing a dragon within my own palace?” He said, almost not believing the request. However, looking over the faces of his two visitors, he saw no lie in their eyes… at least at their need for this to happen. “This puts the people of my hold at great risk, and the risk of either side of this countries war taking a chance to try and gain this city as their next claim… I understand the need… and I understand that the need for this dragon menace to be stopped, I will agree to this on only one condition. There must be a declared cease fire on part of both sides of this bitter war, at least until this feat has been completed… I do not want to see my people trampled and slaughtered by both dragons and greedy men alike.” He spoke. He wanted to help and was confident he could… but he didn’t have an ounce of trust with those that held power outside his hold.

Starscream sighed, understanding where the jarl was coming from and nodded. "A reasonable request... And if I may be so bold as to ask... How would you go about acquiring said cease fire?" It wasn't an easy thing to ask. He knew the consequences of war and what it could do to one's home. He also knew that if their civil war had been going on for some time, the leaders were likely so mired in conflict that they may very well not see any compromise unless death was almost literally on their doorsteps.

The jarl sighed. “I can think of only one group that could potentially convince both sides of this war to come to peace, the grey beards of high hrothgar, they are a respected faction by both sides, though they rarely get involved with the matters of conflict between men, I feel that organizing a peace talk between both sides of this war may be something they wouldn’t mind hosting. It’s a bit of a long shot given their reclusiveness, but if any people could convince either side of this war to halt their aggression even temporarily… it would be them.” He said to the seeker.

The seeker seemed unsurprised at this point about them being pointed anywhere towards the mountain once more as he simply nodded. "If this truly is the best and only option, we have to stop this foul creature for good, then we shall be on our way to speak with them and hope they are able to convince the warring factions to stop." He said then bowed his head once more.

Yzadreth nodded quietly. Before bowing herself, a bit lower than the seeker as she knew she wouldn’t pass heads nor tails for a noble even if she tried.

Starscream spoke up once more only to say farewell. He then glanced at Yza before turning to leave.

Yza nodded to Starscream starting to follow him before the jarl called back to them. "Wait just a moment young lady... as I said earlier I wanted the chance to thank you properly for your service that night, may I know your name?" he asked as Yza turned back around to the Jarl. "My name is Yzadreth Azadrunz lord Balgruuf. I am just one of Skyrims many citizens that was in the right place at the right time to do something... I was glad to be of aid to your people, my only desire as of now is to see the beast responsible for taking my mother’s life to be brought down, with your help in capturing one of the beasts you already help me greatly, but I must go with the Senator for now, goodnight lord Balgruuf." she said trying to be respectful as she turned back and hurried after the seeker. one of the few times she had ever even been acknowledged for the aid she gave anyone... she hadn't been expecting the jarl to address given how quiet she had been thus far.

Starscream waited for her just outside the doors, relaxing his stance a little bit. One thing he didn't miss was the amount of posturing one had to endure when dealing with higher ups.

Yza shivered as she finally let herself relax. "I don't know how you do that... at least he seemed nicer than I expected..." she said with a small sigh as her ears lowered.

Starscream smirked. "Stellar cycles of dealing with volatile politics on Cybertron and its colonies make this look like a disposable caste's afternoon party."

Yzadreth sighed but nodded. "well we may have to do more of it if we really are going to have to help convince all parties to hold a peace conference..." she said with an unsure tone, but Screamer seemed pretty confident, she could see how he was able to convince the lord, surely he could do it again, and at least with the greybeards she had already known them, she could try to convince them. Though she had a feeling Screamer may have to handle Solitude and Windhelms leadership... she may have been from Windhelm but if she was remembered for anything in that city it was for being a little freak that didn't get along with the other kids in the city when she went there as a kid.

Starscream then let out a deep sigh. "So... where to first?" He asked as he turned to look at her. "To the hermits or one of these warring groups?"

Yza sighed. "We should probably make sure that the greybeards will agree to holding the conference there first before inviting either side anywhere... would be rather awkward to show up and not have permission to enter..." she said with a small sigh. not that she wanted to climb up or down this mountain any more than they had to already.

Starscream nodded. "Very well. You will have to speak with them then." He said grinning.

Yzadreth sighed. "Yah, I understand, at least I'm not there to fight anymore dragons, and they actually know who I am..." she said feeling at least slightly more confident. "I would say to save time I could point you towards one of the cities where the warring factions operate so you can speak with one of them while I'm up on the mountain with the hermits? But not sure how much you would want to go to either city alone..." she said quietly.

Starscream raised a brow and shook his head. "As reserved as I am around nobility or the threat of being evicted from city, I doubt I would be able to restrain myself if anyone else were to approach me."

Yza sighed. "Yah... anyways, I can get up the mountain to high Hrothgar on my own, I think. long as I don't get stuck out in the cold too long or have to fight anything I should be ok." she said to the seeker. I'll meet you at the foot of the mountain again and then we can decide where to go... unless you want to choose now? Windhelm is up by my old house, we lived not far from the city... Solitude is on the northwest side of the country, we honestly haven't ventured around there, the closest location was probably the ruins where Esbern took us." she said to the seeker.

"We will decide after you have spoken with the hermits." Starscream said as he folded his arms.

Yza nodded before finally shouting to leap and glide her way up the mountain. She didn't want to waste any time. A short while later she came back looking tired but happy. she had finally managed to convince them of the need and high Hrothgar would be their meeting place.

Starscream waited for her in his now usual spot. His optics closed but he remained awake, listening to things around him.

Yzadreth glided down landing on top of his helm with small grin on her face. "Well, they agreed, now, where to next?" she asked trying to decide which city would be better to approach first.

Starscream opened his optics a little before looking up at her. "I would say the city closest to your home. It is currently closer and you know it fairly well, I assume."

Yza nodded. "not that anyone takes me seriously there but yah, I used to go into the city all the time on errands or when I went with my dad while he was still around..." she sighed she would show him around the city if he wanted, she remembered when her family used to live in the grey quarter before they left the city behind entirely. and moved into the small farm house just outside.

Starscream huffed and shook his head as he picked her up. "They do not need to believe you. They need to believe there is a threat greater than their petty land squabbles."

Yza nodded quietly, she hoped they would see it that way too.

Starscream soon stood up and went towards their next destination.

Chapter Text

To neither's surprise it was snowing again as she could see the city walls come into view. She sighed tiredly but was ready to try and get this over with. She prepared herself for the likely incoming barrage of insults they would receive when entering the city. "I know I'm the one that lost my temper in Riften a while back... but this is going to be a lot..." she warned him, her ears low as she was clearly uncomfortable returning to this place. Out of all the holds, this one made her feel the sickest. even with it being her home for some time, it didn't feel like one, not a single inch of this gods forsaken city felt comforting or warm in any way. The hearts of the citizen were just as cold as the city itself.

Starscream glanced at her with a small smirk. "I dare any of these witless idiots to try something while I am around." He didn't really care what the common folk thought of him and he knew he was sly enough to explain any incident that may occur to any authorities.

Yzadreth for the first time didn't really have a response, she supposed he would see for himself the mess this city was in. "Don’t say I didn't warn you serjo." she said as she pushed the doors open. the first sight to grace their eyes was a dunmer woman getting accosted by two nord men, one of them clearly smelling of drink. "ay, I think I know why you little elves don't get involved in the war, I bet you're imperial spies." one of the men spat at the woman that was clearly just trying to get away from them as her ears flattened and she wore a look of disgust and confusion. "we don't get involved in the war because it's not our fight, now get away from me." she sneered trying to turn away before one of men, the drunk one tried to grab her arm. "why don't we pay you a little visit tonight dirty greyskin, we got ways of finding out what you really are." he laughed as she womer yanked her arm away with grunt. Yza having already seen enough was ready to shove the man away from the poor womer. but knew she was only going to draw further aggression from the men, yet her anger that was trying to bubble up made her yell anyways. "Back OFF!" she shouted at the men, she restrained herself from using force but she did get in between the aggressive men and the womer that was being accosted. one of the men was going to lash out at Yza when the other man that was with him and slightly more sober grabbed his shoulder. "Just leave it, they ain't worth your time." though he had only spoken after noticing the figure that was Starscreams holo actually towering over them by a bit.

Starscream glared at the two men with utter disgust as he went beside Yza. "I would listen to your friend were I you..." he growled in a more aggressive tone than usual at the drunken man.

