Not a Drop to Drink
by SMYGO4EVA
All of this had started when the cataclysm ended, and the war began soon after. Ripclaw wasn't too young to miss that, couldn't keep that memory away from her mind, and she couldn't let the sacrifice of her brethren be in vain.
She knew that Darksteel was too young to remember, to even comprehend that he was a Predacon, a beast. Ripclaw wasn't sure if he was ready for true combat. He fought untamed, untrained. Yet he was quick on his feet. It was out of pure instinct that he was able to strike her down, just before she struck him back down with all her might.
"Don't touch me!"
Her voice was a cross between a yell and a growl. Even underneath spilt Energon and scratches, Darksteel was still eager to learn from her.
"Do you understand that, Darksteel?" she asked. It was a genuine question, perhaps it was the first time he had first that from her, not knowing how he would answer.
Darksteel arched an eyeridge, and then Ricplaw hesitated before learning back from him. "Well? Do you or not?"
Darksteel smiled, "Yes, I understand."
"Good, because if you don't, then you will feel my wrath the next time that happens. Make no mistake about that." Ripclaw whispered, holding a firm gaze upon the young Predacon.
"I like the way you think." Darksteel nodded with a mischievous grin.
Those words were actually reassuring for Ripclaw at that moment, more than she cared to admit. She didn't want to think about if he didn't follow her, it was only a matter of time before there was not a drop to drink for either of them.
For now, she would have to take his word for it.