sbi short stories + others sometimes

A New Den

Technoblade, a young dragonet of around five years, had been exploring the expansive mountains near his clan's territory when he stumbled upon a tiny hatchling, no more than a few weeks old, whimpering loudly. The little hatchling's scales were dull and dull, and he shivered helplessly.
"What's a hatchling like you doing out here all alone?" Techno asked, approaching cautiously. He glanced around, but there was no sign of any dragon parents nearby.

The small hatchling's big blue eyes darted up to meet Technoblade's gaze. He seemed to relax slightly at the sight of the older dragonet, as if sensing a friendly presence. "Cold," the hatchling murmured shakily, his voice quivering almost as much as his little form.

Tech felt an immediate pang of sympathy. This poor hatchling was clearly struggling just to keep himself warm. He knew the chill of these mountains all too well, and for a young dragonet unused to its harshness... it was a dangerous situation.
"You need to come with me," he said firmly but gently, moving closer to the hatchling. "It's not safe for you out here. Let me take you somewhere warm and dry."

Technoblade wrapped a few furs around the small hatchling, who had stopped trembling as much now that he was safely enveloped in warmth. Once he had settled and seemed a bit more comfortable, Technoblade asked, "Can you tell me where your den is, little one?"

The hatchling, who had been dozing off, blinked up at Technoblade with large, uncomprehending eyes. "Home..." he mumbled, his voice barely a whisper, then drifted back into a fitful sleep.
Techno frowned. The hatchling was clearly too young to be out here on his own, whatever had happened. But he didn't have a clue where his home was, either. That would complicate things.

Technoblade's eyes widened as he got his first good look at the hatchling's back. Sure enough, there was the unmistakable mark of a Death Dragon, a vicious breed of dragon known for their ruthlessness and lack of empathy for other species.
"A Death Dragon hatchling..." he murmured softly, his jaw set tightly. This changed things. A lot.

Technoblade knew that time was of the essence. The Death Dragons were a volatile and unpredictable breed, and if they discovered one of their own missing, there was no telling what lengths they would go to to find it. He had to act quickly, yet carefully.
"I've got to get you back to your family, little one," he whispered to the sleeping hatchling, gently picking him up. "But it's not going to be an easy journey."

Technoblade carefully wrapped the hatchling in some additional fur, securing him safely against his chest. He paused for a moment, studying the sleeping hatchling's peaceful face before setting out on a path back towards the Death Dragon territory.
It was a long and treacherous journey back to the Death Dragon's mountains, but Technoblade knew he couldn't waste any more time. Every minute counted when dealing with the Death Dragons.

The journey was grueling, each day seeming to pass at a snail's pace. Technoblade made the trek as quickly as he could, but the terrain was rocky and rough, and the temperature was dropping rapidly as they ascended higher into the mountains.
Techno pushed on through the biting cold, carrying the little hatchling safely against his chest. He had to keep the poor thing warm, and his own body heat was the best he had to offer.Technoblade let out a guttural roar of frustration as he spotted the Death Dragon in the distance. He had hoped they would reach the Death Dragons' territory without being followed, but it seemed luck was not on their side.

He increased his flight speed, pushing his wings to their limit. His muscles strained at the effort, but he couldn't slow down. Not now 

Technoblade hovered in the air as the Death Dragon approached, his stance defensive but not hostile. The Death Dragon regarded him with a mix of wariness and confusion, his sharp eyes fixing on the bundle of fur clutched in Techno's arms.