Yza glared with nod at the seekers words as the sober one pulled on the drunk one’s arm again the man going from angry to confused then worried at seeing the seeker as he huffed and brushed the other man’s hand off his shoulder. “Fine but know your place damned elves.” He muttered under his breath before staggering back to the candlehearth hall to likely fill up on another mead. Yzadreth was shaking but holding back from screaming or punching something as she tried to shove her emotions back down. The desire to have sent both those men reeling with a single shout had been far too strong but she knew she would have been kicked out of the city or arrested if she tried to attack them. Her eyes burned staring at the men’s backs, if looks could kill both of them would have been dead by now. Her rage died down though as she heard the older womer speak. “T-thank you, though be careful young one, those two cause trouble… wait little Yza is that you? It’s been so long since you visited the city… not that I blame you, nothing’s changed, if anything it’s worse…” she sighed. “Who’s your friend? Hopefully he’s more friendly than locals.” She huffed softly folding her arms across her chest. “Thank you for driving them off, seems I can’t step a foot outside the slums they stuck our people in without getting accosted by someone.” She rolled her eyes. yza sighed turning to the woman. “Glad we could help serjo… are you ok? They didn’t hurt you, did they?” She asked quietly.

Starscream stayed silent, his expression softening to a calmer one as he looked to the woman, letting Yza speak with her.

The older womer sighed. “Yes, I’m alright little one… it’s good to see you again, your family was always such a blessing to have in the old grey quarter, I remember the way your father could light up a room with laughter, and your mother was wonderfully kind spirit herself… I know the reasons your family moved out though, it was for the best much as old Sadrys misses your folks visiting the Cornerclub.” She said trying to lighten the mood. “How is your mother anyways? It’s been forever since we see either of you since your pa passed, my heart breaks for your loss, he was a good Mer… I can only imagine how it hit you and your mum.” She said quietly though when Yza lowered her gaze and went silent the womer paused in worry. “Oh dear I’m sorry I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories about your father…-“ Yza shook her head. “No… no I. I’ve accepted his passing…. It… I’m sorry but my mother… she’s… gone…” she said brokenly as the older womer felt her heart sink right along with her ears and shoulders as she placed a hand on the young girls shoulders. “Oh, by Azura’s grace… my dear I’m so sorry… forgive me I had no idea… “ she said trying to comfort the girl as she had started crying. “Now now. maybe let’s get you out of the cold, I’m sure Sadrys has a warm pot of stew ready right about now… crying here is only going to turn those little tears to ice.” She fretted trying to help the younger womer calm down.

With a concerned look, Starscream placed his arm around Yza and his hand on her shoulder, unsure if he should say anything to try and calm her down.

The younger womer choked back her tears trying to stifle the roiling emotions in her head and heart. “I-I’m sorry… I shouldn’t really… I… we came here for a reason I don’t want to… to leave it waiting” she tried to insist, as the elder shook her head slowly. “Dear you’re breaking up, I don’t doubt that whatever brought you back to the city is important, but you need a minute to settle down and find yourself before you get to doing anything important.” She said to the girl who was trying desperately to pull herself back together.

As much as Starscream would rather continue on, the woman had a point. He sighed softly, squeezing Yza's shoulder gently. "She is right. Throughout all this we have not really stopped. It will be better for you to take some time to collect yourself before dealing with anything else."

Yzadreth rubbed at her eyes trying to stop them from stinging or freezing from her tears as she glanced up at the seeker with a small nod, though she looked reluctant. The last thing she wanted to be was alone with her thoughts… doing something about the problem and being in constant action felt so much better than just sitting idle and trying to process the events she had lived through the past few days…

"I will not leave your side if you don't want me to, but I am sure the woman's invitation was for you alone." Starscream said softly.

Yzadreth’s lip quivered, she didn’t want to let the seeker out of her sight but she knew that he was right. She gave him a tight hug for a few drawn out moments before pulling away. “Do we meet back here?” She asked not sure what he was planning to do, whether that was to wait for her here, or to go on to the palace himself while she spent the evening with the older womer.

Starscream brought his hand up and gently wiped the tears from her face. "While you take this moment for yourself, I will go meet with whoever is in charge, and I promise... As soon as I am able and when you are ready, I will meet you here..."

Yzadreth nodded quietly. “Thank you serjo…” she whispered. Before finally going to join the womer as they walked towards a darker and dingier portion of the city where the older womer lived.

Starscream watched then sighed as he turned and made his way out of slums. For once in a long while he felt alone, wandering a strange area on his own.

Yzadreth had to admit that the warmth of the elderly couples home was comforting, the smell of a freshly made meal made her stomach rumble and reminded her of her own home. As well as made her acutely aware of the last time she ate anything herself. She realized she’d barely touched food for a few days and wasn’t sure how she hadn’t accidentally passed out from hunger yet as she finally ate something, in the company of the couple she carefully told them about the dragons, she mentioned meeting Starscream but was careful not to mention his origins, though she happily told them he had been traveling with her and hadn’t left her side since her mothers passing. When she did finally leave the couples home she carefully started to make her way back towards where they had planned to meet wondering if Starscream had finished his meeting with Jarl Ulfric. She let out a quiet sigh before she heard a laugh from behind her. Before she could turn around she felt a hard smack to her head as she scattered to the ground with a thud. Dazed from the blow yza tried to turn around to face the aggressor only to see the drunk man from before. She went to shout only to have her mouth covered. “Whatcha gonna do little elf? Call for you friend?” He chuckled lowly as she struggled to break out of his grip just barely moving his hand she opened her mouth and bit down until her sharp teeth drew blood as he yelled in pain. and smacked her across the face again sending her back to the ground. She saw an empty bottle in his hand as she tried to push herself back to her feet to get away before he could try to swing the thing down on her.

Starscream, having just returned from his meetings with the jarl, noticed the man and rushed over. The seeker pulled out his dagger and grabbed the man's arm, twisting it behind his back. Enraged, he held his dagger, burning with the purple and black flame, close to the man's neck. "You dare strike her, and it will be the last thing you ever do in your pathetic insignificant little life!" He shouted, more so as if he was threatening the man in his true form.

Yzadreth remained frozen staring up at the seeker and the drunk man her body shaking, she looked at the seeker but for moment she had seen another, the face of a three eyed Mer standing over the bodies of two dead nords that had tried to harm the his daughter when she was still only a child. She remembered the guards that took him away as much as she screamed for them to let him go and how she had never seen him again…. Until she snapped back to the present again where the blackout drunk Nord was hollering a cacophony of insults towards both of them as he tried to throw the bottle and missed smashing the glass against a wall.

Starscream growled, instead of slicing the man's throat open he threw his dagger near Yza before letting go of the man and punching him in the face. Getting more satisfaction out of harming the drunk human with his own hands... or at least his holo's hands. The seeker then kicked the man away from them with a disgusted expression. "Filthy slagging human..." he snarled under his breath.

The blow had finally knocked the man unconscious as Yza took an unsteady breath and looked away from them before carefully staggering to her feet to run back to the seeker as she clung to him tightly before pulling at him. They needed to get out of here before any guards showed up.

The seeker bent down and quickly grabbed his dagger before allowing her to drag him away from the area, although he was confused as to why she was doing so.

Yzadreth finally slowed as they crossed to the other side of the bridge outside the city limits. She was trembling still trying to bring her mind back to the present as she realized that her actions were likely a confusing mess to the seeker. But she couldn’t get the older memory out of her head, it was burned there in her vision refusing to let go. Playing over in her head despite her attempts to make it stop.

Starscream felt her shaking and before long pulled her into a hug. "Are you alright?" he asked in a concerned tone. "He didn't hurt you, did he?..."

Yzadreth shook her head but pulled herself closer into the hug regardless. ” This… wasn’t the first time I’ve been attacked by anyone like him before…. There was a time when my family still lived in the city, I was still very little, and I had been walking back to my home when two men tried to attack me.” she said shakily. ”my father saw what was happening and flew into a rage… he killed both of them trying to protect me, but then the guards came and saw him standing over the bodies… it didn’t matter how loud a I screamed or cried for them to stop, or how much my mother pleaded for them to show my father mercy for trying to protect his family, he was arrested and executed the next morning.” her voice had fallen to a whisper by the time she finished the story.

Starscream wasn't sure how to respond. He would've been fine even if he had killed the human but he understood her reasoning for leading him away the way she did now.

Yzadreth quietly pulled away realizing she had overreacted but none the less she was happy to have left that wretched place as she wiped at her eyes. “They never listen to us… not to anyone like me… I hope you had luck with the jarl at least?” She asked quietly trying to gain her focus again after having it broken a second time in a row.

Starscream sighed and nodded. "Although after much arguing back and forth... Almost made me wish Shockwave were here with his logical thinking..." he grumbled.

Yzadreth sighed... "It's alright, I'm sure you did better than anything I could have managed." she said with a small huff. "Hopefully the next people we talk to will be a bit easier to deal with."

