Rough Cut Stone - Indigo's Journey

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Silence stretched across the valley like a blanket, broken only by the shuffling footfalls of small animals, or the brush of the undergrowth as they passed by. The woods by the quiet river were peaceful, undisturbed, giving the false sense of safety to the creatures huddled within the roots of a large tree. But that safety was to be short lived, seeing as, unbeknownst to the animals under the roots, they were being stalked. Yards away, concealed by the thick foliage of the woods, a pair of glowing yellow eyes stared ahead at the huddled group. The owner of the eyes suddenly turned its cranium to the left, a soft chirp escaping its maw as it turned to face its companion. The other returned the call, before they both disappeared into the brush, followed by a parade of similar animals.
They finally stepped foot into a sliver of moonlight that angled through the forest tops, revealing exactly what they were.

Utahraptors.

Their glowing eyes locked on their target, large hand claws twitching and ready to strike as they stalked through the undergrowth on silent feet, sickle claw raised in the air, poised to spill blood. The lead raptor's maw dropped open just slightly, exposing the rows of teeth, as its tongue waved with a soft hiss.

And then, all calm was lost.

The lead raptor released an ear-piercing battle shriek as it dove forward, claws scrabbling against the roots of the tree as the creatures beneath startled awake with equally loud shrieks; but theirs were of terror. The attacking raptors surrounded the tree as the one beneath the roots dove from the confines, jaws clenched in defensive hisses. There were only two adults, their tails waving like whips as they stood in front of the roots as if protecting it. Brief confusion crossed the face of the lead attacking raptor. Its brow furrowed as it stared down its enemy. Why weren't they fleeing? Why weren't they running? Its confusion only turned to anger, however, as it barked an order at the surrounding raptors. And with that, they dove on the two.
The lead reptile gave a snarl as it fell on the closest adversary. Its hand claws scored across the other's muzzle, as they fell into a tumble, landing against the tree roots with a crash. Pinning the other on the ground, the leading raptor brought its sickle claw down, sinking it into flesh and earning an agonized screech from its victim. The animal tried to scramble away, its hand claws reaching desperately for something to hold onto, to haul itself from the hold of certain death, but the attacker above was taking no chances.

It lunged forward, locking its jaws around its victim's neck, tasting the metallic tang of warm blood as it began to spill onto the leaves beneath the tussling creatures. The thrashing movements of the animal only thrilled its attacker even more as it clamped down, hearing the cries of its victim become choked and gargled as it fought for breath and relief from the pain. But that relief would only come one way, as the attacking raptor decided it'd had enough fun. It pulled up, dragging the animal beneath up as well, gripping its shoulder with a firm set of claws, before twisting its jaw around with a sudden, sharp movement.
A single snap echoed briefly through the air, before the victim's struggles ceased entirely. The attacking raptor released its jaw hold on the creature's neck, letting its limp body fall on the forest floor with a light thump.

The other attacking raptors had finished the second adult off not too far away, and with a single bark from the leader, the entire group dispersed into the brush.
But they did not leave the scene. Something intrigued them, enough to stay and watch the aftermath of their destruction. And, as the lead raptor was soon to find out, it would also be the reason the intruding adults had not fled as soon as the attack had started.

Because moments later, something came creeping out from the cover of the tree's roots; a smaller version of themselves. A youngling raptor emerged, its eyes wide and horrified as it stared at the carnage that followed the battle. The small creature stared at the body of the raptor the leader had killed, and a volley of short, high-pitched squeaks emitted from the youngling's mouth, urging for the adult to wake. But there was no response, not even a single movement.
The leading raptor watched, a wicked grin spreading across its maw as it bunched its muscles, before springing forward with a snarl towards the smaller animal, causing it to shriek in sudden terror and huddle against the ground, trembling violently.

And finally, the leading raptor spoke, its voice no more than a husky snarl.
"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't tear you limb from limb like I did to this one!" It jabbed a claw at the dead adult beneath, earning nothing more than petrified squeaks from the youngling.
The raptor was about to snatch the little thing up, when a sudden, commanding volley of barks broke the otherwise silent air. The raptors in the brush parted to make way for another, who emerged from the undergrowth with a scowl. This raptor's body was lined with scars and scratches, its maw twisted in a snarl as it came to stand beside the first adult, snapping its jaw close to the other's muzzle.
"You will do no such thing!"
The new arrival snapped, standing taller with its tail raised. "You know better, Azurite! We do not harm younglings!"

Azurite ducked himself close to the ground in obvious submission, standing back as the second adult peered curiously at the youngling still huddled against the floor, its eyes still wide and wild.
After a moment, the commanding raptor spoke again. "We will take this little one into our Pack, and train it in our ways," the raptor paused, lashing its tail against Azurite's flank to silence the coming protests. "The decision has been made!" It hissed at the darker raptor.
Turning now to the youngling, it addressed the tiny creature with an almost sympathetic expression.
"You. What are you called, little one? Do not be afraid," the adult added. "We will not hurt you."

And so finally, for the first time, the little animal spoke, its voice quavering in its shocked state, but the word emitted was clear enough.

"Indigo."