𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐋𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑, an indoraptor story

Compelling Embrace

No trace of Tigerclaw appeared thereafter, much to my relief. I had no desire to engage in combat with the tomcat once more, not due to any sense of weakness, but because I had previously attempted to take his life. It seemed fitting that he should perhaps reconsider his actions.

Beneath a diminutive spruce tree adorned with distinct golden needles and lustrous white bark, I reclined without giving much contemplation to the tree's aesthetic qualities. Subsequently, a cacophony of sounds reached my ears, prompting me to cast my gaze upwards and witness a weathered vessel soaring above, only to later descend gracefully in the clearing. Gently, yet resolutely, I ascended to an upright position. Though my current form may have marked me as an anomaly, I had once walked the mortal realm. Possessing a profound knowledge of arcane matters, I perceived the familiar vessel before me with a recognition akin to that of beholding my own kin.

As Havoc Marauder loomed in the presence of Hunter, the aft entrance parted, unveiling the emergence of Tech and Crosshair. I blinked in astonishment as I noted that their attire remained unchanged from the outset of the Bad Batch series. A subtle wag of my tail betrayed my concealed excitement. Conscious of the need for discretion, I refrained from revealing myself overtly, yet could not conceal my admiration for the unexpected rendezvous with these individuals.

"Maintain vigilance, all. Our knowledge of that enigmatic violet creature is scant; nevertheless, Principal Skidmore has mandated its retrieval in living condition," my movements ceased as Hunter's words reached my ears. A realization dawned upon me—he was referring to me. Incredulous, I contemplated the dire implications: the head of my educational institution had enlisted the services of the galaxy's preeminent bounty hunters, clones no less, for my apprehension.

In a moment of utter disbelief, I pondered, What intentions do she harbor toward me? She cannot simply dismiss me with a wave of her hand, my internal turmoil manifested audibly in a low growl. Reverberating with uncertainty, I faced a formidable decision as Hunter's gaze gravitated toward my hidden form. With a calculated stride forward, Tech brandished his datapad, and the realization dawned upon me that my presence had been detected through thermal imaging. "There stands our quarry," he announced, indicating my position, prompting me to divulge my presence. A gasp of astonishment ensued from the assembled group. "She exudes a beauty surpassing our previous estimations," remarked Omega, in awe of my appearance.

"Calm yourself, Omega, remember she is a creature of the wild," cautioned Hunter, as he unsheathed his vibroblade, eliciting a sigh of relief from me. "He wouldn't harm me, would he?" I inquired tentatively, prompting a sudden halt in the movements of the elite mercenaries. "What is this... you possess the ability to articulate," snarled Crosshair in disbelief.

I felt relieved that the Kaminoans had not divulged too much about me. "Indeed, I have always possessed this ability, albeit comprehended by few humans. Neither my former classmates, nor my acquaintances grasped its essence. However, you... you are an exception," I expressed with a smile. "Perhaps our encounter was ordained in the celestial spheres." In response, Crosshair emitted a contemptuous snort and retrieved his sniper rifle.

 "A fanciful notion. We merely carry out our hunting duties. Now emerge, so I may administer a tranquilizing agent," he declared coldly, prompting a brief, icy laugh from me before emerging from beneath the resplendent golden spruce. Drawing closer, I boldly nudged the sniper rifle with my snout. 

"I advise caution, Crosshair. My scales possess a hardness akin to diamonds," I proclaimed, tapping a long black claw against my chest, the resonant sound reverberating through the clearing.

 Crosshair relented, lowering his weapon at Hunter's silent signal, and Wrecker advanced, flexing his formidable hands. "Ah, a physical skirmish may indeed prove enlightening, wouldn't you agree, reptilian creature?" he inquired provocatively.

"I suppose," I uttered with a smile, bowing my head slightly, my feathers quivering. "Please, proceed." Wrecker exchanged a glance with his comrades before emitting a joyful whoop and lunging forward, encircling my neck with his sturdy arm. Though momentarily choked, I allowed him to handle me with ease, akin to a mere toy, before he prepared to hurl me towards the majestic golden spruce tree. Swiftly evading his grip, I caused him to stumble and topple over in surprise.

Without hesitation, I forcefully pinned him down, twisting in the air and landing with my claws digging into his chest. Inhaling his scent deeply, I asserted triumphantly, "I emerge victorious."

He chuckled and released me from his grasp, exclaiming, "You certainly did! That was quite enjoyable!" As he continued to laugh, I rolled my eyes in amusement before turning to Hunter, who had relaxed slightly. "I refuse to allow you to forcibly return me to my school; I have no desire to be confined there, only to be scrutinized like all ordinary humans."

Hunter sighed, and I noticed genuine sadness in his eyes. "I apologize, but we must accompany you back to your rightful place. You are an enigma, after all. I am aware of the events that have transpired with you; Dr. Wu has been incessantly discussing your situation, as is common knowledge throughout the galaxy."

My iridescent ocean eyes transformed into a mixture of hatred and anger. "Humans will only seek to manipulate me!" I retorted sharply, slamming my tail against the ground, causing a spray of dirt to envelop us. Crosshair swiftly aimed his sniper rifle at my head once again, and I glared fiercely at him before erupting into a deafening roar. As I opened my mouth, preparing to unleash my fury, a sudden, sharp pain pierced through me, and my surroundings blurred before my eyes.

"You claimed your scales were as impenetrable as diamonds, yet your gums betray you," remarked Crosshair as I began to stagger. Fuelled by rage, I lashed out impulsively, knocking the sniper rifle from his grasp with a swift flick of my powerful tail. He grunted in response, attempting to retrieve his weapon but was sent reeling with a blow to the chest from my formidable tail.

"Ow, this is most inconvenient!" Echaine exclaimed, turning to aid his brother. Amidst the chaos, Omega warned, "Abel, don't do this!", but I was already too consumed by the turmoil within my own mind to pay heed. "Wrecker!" a voice shouted urgently, before I felt strong arms enveloping me as I struggled.

"Don't worry, we have you," the voice reassured me as I fought against the overwhelming haze clouding my thoughts.

However, I found myself unable to resist any longer, and eventually succumbed to the unyielding embrace of Wrecker.