"Hopefully so. I should hate to end up using any of my Sire's manipulative tactics..." Starscream growled then let out another sigh. "Shall we?"

Yzadreth nodded. "Gladly, the further we get from this damn place the better..." she said glancing back at the city with a burning glare, she supposed not everyone within was bad... but the ones that were kind and good people were treated like the dirt beneath the others feet. She couldn't stand to be in that place more than she had to be.

Starscream nodded as he placed his hand on her shoulder. "Though I will say, if the authorities had taken me for beating that drunken fool senseless, of if I had killed him, I could have just deactivated my holo." He said with a grin. "I have no issue defending you from such behavior."

"I know... I was honestly telling myself that on the way out but I couldn't stop my mind from racing back there... it felt too similar even though I knew you were fine..." she said with a small huff, watching the steam pour from her mouth in the cold air.

Starscream sighed and turned his head back. "My holoform's safety is far less important than yours. You are perhaps the only one on this rock that can stop that beast, whether these pathetic humans care to acknowledge it or not."

Yzadreth sighed lowering her ears. "when this whole ordeal is over... when Alduin is gone...I don't think I ever plan on coming back to this place...oblivion knows where I will go... but I don't want to live with all the constant reminders of what I've lost in this place... some of the people are wonderful, don't get me wrong, there are people I respect and look up to in that city, but most of them go unheard and unnoticed by the people in power... I try to remind myself that when I think of that place, but I still can't help feeling bitter every time I step through the gates.

"Not that I blame you...It was no different on Cybertron. Iacon was never all to willing to hear out voices from other cities. Less so from Kaon and Tarn. Believing themselves superior to anyone else." Starscream said with spite in his voice then shook his head. "I would almost say return with me, if you have no more ties here... and if it is even possible for me to return..."

Yzadreths wings fluttered curiously as she looked up at him, seriously considering his offer until he reminded her they weren't sure if there was a way back.. not without her mothers knowledge at least.

Starscream sighed and looked at her. "I suppose that can wait until everything else is done."

Yza nodded quietly. "yah.... one thing at a time." she said with a deep breath as they finally head for Solitude.

Starscream deactivated his holo once she had gotten out of eyeshot of Whiterun and met back up with her with his true form soon after.

Yzadreth found her place on his shoulder again as she took out her map showing him where they just came from and where they would be going. technically they could follow the coast line up towards the capital city, but she also feared it would leave Starscream too out in the open should any ship come by and see him.

Starscream looked at the map. Although it looked to be faster going along the coast, he didn't really feel like dealing with many humans that may see him, and instead chose an alternative route.

It took quite a bit longer going the other way, but the journey had been quiet. it was nearing the start of another day as she saw the outline of the hold in the distance, the walled city standing perhaps a little precariously on edge of a cliff overlooking the see, the palace the closest to the edge.

Starscream stopped a decent distance away before kneeling down once more. He paused for a moment before activating his holoform again and took a second to look at the city.

Yzadreth yawned but looked up at him. "You've been using your holo a lot recently, you going to be ok?" she asked remembering the trouble he had using it before, but then again that was when he was low on Energon, he had collected quite a bit when they were down in the city though.

Starscream nodded as he turned his sights to her. "I have been keeping track of my systems. Are you sure you are alright to go now? Or would you rather stop and rest for now?"

"I guess I should try to rest before we meet with the jarl... we've been on the move for quite a while, I'm sure you're probably a bit tired?" she said looking up at the seeker.

Starscream sighed but he wouldn't deny still feeling fatigued from the travel. He nodded as his wings dropped down slightly.

"Lets find a place to rest then." she said quietly as she looked for a place that Starscream could actually rest safely out of sight. She was a bit sore from all the traveling and the few fights she had gotten into, but she was more comfortable sleeping near the seeker than trying to go into the city with so many people. as wonderful as a night within an Inn on an actual bed sounded nice.

Starscream soon found a fairly secluded spot and sat down. He glanced back at her. Yza yawned and stretched baring her sharp teeth in her sleepiness while she blinked her eyes slowly. She glanced up at him before leaping onto him to curl up once more. Starscream chuckled softly before carefully laying down. He gently placed his hand around her. She gave a groggy goodnight to the seeker before closing her eyes and slowly falling asleep. Starscream gave a quiet sigh before yawning and soon falling asleep himself.

Yzadreth slowly stretched out as she woke up the next morning, it was quite foggy and overcast, she worried it would rain pretty soon as she blinked away sleep.

Starscream twitched a little in his sleep as his head moved to the side.

Yzadreth sat up carefully climbing out form the shelter of his large hands around her as she went up closer to his helm unsure if she should try to wake him or not. hopefully he didn't mind rain as much as he disliked the snow.

Feeling rain hit his faceplate, Starscream opened his optics slightly. Clenching his hands he looked down at her.

Yza smiled up at him. "I was about to warn you but I wasn't sure if you wanted to be woken up." she said with a small shrug. "hopefully rain is less annoying to you than snow?" she asked as she put her hood up to keep the rain off of herself.

Starscream sat up and yawned. "...So long as it is not acid rain, I will be fine..."

Yzadreth nodded. "don't think we have anything like that so I think you're good?" she said to the seeker as she was ready to head down up the hill towards the city. "are you ready to go see the jarl?" she asked trying to keep her cloak covering her so she wasn't completely soaked by the time they reached the palace.

Starscream nodded and had his holoform appear. "Hopefully this won't be as aggravating as the last one..."

Yza agreed silently as she made her way up to the city. "I honestly have never been to this place before, so I'm not sure what it will be like, but this was considered the capital before the civil war broke out... The jarl was the late kings wife though, I remember that, I'm honestly not sure if we are to be speaking with the jarl though or the Imperial military's general." she said, though she had a feeling they would be seeing both at the meeting atop the mountain.

Starscream sighed and nodded. "So either I will be speak to the equivalent of Lord Megatron or Elita-1..." he muttered.

Yzadreth sighed. "Possibly both? Not that I know who those people are, but I guess so...?" she said as she walked through the doors into the city with the holo in tow. The place was bustling despite the dreary weather. There was a crowd gathered by the gates someone in cuffs was being walked up to a stage there were a whole host of voices speak at once she wasn't sure what exactly was going on. she saw a hooded man approach with a large axe. her eyes widened as she realized what this was. she wasn't sure what the man was being accused of though but still she wanted to hurry away from the scene as fast as possible, she wanted no part in this. though she heard a little girls voice calling up to someone. "what are they gonna do to uncle Rogvir?" the little girl called sounding confused and scared. "Sophie I told you to go home, you can't be here." the girls mother said telling walking her daughter away from what was about to be a bloody sight as she shuddered.

Starscream looked over then at Yza. "As painful as it may be, this doesn't concern us. We can't risk getting involved." he whispered to her.

Yza nodded holding her breath as she walked away from the scene towards the blue palace. she was shivering and she tried to tell herself it was from being soaked by the rain.

Starscream placed his arm around her, trying to comfort her anyway he currently could.

finally the din of voices and madness had quieted, replaced now with rolling thunder as she walked over to an overhang by the palace entrance trying to compose herself and get herself at least a bit dryer.

Starscream straightened himself out before looking back at her. "Ready?" he asked with a slight to his head.

Yzadreth nodded as she wrung some of the water from her hair. "As I'll ever be..." she replied to the seeker with a small nod preparing herself to meet the leaders of the imperial force.

Starscream nodded then turned and pushed the door open before walking in.

Yzadreth looked up at the entry hall, there was a grand double staircase going up to the second floor where she could see the throne room. As she glanced at Starscream before following him up the stairs carefully.

Starscream glanced back at her to make sure she was keeping up with him. He would be lying if he said he wasn't slightly nervous about dealing with this, not that he would ever show it.

At the top of the stairs the jarl Elisief was on her throne discussing issues with her advisors about the state of the hold before planning to speak with general Tulius, the imperial commander. She was about to ask him a question when she noticed the two strangers approaching their meeting. “Good morning?” She said standing from her throne. “Is there something you need help with?” She asked as general Tulius as well as multiple guards appeared ready to defend the jarl at any moment if the two of them were a threat.

Starscream stayed again at a distance, taking notice of the general before giving his usual greeting as he bowed his head respectfully.

Yzadreth bowed as well, her gaze scanning the room a bit nervously at all the guards present but she understood their caution of having so many guards at hand, given what had happened to the jarl's husband if she knew the story correctly.

Elisief nodded quietly... "ah, well welcome too our hold Senator, I am sure you came to interrupt this meeting to more than simply say hello?" she asked still uncertain what brought the odd man from Vos nor the young womer at his side that kept her head tucked down. She gave a soft smile to both weary travelers.

