Steel Claw turned to face me, weakly breathing.
So... we're not dead?
No! We actually survived!
We... we did?
Yes! Steel Claw... I sense you are weak, is something wrong?
No. I'm okay, don't waste your emotions on me.
I looked at Steel Claws side. It had been horrifically damaged by the Predator. Small shreds of dark skin decorated the gaping wound.
Trust me, Blade Tail... it's just a scratch...
Steel Claw seemed awfully tired.
Steel Claw... try to get up...
Steel Claw slowly raised up his body. Suddenly, he hissed in pain, and tumbled back to the ground.
You're hurt... don't try to move! I will look after you. We should try to get some rest, tomorrow we won't be so tired.
And so, we lay out heads onto the ground, and slept quietly and soundly.
Next morning
I awoke, slowly looking around. Steel Claw was still asleep, and I could tell he was not dead as I could still hear his thoughts.
I snorted, and got up, looking outside the cave. All there was was utter destruction, with what was like the remnants of a was absoloutely nothing in sight- everything had been vapourised. It's rather sad that so many creatures must now suffer for many years to come, simply because the humans wouldn't just leave us alone. I believe they all left once they thought the nuke was enough to kill us, but they were very wrong.
I heard that Steel Claws breathing began to get a bit loud. I nudged him, waking him up. He faced me, but his wheezing did not stop.
Steel Claw? What's wrong?
... Blade Tail... I don't know if... I can stay alive much longer...
No...Please, Steel Claw, you can't... you musn't...
I'm sorry, Blade Tail... my wound is torturing me... I don't have the strength to live anymore...
Steel Claw! You can't! Don't you remember our promise!? That we need to survive till the end!?
This is the end, for me...
...NO! DON'T SAY THAT! DON'T YOU SAY THAT! YOU CAN'T DIE! I CAN'T BE ALONE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!
This was the first time I just wanted to die. Right in front of me, the only thing I had left in the whole universe, was slowly beginning to perish.
Blade Tail... I'm afraid... can you please hold my hand.
The young creature begged me to console him as he lay there, dying. I slowly moved my hand to his, and held it.
You won't give up when I die, will you...?
No... I never will.
I was beginning to sob. This was even worst than the death of my mother.
...Good... and, remember this... we will always...be...friends...
Just as he said that, the heavy breathing stopped, just like my heart.
Steel Claw...? I asked, in a scared, shaky voice. I nudged his body with my hand.
He was completely lifeless. His jet black body began to turn grey as the blood in his body stopped flowing.
No! STEEL CLAW! Why did you have to die?!
If I had human eyes like you, I would be blinded by the amount of tears I would be crying.
I dug my head into his neck, making weeping sounds over his limp body.
From that moment on, I knew I was doomed to be alone forever. I knew that my life was now not worth living. But, Steel Claws dying wish was for me to survive. And that's exactly what I'll do.
Epilogue
Now you know my story. I am now older, and have still been fighting for survival, killing all the Predators who attack me. Killing is now so much harder for me, since after experiencing such a heartbreaking death, it made me realise that death should not be taken lightly, and that one must refrain from it as much as possible.
I have no idea what will happen in the future, but one thing is for sure. Death is inevitable. And once I am gone, my species will disappear forever. That day could happen tomorrow, maybe in a decade, it's all a question of when.
But I am getting weaker by the day.
It will be soon.
Very soon.
The End! I hope you all enjoyed this story, and, you can say it, I love tragic endings too much. I only use them when it's appropriate, though. Have a good day!