Ruby (TFP)

Chapter 5

“I think she has realised that the water isn’t bad when it’s warm,” Fowler commented with a chuckle as he watched the dragon. “She’s clean now, so you can put her down, Optimus.”

Optimus watched the dragon bat the water playfully and he gently placed her on the ground. Ruby turned to paw at the water playfully before she nipped at it and lowered her head under the water. She whimpered happily as she stood under the tap and lowered herself, moving her whole body under the water and shaking the water off her body before jumping a little again under the water.

“That’s so cute...even though we can’t keep the water running forever. We have already started working on widening and few of the hallways in the base and making space for an energon generator.” Cliffjumper crouched as he watched the dragon play with the water. “At least giving her a warm bath won’t be too hard to convince.”

“It would seem not. She just does not like the cold very much.” Optimus was amused by the dragon’s playfulness with the water. He didn’t want to interrupt her as he wanted her to get energy out so she could nap again. “I do see that her wings have gained strength. She’s not stepping on them now.”

“That’s a good thing. They naturally sit up on the shoulders, but they should be a little higher than that. The tips are dragging a little. But today is her birthday, so it makes sense that she needs more time.” Fowler watched the dragon spin around excitedly under the water while chasing her tail before she rolled onto her back and placed her paws on the tap, causing the water to spray out. Fowler jumped back as the water sprayed his shirt and jeans. He couldn’t help but chuckle. “That’s my fault for standing too close.”

Cliffjumper chuckled as he nodded in agreement. “It sure was. But I also can see that water is going to be something she will enjoy playing with. It seems your assumption that she might be semi aquatic is becoming more correct. Even on the first day.”

Fowler just shrugged. “Her appearance was enough to tell me that. But her dislike for cold also tells me she’s a tropical dragon. But she will probably get used to the coolness of the floor. She doesn’t really have a choice.”

“Unfortunately, not. I know with no energon supply, using energon to keep the floor warm is considered a waste since it would be for one creature. Ruby will get used to it.” Optimus knew Ratchet would never do that, even with the dragon living here with them. Learning Ruby’s behaviour was important though. Especially since they need to keep the dragon entertained. Optimus looked at Fowler. “If you can, can you make up a bottle for her while she plays? I think that will give her enough time in the water.”

“That is a good idea.” Fowler walked around the bot quickly with a smile. “But when I head out soon, you will be left with making it yourself, Prime. At least there’s room for the freezer, cold room and pantry for the ingredients for the dragon. I’ll have them delivered here to the base, hopefully, in a few days.”

“That is good. At least we will deal with the more immediate issue.” Optimus knew that Ruby wasn’t an actual issue, but she was still something that would take their attention away from the modifications that were needed for this base to be viable for the autobots. But Optimus was unbothered as he found himself enjoying the dragon’s presence, and learning about her, even on her first day alive, was definitely something that he considered to be miraculous. Ruby giggled as she jumped a little while nipping at the water. “I am glad you are having fun, Ruby.” Ruby glanced at Optimus and she bowed a little before jumping through the water stream with her mouth open to gulp down some of the water and she shook some water off before turning to nip at it again. “A shame the others are too busy.”

Cliffjumper chuckled. “Not sure how excited Ratchet would be over the dragon making a mess, even though it is just water. The water is very easy to clean and dry.” He watched as Ruby slipped onto her right suddenly, but she was unbothered as she still had a big smile on her face as she pawed at the water with all four of her paws. “Some energy out of her is good. I’ll think of something else...”