Starscream gave a patient smile. "I would not waste your time with such a simple act." He said, giving a small pause before going on to explain everything he had before and adding more recent events.

Elisief listened intently, she motioned for her guards to stand down though General Tulius seemed hesitant to trust the strangers, however when the Greybeards were mentioned, and when the jarl gave a small reassuring nod to the General he carefully let himself relax, if only a little bit. "I see, so you wish to negotiate a truce... " she repeated making sure she understood as she thought about the problem. She was willing to hear this out for one. Tulius was more reserved though there was clear doubt in his eyes, he knew that the intentions of the two that had come to speak to them were meant well, but he had no faith in their enemies to keep any proposed truce that may come from this. However, when Elisief gave her agreement to the proposal he gave a silent sigh of resignation offering his support as well, he would at least need to attend the meeting to be sure the jarl wasn't attacked during this apparent peace talks.

Starscream bowed his head again. "Your understanding in this matter speaks well of you, and know your trust in us is not misplaced." He said. Although his hatred and mistrust in humans in general was hidden by his even words and respectful demeanor, his mind was yelling at him not to fully trust either side.

Eliseif nodded quietly. "thank you for coming to speak with us, we shall prepare for the peace talks once this gathering has come to a close, I am sure you have both traveled long and far and would be seeking some proper rest, I shall speak with you again at High Hrothgar." she said as Tulius nodded, his face held a suspicious gaze towards the seeker but he would not undermine the jarls decision, not unless her very life was at stake.

Starscream bow once more before saying his farewell then turned to leave.

Yzadreth bowed her head once more before swiftly turning to follow the seeker. shivering a little she felt like the General was still glaring daggers into their backs as she tried to ignore the feeling of her stomach turning nervously.

Starscream looked back at her. "Don't worry, I doubt he would do anything in the confines of the city." he whispered to her, also feeling the glare from the general as they left.

she nodded. "I don't think he believes a single thing we said, but I guess he's coming anyways if the jarl said she was coming." she said quietly, still uncertain about how this peace talks would come to pass.

Starscream nodded. "He seems the type not to disobey his leader." he said then turned his head away. "There is one this however. But we will talk of it once we are out of the city."

Yzadreth nodded. "Alright... I don't think there is anything else we need in the city if you want to head out now?" she said carefully lifting up her hood. to keep off the rain once more, not that the sopping wet cloth was doing much against it. If anything it made her wet quicker as she gave a small huff.

"Unless you need supplies, such a food or anything of the sort." The seeker said glancing at her from the corner of his eye.

Yzadreth nodded. "True... I think I saw a general store around here. and honestly, I don't think this cloak is doing me much good right now.." she said with a sigh as she gave up on staying dry for now and lowering her hood just letting the rain fall onto her hair, when little drops hit her antennae, they flicked slightly along with her wings.

Starscream chuckled softly and nodded. "Lead the way." He said calmly.

Yzadreth walked back towards where she remembered the entrance being, she had recalled seeing a shop sign when they entered the city, finally she found it, she also noted that there was a clothing shop next door. Thank goodness she wasn't going to have to rely on this piece of cloth anymore, hopefully they had something water resistant. She made her way into the general store first to get some food before she went next door hoping to find something warmer and dryer to wear than the tattered cloak she was wearing at this point.

Starscream folded his arms, waiting outside the clothing store as he looked around.

While Yza was trying on a new and much dryer cloak outside by the inn the mother was trying to console the little girl from earlier. Sophie was crying as she tried to encourage the girl to come inside the building with her, but the kid wasn't having it. "it's not fair! he didn't do anything wrong mama!" she shouted wiping at her eyes as the woman sighed picking the girl up. "I'm sorry Sophie... but there's nothing we can do..." she said quietly as she took the girl inside. A few minutes later Yza came out with a new set of gear, she had to admit the ladies running the shop weren't exactly the most welcoming folks but they did a good job sewing these pieces at least. And she was finally dry... well besides her hair that had already been drenched before she went in but there wasn't much she could do about that.

Starscream gave a sympathetic look and sighed before shaking his head, hearing Yza come out of the shop. He glanced over at her and smiled softly. "Ready to go?"

Yza nodded. "Yep, if you are." she said with a small smile feeling a bit better compared to the chaos of that morning. Starscream nodded then turned to leave. Yza followed behind quietly glad to get out of the city once again as hoped the rain would lessen before they had to make their way up the mountain one last time.

Once they were out of the city, Starscream deactivated his holo. Gently picking her up with one hand when she got him and holding his other over her.

"here's to hoping this will be our last mountain climb to high Hrothgar serjo." she said with a small laugh as the made their way towards the foot of the mountain. She was feeling a little antsy and jittery despite trying to remain confident, they were so close and yet so far from their goal... she realized that if an agreement couldn't be reached, she may never have a chance to face off against the true Alduin, and he could easily return and outpower all of them.

Starscream stayed silent for a while before letting out a deep sigh. "I believe it is time I end this farce of me being human around others."

Yzadreths eyes widened as she paused trying to process what he'd said. "You're going to show up in your full form?" she said almost not believing him at first. well, if there was one way to get people to listen it was through scaring the crap out of them... But still, was he certain this wasn't going to backfire horribly? Not even the Greybeards knew what he was, only the two Blades that were still very much in hiding. she could only wonder what a group of ten something tongues that had been training their shouts all their lives could end up doing to him if they didn't realize he wasn't-- well ok maybe he was threatening them if she thought about it... but it was for their own good and the good of the realm, otherwise the world eater would absolutely come back and devour them if he so desired...

Starscream nodded. "Yes. What point is there in hiding when someone besides those two humans is bound to see me at any moment? And who better than the humans I barely trust to keep their word of holding a civil peace talk?" he said raising an optic ridge.

Yzadreth let out a breath before nodding. *"I see your point... it could work... not sure whether it will make them sit down and speak or just freak them out though..." she said her ears flicking in concern.

Starscream chuckled. "I suppose we will see. Either way, it is sure to be an interesting reaction. After all, I did not lie to them completely about who I was or where I come from."

"I'm honestly surprised no one tried to call you out on the legitimacy of your cities existence." she laughed a little

Starscream laughed and nodded. "As am I. But in a world such as this, would it truly be a surprise for a city to be so displaced from others?"

"true... everything is so spread out, could have easily said you came from an Island outside mainland Tamriel, like and Island in High Rock or something like that, could even say you hailed from a city that got swallowed into the realms of oblivion at some point... stranger things have happened." she said with a small shrug.

Starscream smirked slightly. "Exactly..." he said then sighed. "With the some of the energon I have, I can put my systems into overdrive. It should... theoretically keep my internal systems from freezing...."

"don't overdo it too much, I understand your plan but how long is that going to hold up?" she said unsure if he should be putting a strain on his systems like he was planning to do. she felt ready at least in appearance, she had taken the time at the shop to get a hold of clothing more fitting for hosting a talk like this with these people, or at least what she guessed would be fitting... she had no experience with it really but she didn't want to show up to this important meeting in something looking like she had been sleeping in the wilderness for the past month.... which quite honestly was actually the case but she didn't need any of these royal pains knowing that. she would try to save herself embarrassment where she could, not that she imagined they would be paying much attention to her once Starscream revealed himself.

Once they arrived at the foot of the mountain, Starscream looked down at her. "Are you ready?" He asked with a grin.

Yza nodded trying to mentally prepare herself for whatever this mess may bring.

Starscream nodded then took a step back before jumping up the same way he did the first time they arrived to the mountain.

Yzadreth held on tight, this time with a boost of confidence she hadn't had the first time they came here. Once they had reached the monastery Yza hopped down smiling up at him. "So... are you planning to show yourself right as they are entering or are you going to wait until they've all got themselves comfortable??" she asked curious just how this was going to go.

Starscream smiled down at her. "Better to get it done and over with, do you not agree?" he asked in a joking tone.

Yzadreth sighed she hoped that this would all go over more smoothly than she imagined it would. taking a deep breath she opened up the doors to the monastery and entered though she held the door open for the seeker, she wasn't sure where exactly he was planning to go... this building wasn't made to house anything of his size....

Starscream let out a deep sigh before his plating shifted, folding in on itself and making him seem about half his usual height. He had a pained expression on his face as he winced a little. "I don't know how Soundwave was able to do this for long periods of time..." he growled to himself.

Yzadreth barely kept herself from jumping seeing him seem to shrink. "serjo, are you going to be ok.... that sounded.... painful..." she said looking him over, he didn't look hurt but she couldn't imagine this would be at all comfortable to hold. Yza sighed before giving a teasing smile. "Well senator, are you ready to address the crowd?" she asked trying to keep her hopes up.

