We had found a cave, dark, damp, and safe. We breathed, heavily, as we entered it, looking around nervously. Something was in here, something big, but we had to rest after all that running. I snorted, relieved that we had escaped with our lives. Steel Claw hissed in sadness, still depressed over the death of mother. Since he was young, he had not been trained to be fully emotionless, so he still wept with melancholy. I tried my best to keep my emotions inside me, but it was too difficult. I lay down on the floor, resting and sobbing, as tiny Steel Claw lay down, leaning against me.
After a short silence, I telepathically began to talk to him.
Listen, Steel Claw. We are the last of our kind.
I know that.
The last Queen, our mother, is dead. When we die, our species will cease to exist. But we won't die anytime soon. You need to promise me, for the sake of our species, and those who died at the hands of humans, that no matter what happens, you will fight for your survival until you breathe your last. You will not give up, but shall battle till the end of your days. All is not lost.
That was a lie. I was trying to give the youngster the illusion of hope.
We cannot die. We must not die. Promise me that you won't give up. For the sake of our species.
Steel Claw said nothing, considering what I said.
Okay. I won't give up. But we have to stick together. I know it's a cliche, and I know it's unnatural for our kind, but I can't go on with life alone.
I nodded, secretly feeling glad.
He nudged me, playfully. I hissed softly in annoyance.
Suddenly, we heard thundering footsteps. They made the ground shake with each one.
Whatever was in this cave was coming towards us.
Steel Claw and I turned, and saw the huge shadow of a towering creature slowly lumber towards us.
I recognised it immediately...