Starscream smiled through the pain and nodded. "As ready as I can be..." he said then hissed moving his shoulder slightly.

Yza winced as if in sympathy pain for him as she lead him down the hall where she could hear the voices of the gathered guests chattering, Jarl Balgruuf had also attended hoping to help convince both factions to find a truce, he wanted to be certain that this went over smoothly. Yzadreth could see some of the tongues standing to the side of the room all mostly silent for now, they were men of few words she understood that. Arngier, the elder that had introduced her to this group was sitting at the table though, just to make sure nothing got out of hand. both the jarls were sitting down along with Tulius standing at the side by Elisief. The female jarl kept a composed expression though she had to admit sitting across from the man that had murdered her husband was not something she looked forward to, though she knew it had to be done. Ulfric and his lieutenant were both seated across from her. there was one face at the table by Elisief, Yza hadn't been expecting as she froze.... Elenwen, the Thalmor ambassador was looking tense and rather annoyed at being dragged up here. when her sights landed on Yza she felt herself freeze for a moment, there was no way she hadn't heard about her break in at the embassy... despite this moment of panic she swallowed hard before bowing slightly to all present. "Serjos, I thank you all for attending this gathering...I would like to formally introduce to you my companion, the senator of Vos, Starscream." she said stepping out of the way to let the seeker enter.

Despite the pain he was currently feeling and the knowledge that this could backfire in his face very quickly, Starscream stood as he had when he met the leaders and walked in. Remaining silent for the first few moments to get a grasp of the situation.

the room had fallen silent, for one, most of those present had thought the girl mute given her silence in previous meetings, only the tongues and Balgruuf knew her full nature after all, and Ulfric swore he recognized the young womer that had stood before them to introduce her mysterious friend but his curiosity about the womer was quickly replaced with shock much like all the others as they saw the seeker enter, the metallic giant, though smaller than his usual form still towered above all those gathered there. even the tongues looked shocked despite their silence. Arngier had nearly shouted before it sunk in that this was apparently the companion that the dovahkiin had been travelling with all this time. no one in the room knew what to make of this as they all tensed. the ones who seemed calmest was Elisief and Balgruuf, Arngier was doing his best to keep composure while the Thalmor ambassador looked ready to up and leave at any moment, Tulius and Ulfric Stormcloak both looked ready to draw their weapons on the mech but when Elisief placed her hand on the war generals shoulder he cautiously relented though his sword stayed on hand. cautiously the stormcloaks leader and lieutenant sat back down as Yzadreth gave a small smile. "good, now that everyone is all here, let the peace talks commence." she said as she walked up to the table to sit in the chair that had honestly been reserved for starscream before they knew he wasn't at all human and wouldn't fit.

Starscream had no issue standing as he carefully went behind where Yza was seated, folding his wings down as he placed his arms behind his back. He wasn't too surprised about the reactions but he was amazed that they did manage to stay their hands and no one tried to insult him or Yza.

it was Arngier that was first to break the silence shockingly, or perhaps not, trying to bring attention away from the mammoth- er, mech in the room, he recounted their reasons for gathering and the plans to combat the world eater, their very reason for holding this conference, the others listened before the room was quiet again, it was Ulfric to speak next- though it seemed the jarl of solitude had also wanted to speak he had spoke louder she waited for him to finish before voicing her thoughts with general Tulius input as well, both sides had small army camps setup outside some of their enemies holds, Tulius and Ulfric were both determined not to lose any territory that they currently held and both were insistent that the other remove the camps located outside their major cities. Elisief was getting worried seeing how heated the argument was getting before Yzadreth carefully stood up and shouted the thuum of clear skies, she figured it was that would be least likely to cause any damage if she used it indoors, but it certainly made her voice ring out enough to get the bickering Stormcloak and Imperial warlords to freeze in their spots and turn to look at the smaller womer seated at the head of the table. "done arguing, I believe jarl Elisief wished to say something." she said nodding to the lady as she gave a sigh of relief. "thank you dovahkiin..." she said before standing to address the room. "We've had our differences, but I rule for the hope of the people and for peace, while this war has taken much from us all, the threat of the world eater is far greater than anything we will ever face. lord Ulfric, I will agree to recall the troops outside your allies cities so long as you also agree to remove your troops from mine... let us walk away from this table knowing without a doubt we have taken steps to protect our people." she said trying to speak reason, yza was honestly quite impressed with her willingness to work with her enemy, especially the one that had killed her husband. The Stormcloaks Lieutenant went to protest but Ulfric raised his hand to quiet him as he too stood up. "Jarl Elisief, While I did what I must for the sake of Skyrim and her people when I challenged your husband, and nor can I ignore the empires betrayal against our homeland and our honor, I agree with you, to fight this menace the fighting must cease. I will recall my forces so long as you keep your word on this front." he said. it seemed the leaders had come to an agreement as Yza hid a small smile behind clasped hands. they had actually done it.

The seeker smiled slightly as he gently placed his hand on Yza's shoulder. Some part of him did wonder however if at some point during Cybertron's own war, it could have been avoided entirely or at the very least been stopped before it reached the point where his home planet was no longer viable. But he was glad that the humans had actually agreed to stop fighting, at least for now.

Yzadreth sighed as she let herself stand again. "then we have finally reached a truce. good, Jarl Balgruuf, are you prepared to try and capture a dragon?" she asked the old nord as he nodded. "ready as I'll ever be, my guards are preparing for whatever fight is to come with this beast when the time comes, I certainly hope this plan of yours works Dovahkiin." he said as he stood. though still tense all parties slowly departed from the monastery to head their own separate directions back to their homes.

Starscream let out a quiet sigh. Unable to hide his pain anymore as he winced. "I will be outside... I cannot hold this much longer..." he mutter before turning and walking out of the monastery.

Yzadreth nodded letting him leave, before she did though she wanted to thank arngier for letting them hold this treatise within their home. Knowing how reluctant he had been get involved she was truly grateful that he decided to help them in the end. Hopefully she would be able to hold up her end of the bargain by ridding the world of Alduin for good.

As soon as Starscream reached the outside, his plating shifted back and before long he was his normal size again. His vents kicking in on high as he went to his knees. His systems felt like they were screaming at him for attempting mass displacement. For once the cold and snow felt good against his heated plates as he shifted to a more comfortable sitting position. He would never again belittle Soundwave for using the widely, and understandably, underused function.

Yzadreth gave a final goodbye to the tongues before hurrying back outside to the mech. She finally let herself give the full smile she had tried to hide in the meeting. “Im so glad that worked, I was so worried about everything falling apart.” She said with a sigh of relief as she laid back in the snow, despite the freezing temperatures she felt warm right now after the successful peace talk.

Starscream chuckled, though his voice hitched for a moment. "...I was surprised any of them stayed their hand... I half expected there to be bloodshed." He said before coughing then sighed. "...Remind me never to do that again..."

“Given the way you are acting right now I doubt I’ll need to remind you, I don’t think your going to easily forget this.” She laughed a little before looking up with some concern. “You going to be ok?” She asked him hoping he hadn’t hurt himself trying to do this.

Starscream nodded and sighed again. "I will be fine... just need a click to let my systems cool down..."

Yzadreth nodded as she sat back up and watched him, she could see him melting the snow below him, probably was for the best she wasn’t trying to climb onto him yet, she may be able to withstand fire but still…

Starscream closed his optics as he stretched out his wings and let his cooling fans run on high. "Never thought I would be glad to be in a frigid environment..."

Yza smiled. “I didn’t even know you could do something like that… it looks uncomfortable though…” she observed seeing how much it took him to recover from his stunt.

Starscream nodded. "It is... very painful... I do not know how Soundwave was able to handle running that and his holoform program at the same time for so long..." he said as he opened his optics.

Yza nodded quietly, “really high pain tolerance maybe? I don’t know, maybe he’s just more flexible?” She suggested with a shrug, she wouldn’t know unless she met him..

Starscream chuckled. "Would never be able to tell with him about the pain tolerance because he always wears that mask of his..."

Yza giggled a little. "well you've learned something new about him today I guess!" she said as she stood up, shaking her wings of snow while she waited for him to recover.

Chapter Text

Starscream slowly stood up as his systems finally returned to their normal temperature. "I do hope this is the last time we have to be on this mountain..."

Yzadreth nodded quietly. "I hope so too." she admitted glad to be leaving the cold behind them again as she was ready to descend once more.

Starscream picked her up as he went to the edge, prepared to jump down. "Ready?" He asked with a small smile.

Yza gave a smile and affirmative nod. she had gotten used to this by now. whether with his help or flying down on her own.

Starscream nodded before jumping. At least this time his joints and systems were nearly frozen as he carefully landed on each point with ease before reaching the bottom.

Yza took one last glance at the mountain before looking up at the seeker. "time to catch a dragon, are you ready?" she asked.

"We have to be, whether we truly are or not." The seeker said as he turned towards their next destination.

Yza sighed in agreement, the readied herself for what they would have to do once they reached the palace of Whiterun.

Starscream sighed. "As much as I would hate to, I will be using my holo again... Even with the jarl knowing who I am, I doubt his people would be all too pleased about such a revelation."

Yza nodded. "probably for the best... besides I have a feeling your abilities could take a dragon down pretty quick... we need this one to stay alive..." she said glancing at one of the seekers arms seeing what she could only guess was a very potent sort of bolt if it's resemblance to the centurions cross bows and ballista were anything to go by.

Starscream huffed. "Had my weapons not malfunctioned, it would have been over far quicker... but I understand your point."

Yzadreth nodded quietly. soon they entered the city and were climbing the steps to the palace throne room, behind it on the large covered balcony was where they would be making this stand. she had learned the shout she would need from Parthurnax before she had left the throat of the world, she was nervous to use it. according to the old Dov, she would be calling this dragon by his name, it wasn't just a greeting, this would be seen as a direct challenge to the dov should they decide heed her call on him.

Starscream looked at her. "Are you sure this will work?" he asked with some skepticism in his voice.

Yzadreth's ears lowered. honestly... no I'm not... but it's our best option right now." she said as she took a deep breath. the Jarl and his guards were standing ready, the device that would be used to capture the dov ready to spring down on the beast when they landed. they just had to lure the beast inside.

Starscream sighed deeply and nodded. "Let's hope it does then..."

The jarl gave a silent nod to the dovahkiin as she approached the edge of the balcony staring up at the sky she took a deep breath. "OHD AH VIING" she shouted into the sky, her ears ringing in the silence for a moment before a loud screech and a roar could be heard across the sky... her challenge had been taken note of and the dragon was coming.

The seeker watched then took a step back, seeing the beast. "Looks like it did work..."

Yzadreth drew her sword as the dragon swooped down preparing to shout, she used dragonrend forcing the beast to land with a roar of anger.

Starscream pulled out his dagger. He was confident but some part of him was still hoping this plan would work in the end.

the dragon tried to snap at her as she leapt back forcing the dragon to step closer with a loud growl as he tried to swipe at the many guards. one that had been behind the dragon was hit by the beasts tail and thrown over the ledge of the balcony as Yzasdreth tried to dart forward to save the man, she wasn't quick enough though. turning back to face the dragon she was ready to fight when the device was dropped and the dragon was pinned to the floor by their neck unable to turn their head enough to pull away. they growled lowly in rage realizing they had been tricked.

Starscream looked at Yza. "Whatever you have planned for the beast, now is your chance." He said still amazed that the trap actually worked.

Yza nodded approaching the angered beast. "what is the meaning of this Dovahkiin? why do you call my name? Alduin will tear you to shreds for this." his voice rumbled defiantly despite his predicament stuck in this trap. "I won't let that happen." she spoke confidently. "Ohdahviing, unless you want to remain in this trap until your sanity leaves you... I will make one deal. you will take me to Skaldafinn where your leader is hiding." she said showing no fear as she approached the beast putting her hand on top of his snout as he growled. he watched her with one eye glaring but he could see the determination of a dovah in the womers eyes and realized she was not bluffing. "If you agree to take me safely to your city I will let you free." she restated placing her other hand on his horn.

Starscream stayed at a distance, watching the dragon carefully. Not fully trusting him.

The dragon resisted at first but after another shout from the dragonborn the dov finally let out one last growl before relenting. "let me out of this cage and I will assist you, I can't very well carry you to the city while trapped in this damned device." he rumbled lowly.

Starscream huffed quietly as he went over to the control for the trap. He looked over to Yza, silently asking if he should release the dragon.

Yza gave a small nod to the seeker. "try anything funny and I don't think you'll enjoy what happens." she said to the dragon trying to keep her confidence up as the trap released and the dovah was able to stretch his head back up to a more comfortable position. he may not be happy but he was a dovah of his word. he would take the mortal to Skaldaffin. it would be her ruin anyways, she didn't possibly believe she could fend off multiple dragons at once and then alduin and live to tell the tale? and honestly if she did make it, good on her, she would have more than proven herself worthy of a title as lofty as Dovahkiin.

The seeker went over to her. "Do you believe this is something you should do on your own, or do you want me to go with you?" He hated the thought of leaving her to deal with the dragons herself but he wouldn't force her to take a misplaced Cybertronian like him to such a place.

Yza gave a patient smile but pulled him into a hug. "do you really think I could stop you from joining even if I wanted too?" she teased him. "you've been with me the entire time thus far... we may as well finished what was started together..." she said feeling calmer than she thought she would. Ohdahviing lowered himself slightly inviting the dovakiin to climb onto his back. he narrowed his eyes at the conversation. "I am not carrying two of you..." he said, he had only agreed to bring the Dragonborn, this other no matter how precious he may be to this womer, was not climbing onto his back. "oh don't worry about that, you don't need to carry him." she rolled her eyes as she climbed on. "I have no doubts you'll be able to keep up serjo?" she said to the seeker with a small smile as she prepared to take to the skies with the seeker and Ohdahviing

Starscream grinned. "It is this beast that would have to try to keep up with me any other time." He said before his holoform faded.

"well now, lead the way, my friend will be with us in a moment. " She called down to the dragon as they took off without a word. it only took a moment for the womer to adjust. She wasn't used to this kind of speed but it was exciting as she let her own wings taste the air behind them for a few moments, though she had to be careful not to fall off.

Soon Starscream flew beside them in his jet mode. Finally glad to be flying again and that it was something other than just to avoid being seen by humans.

Yzadreth grinned turning to face the seeker, she hadn't seen him transformed up close like this. "hope we're not going to slow for you?" she laughed as the dragon snorted as if offended. "I just didn't want you to fall off, but if you want faster dovahkiin... you asked for it." he bellowed before with a thrash of the dragons wings he shot forward faster than she even knew the dragon could fly, holding on tight she didn't show fear if anything she was excited as she laughed into the open air. if the dragon could have they would have smirked.

"Hm... Amateur." Starscream said loud enough for the dragon to hear before going off ahead of them.

Ohdahviing not one to be challenged growled as Yza gulped and held on tight the dragon racing forward keeping pace with the seeker, of course it wasn't just to try and prove that the dovah were faster than whatever strange creature this seeker was, but clearly the seeker had convienently forgotten he was the only one that knew where the city of Skaldafiin was located.

Thinking for a moment the seeker held back slightly on his speed. "Perhaps when this is over and provided you survive, beast, we can properly see who is faster." He said in a taunting tone.

The dovah rumbled with laughter. "with pleasure strange one." he said as he continued onto the city with new found focus.

Starscream kept his speed more reasonable to follow the dragon.

Soon enough the clouds started to scatter as cliffs and mountain peaks came into view along with it sprawling stone ruins long abandoned by the living.

soon the dragon landed as the womer hopped down. "thank you Ohdahviing..." she said as she gave him a nod. "I shall be watching from the skies." Ohdahviing said as he flew up into the air again to keep an eye on any incoming threats, it was strange but he was starting to root for the little mortal.

Starscream transformed and landed next to her then knelt down. "Ready to end this?"

"It's hard to believe we've come this far... but yes serjo, more than ready..." she said as her eyes narrowed slightly gazing at the city. it was time to find the portal to Sovengarde... drawing her blade and her wings out of hiding she didn't care about the chill, the rage and determination to stop this beast that threatened this world was enough to make her blood run hot. she hurried into the city, nothing would get in her way to face Alduin.

Starscream followed her into the city, looking around as they went to be sure nothing tried to get the better of them.

There were some undead around, they weren't too much hassle, just a minor slow down at this point. when they came to the end of the city though she could see a large circular structure in the ground, it glowed vibrantly and a figure floated above it holding a staff. raising it once more the circle stopped glowing before lifting it to the intruders it was preparing to cast a spell. Yzadreth moved to run forward before she heard two roars, up on massive pillars two dragons landed both looked ready to pounce on her as she was forced to jump back. shouting up to the beasts she tried to force them to the ground she was only able to get one of them though as the other went to try and attack her though the unlikely shape of Ohdahviing came crashing into the beast throwing it into the nearby wall, part of it collapsing on the opposing beast. looked like Ohdahviing had decided to help them more than expected.

Yzadreth tried not to get distracted by the brawl between the two dragons as she had her own to deal with, plus the dragon priest she had forgotten about entirely as she felt a spell from its staff hit her square in the back between her wings knocking her down despite her determination. She had to duck and roll away from the swipe of the other dragon. Her heart pounded in her chest, as she tried to cut into the dragons wing. If she was being reckless it was hard to tell, her anger burned hot as she was set alight with her ancestors fury. Using what strength she could she finally took one of the portals guardian dragons down and absorbed its soul. The surge seemed to numb any current pain she felt right now as she charged for the dragon priest with a leap.

Starscream turned to face the priest then aimed and fired the ballista mounted on his arm. He had not been ready for the recoil, although not enough to knock him down, it did jerk his arm back enough to potentially mess up the shot.

Yza rolled out of the way hearing the sound of the ballista fire as she saw it pierce the dragon priest with a shot through its chest. The lich crumpled to the ground dropping its staff. Ohdahviing had dealt with the other dragon, it seemed that the way was ready to be opened as she tried to catch her breath, taking the dragon priests staff with shaking hands as she approached the center of the circle where the staff had been place before.

Starscream readjusted the ballista then looked at her. "Are you alright?" He asked with concern in his voice.

Yzadreth paused pulling the staff back to herself. Was she really ready to do this? When she got to the other side was there any coming back? And would Starscream be able to follow her? What if she failed… or was never able to return? Her mind was racing as turned her gaze back to the seeker. “I… I will be…” she said quietly gripping the staff tighter she bowed her head slightly. “Thank you… serjo Starscream, for everything you’ve done to help me get here… i- I am not sure what will be waiting beyond the other side of this portal… but I am not sure whether you will be able to cross it with me, nor if there is any returning when I reach the other side…” she said quietly lifting her gaze and trying not to lose her composure in front of the seeker again.

Starscream gave a sorrowful expression before having his holoform appear and walk over to her. He then pulled her into a tight embrace. "If I am not able to follow, then I wish luck, little one..." he said in a gentle voice.

Yzadreth was quick to return the gesture pressing her face into his shoulder. Quashing the fears in her chest she finally pulled away one last time before stepping towards the center again. She kept her eyes on the seeker and his holo as she placed the staff back into its rightful spot and the ground beneath them glowed and enveloped them in its light. When the light faded the womer was gone from the face of Nirn, she opened her eyes within the realm of sovengarde. The land was covered in deep mist she could barely see the steps directly in front of her. She stepped forward regardless ready to face her fears and her enemy. Her shout forcing the fog to retreat. Calling her challenge to the first born of akatosh, she was ready to slay the world eater or die trying.

Starscream let out a deep sigh as he deactivated his holo. He stepped away from where she had gone and sat down. Hoping and silently praying she would be alright and that she would be able to return. He never thought he would grow so attached to anyone that was organic, let alone someone he had been asked to look after not so long after meeting them. Now he just wanted her to end this threat and return in one piece safe and sound.

Yzadreth could hear the roar coming as she had her sword ready. From the corner of her eye she could see a figure approach her, and above her she saw a gout of flames raining down before she shouted back, when the dragon made to dive into her with its jaws the figure at her side she hadn’t a chance to see clearly at the time leapt up on shimmering wings and with a war cry brought his own blade down on one of Alduins wings, the limb completely severed she could only stare in shock as the figure landed beside her again.

“F-father?” She breathed trying to keep her eyes on the beast. “Keep your eyes on the beast Yza…I’m with you always.” he said to her as she forced herself to concentrate Alduin roared in rage. “You will all be consumed!” He roared ready to slaughter the mortal souls that dared to oppose him. But the dragon could not land his blows, together the mortals were too quick as they shot into the air. With a mighty final roar from the dragon and a final cry from the womer the beast was slain with a blade through his heart. The world eater was no more. the womer turned to the spirit of her father tears in her eyes… of all she had thought to find here, it hadn’t been him, he smiled knowingly as she ran to embrace him. The reunion was bittersweet as he sighed, knowing that soon they would have to part, where she went he could not follow for his time in that world was long past. ”I love you little one, I will always be with you, you’ve grown so strong and brave and I couldn’t be prouder, but this is not the place in which you belong… you must leave little one… I know there is someone on the other side that is worried deeply for you…” he chuckled though his expression held some sadness, he didn’t want his daughter to go but he couldn’t be selfish, his daughter was so full of life and had so much more left to do, it wasn’t time for her to join him. He could see the wish in her eyes to stay at his side but he shook his head. “I am always with you, no matter where you are, each time your heart beats, when your fire blazes, with every flutter of your wings and warm memories I am with you giving you my strength in all the ways I can, you may not see me but I am always there… it’s time to go little one.” He said softly with one last hug goodbye the mer opened a portal back to the realm of the living. Before she left though he placed an item into her hand, a small amulet he’d had around his neck. “A final gift… be safe Yzadreth.” and moments later she was engulfed in light, returning back to the ruins she had entered from.

Starscream turned his full attention to where she had returned. His joy in seeing her again given away as his wings raised up, despite his attempts to keep his expression relatively neutral as he stood up and went over to her. He wanted to ask if she was alright but he started feeling like a broken record for asking it so often.

Yzadreth blinked her eyes open as she grinned up at the bot, not waiting a moment she leapt up at him full speed and flew up to his shoulder. She still clutched the amulet tight in one hand as she pressed herself against him as she felt torn between a sob and a laugh at how glad she was to have made it back in one piece.

Starscream smiled as he held his hand close to her. "Is it finally over then? No more running around after the creature?"

Yzadreth nodded. “It’s finally gone… we finished it.” She said quietly wiping at her eyes as she propped herself up in her usual spot and opened her hand to look at the amulet her father had given her. She remembered he used to wear this all the time. It was warm to the touch as she clasped it in her hands for a moment and closed her eyes. The weight that had been lifted off her shoulder made her feel hundreds of times lighter than before, like she could fly forever without being weighed down by gravity of the world.

Starscream nodded then tilted his head slightly. "What do you have there?" He asked curiously seeing the amulet.

Yzadreth held it up for him to see better. “My father… he was there with me… he helped me stop Alduin… he left this to me before I returned…” she said with a small smile.

Starscream looked at it then at her. "A final parting gift then..." He said softly then raised an optic ridge. "You said your father was there? What of your mother?"

Yzadreth sighed shaking her head. “I didn’t see nor hear her… and my father made no mention of her presence in that world…” she murmured softly.

The seekers wings lowered slightly as he looked away. Unsure of what else to say in the matter he let out a small sigh before glancing back at her. "Well, we best not idle too long here."

Yzadreth nodded. “I think it’s time to see if we can find you a way home now?… I wish I knew these things like my mum did…” she sighed quietly, she hoped there was a way to bring him home… and she hoped beyond all that she could go with him where that home of his was. There was nothing left really tying her to this world, and she felt it was safe enough now without her presence… it was time for her to move on from this place, wherever that brought her was still an unknown but she was ready for anything if it meant she could be with the seeker.

"It might be best to return to those ruins from before and if your mother's people were somehow connected to mine, it might be far easier than we both think." Starscream said as he turned to leave.

Yzadreth nodded ready to go back down to blackreach, hopefully they would find a device that could take them back.

Starscream huffed and looked at her. "I suppose you will get the opportunity to fly with me after all."

Yzadreth grinned as her wings fluttered. “But I thought you said I couldn’t handle the speed?” She teased.

Starscream folded his arms across his chassis. "If you wish, you may try to fly back to the ruins yourself." He said with a grin.

Yzadreth laughed as she shook her head. "nah, I'd have more fun bugging you anyways." she replied as she approached the edge of the ruins, though trying to fly down did sound kind of exciting as she looked at the clouds that seemed to hide the surface from view.

Starscream rolled his optics before picking her up carefully and holding her close to his chassis. "Last chance to reconsider." He knew she probably wouldn't but he still said something just in case, though in a slightly joking manner.

The womer shook her head making a show of zipping her lips. she was adamant, she wouldn't pass this opportunity up for anything.

Starscream chuckled. "Just remember, I did warn you." He said before transforming around her, making sure she landed in the seat of the cockpit.

Yzadreth let out a small huff watching as everything shifted around her where she was sitting, this was definitely different but she was amazed not scared. her eyes were lit up curiously. for the first time she was going be able to see just how fast the seeker could go, and her with him.

"Whatever you do... Do not touch any of the buttons..." Starscream said before taking off.

Yza nodded keeping her hands close to her chest, she wasn't sure what they did but she had a feeling now was not the time to be finding out.

Starscream flew level with the clouds, given the chance he would spend most of the day just flying, but they had somewhere to go. Picking up speed he turned, heading towards the ruins.

Yzadreth was honestly amazed seeing the clouds underneath them like they were a ship floating on a sea of white, she tried to keep her hands to herself but she couldn't stop her eyes from looking out the window especially as they took a dive towards the ground as he started heading for Alftand to take the great lift back down to Blackreach.

Soon enough they reached the outside as Starscream landed and opened the canopy for her. "Be careful when you get out."

Yza nodded Carefully pulling herself up before gliding safely to the ground. "I don't see what you were so worried about before. I thought that was really cool!" she said to the seeker as she gave him the space to transform again.

Starscream transformed and knelt down to her. "I would rather you not pass out. It happens quite a bit for organics not used to flying so quick or high."

Yzadreth nodded. "ah, well I felt fine there, but it you're still worried about it that's fine." she said as she grinned before hurrying towards the ruins and the lift down.

Starscream sighed with a slight smile as he stood back up and followed her.

Yza was able to navigate their way back to the lift in little time as she waited for the seeker to enter before pulling the mechanism to descend. she wondered just what they may be looking for, or if Starscream himself would be able to recognize it if he spotted one.

Starscream folded his arms as they descended, hoping they would be able to find anything that could potentially open a way back.

"you said that a lot of the stuff down there reminded you of your home, would you be able to recognize a device to return us to your home if you saw it or are we going to have to test every device we find down there? hmm I mean I guess if the device is really big or could be seen as important, we might be able to find information in an archive room? I know mom mentioned much of their research would be compiled in a library of sorts, we could find information on things they were working on in the city there I think." she said trying to remember what her mom said about her ventures into the ruins she made in the past.

"It could be as simple as finding to mirrored pillars or a rounded structure. But there have been more complicated spacebridge designs. It would probably be best to look through the archive." Starscream said as he looked down at her.

Yzadreth nodded keeping her eyes peeled for anything resembling a library as the lift came to a stop at the bottom of the cavern. "well time to explore the cities proper, unless you need a restock on aetherium before we start heading deeper?" she asked the mech glancing up at him as she walked down the path.

Starscream stopped and checked his internal diagnostics. "I should be fine for now. If I get low, I know where the mine is." He said with a nod.

Yzadreth nodded. "well anyways... my guess anything of importance would be closer to the center of the city... and that massive globe up there, that looks pretty important and it's towards the center so I have a feeling we should be checking that area out first." she said as she let her wings flutter and she started to fly towards the warm glow of the main city

Starscream nodded then followed her to the city.

landing one the platform beneath the globe she was quite mesmerized by the glow as she tried to focus again. walking towards the cities entrance she carefully opened up the doors. she could see automatons walking about but she also noticed some other creatures she hadn't seen before, they looked like mer of some kind? they were pale as ghosts and their faces twisted in a way that looked dreadfully painful, their eyes were either covered over completely or silvery white, they didn't seem to notice their presence as they walked in, their eyes seeming to stare through them. though their ears did flick as they seemed to search for the source of the noise, whoever these people were they were completely blind and the young womer wasn't sure what to think of this, something in her chest bubbled with a guilt she couldn't place.

Starscream kept as quiet as he could, watching the strange organics. He didn't want to speak in case they suddenly turned hostile if he did.

Yzadreth held her breath as she followed the mech, carefully sneaking past the people they found themselves in an empty hallway again as she let herself relax again. “I… I don’t know who those people were… I wonder what happened to them…” she whispered still cautious of what could be out there.

Starscream looked over his shoulder then back at her. "I am not sure... but let's find what we came here for and leave quickly..." he said quietly.

Yza nodded, she still couldn't shake the feeling of somehow failing these people she never met, but she didn't know what she could possibly do besides help her friend get home. This wasn't her home anymore, her home was wherever this seeker was taking her.

Starscream walked down the hall, still being cautious after seeing those people.

it took some searching and further delving into the city, but finally they came upon what she could best assume was a library with so many books and shelves and workstations about. in the center was a console with a metal cube glowing invitingly on top as if waiting for be picked up. she approached slowly her head tilting. this felt important. she recalled the lexicon they used to get here, she took hers out and carefully she swapped the devices before looking at their new claim. glancing up at the mech was ready to see what it contained if he was.

Starscream raised and optic ridge as he knelt down to get a better view. Something felt strange and too easy about this whole thing to him.

"should I turn it on...?" she said still uncertain. surely there was more to the security than this? especially with the way they defended the scroll in the occulory above them.

Starscream nodded then looked around. "Just.. be careful... Something feels off about this..."

Yzadreth nodded before carefully activating the device with a small press and twist the cube came to light it shown an array of something like a screen information buzzing past too fast for poor Yza to read before the lights in the room shut off momentarily. only to come back on a dark red as bells could be heard. of course... of course this would activate the security systems. she leapt up to the mechs shoulder still holding the device in her hands, while she wanted to help fight she also didn't want to get separated from the seeker.

Starscream quickly stood up, aiming the ballista in different directions as he backed up towards the doorway.

an automaton came up from a concealed compartment near the consoles, it was nearly the same height as the mech as it started to raise it's weapons mirroring the seekers own ballista as Yza felt her panic rise.

The seeker fired the ballista, this time being mindful of the recoil and holding his arm more steady.

the automaton was slower and took a direct hit falling over against the console before going offline, it seemed they had also hit the switch for deactivating the security system as the lights flicked back on to their normal brightness and the blaring of warning chimes stopped.

Starscream blinked in confusion, almost expecting more to happen. "That was it?"

"I-I think it hit the switch when it fell..." she said to the seeker with a shrug, a little confused but glad none the less they didn't have to worry about it anymore as the device in her hand lit up once more, now showing a map of the underground city, there was dwemeri text labeling the locations.

Starscream looked at the map and tilted his head.

Yzadreth raised her head. "this is my ma's language... can you read it by chance?" she asked curiously wondering if this would further solidify proof of their connection. otherwise she did see an oddly circular room towards the center of the city, a room beneath the false sun... labeled gateway.

Starscream looked over the text just to be sure then nodded and turned his head to her. "This brings up the question as to how connected exactly were your mother's people to mine..."

Yza nodded. "I have feeling that Gateway that's under the sun will be something we are looking for?" she asked

Starscream nodded. "It that would be the most plausible place." He said as he turned to the door.

Yza nodded hopping back down from his shoulder she walked with him back towards the entrance, but saw a ramp going down to what would be under the platform by the entrance, if she had understood the map correctly, this ramp would lead to the gateway...

Starscream looked at the ramp before going to it. Despite the fact the security system to was turned off in the library, he was still cautious in case there was anything else that could pose a threat.

finally they made their way to a large spherical room, when they first entered it was mostly dark besides the console which glowed faintly, however when she placed the lexicon from the archive into the slot on the console the whole room came to life, they were surrounded by the visions of stars and galaxies all within the confines of this room. it almost felt like they were floating through space on the platform no matter where she looked once the doors to the hallway had closed they were engulfed by the surrounding screens, some of these constellations she thought she recognized, the star signs of this world, but she could also see others she didn't know anything about. there was one odd shape that took her attention, a large planet, but something glowed deep in the center, and it was entirely made of metal as she glanced up at the seeker. if they needed any further proof.... she had a feeling this was it.

Starscream's wings lowered as he stepped closer to the hologram. "Cybertron..." he muttered reaching and hand towards it.

Yzadreth felt her own wings lifting as she flew up to his shoulders. "is this your homeworld?" she whispered in awe of the sight. she had never seen anything like it in her life, was this where they were going?

Starscream nodded slowly before pulling his hand away. "It is... but it looks like it did long before the war..."

Yzadreth nodded. "then I'm going to assume that whatever connection your people had to mine was cut off sometime well before then...?" she said quietly her wings flickering. "something in here must be able to get us back to wherever your going?" she said to the mech not sure how to work the device and not wanting to accidentally mess something up only to have them both get lost.

Starscream looked over to the device before going over to it. "This should be similar enough for me to figure out..." he said.

Yzadreth nodded making sure she was settled safely on his shoulder as he turned on the device. she had to hold her breath unsure what she would see once they went through whatever the seeker brought up for them.

After some time, Starscream managed to get the device to work and looked over as it opened what looked to him like a spacebridge.

Yzadreth lifted her head to look at the portal. "so this is it?" she asked a little nervous to go through, she knew this time there was no going back, but part of her realized that didn't matter much to her anymore. the closest thing she had left to family in this world was the seeker she was about to cross the bridge with, wherever she belonged it was with him. that was all she could really tell.

Starscream nodded. "It will not lead to Cybertron. I put in the last location of the Nemesis and hopefully it will lead there..." he then looked down at her. "I feel I should ask again... do you wish to come with me?"

Yzadreth was quiet for a moment before hugging him tightly. "absolutely yes" she said to confirm she was about to go through with this. she hoped this worked.

Starscream smiled softly and nodded before going through the bridge.