𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐋𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑, an indoraptor story

Parting Words

Nightheart was relishing the succulent prey he had captured when a shaft of sunlight danced across his paws, prompting him to exclaim, "Someone approaches!"

Now all felines in the patrol were vigilant, and before long, they beheld a pair of azure eyes gazing at them warmly, followed by the appearance of a deep indigo figure that shimmered in the light. "By StarClan's grace!" exclaimed Lightleap before his utterance was interrupted by a hiss from his companion, who curtly advised, "Silence your tongue, will you?"

Nightheart's jaw dropped in astonishment, and it was Fidgetflake who dared to breach the ensuing silence, exclaiming, "You—you possess the gift of speech?"

The beast retorted, "Why is it that felines assume we predators lack the ability to communicate amongst ourselves?" It exhaled with irritation and swished its lengthy, scaly tail. Indeed, Nightheart bristled initially, but upon closer inspection, the creature was indeed covered in scales, devoid of fur or any other typical feline attributes, save for peculiar appendages adorning its tail and head.

The creature idly scratched its scales and mused, "It appears I encounter an abundance of felines in recent times. Now, permit me to contemplate: you are prowling for sustenance within a domain not your own, in the knowledge that humans traverse these lands. Yet, you linger still. Are you, perchance, foolish felines, or simply indifferent to the impending threat posed by the bipeds? It matters little. My name is Alba."

Rootspring approached with determination. "I am Rootspring of SkyClan, in the company of Alderheart and Nightheart from ThunderClan, as well as Sunbeam and Lightleap from ShadowClan, and Fidgetleap from SkyClan. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Alba."

"Oh, I am aware," remarked Albany, inclining her head. "I have crossed paths with each of you previously."

Sunbeam sought refuge alongside Nightmare, evoking a scoff from Alba. "Please, do not presume that I would be unaware of individuals within my domain. I have detected your fragrances previously; you reside near the lake, do you not?"

"We have not yet had the pleasure of encountering you," Night Heart meowed, to which Alba responded with a contemplative hum. "As an Indoraptor, I possess the skill to cloak my own scent from felines and other predatory creatures. Are you familiar with the renowned figures of Tigerstar and Firestar?" Night Heart shifted uneasily. "Foresters are my kindred," he murmured.

Alba nodded in agreement, "That much I am aware of as well, my friend."

"How much do you truly know, then?" Lightleap hissed, her tone laced with skepticism.

Alba smiled softly, "I am willing to share any knowledge with you, except for the fact that I doubt a feline would ever express affection towards me in such a way."

She then shook her head and bowed slightly, "No matter. I shall bid you farewell for now, Shaun." She turned to Nightwing, "Be cautious in your diet, for wild cats are unaccustomed to such fare. You might be finicky." With those words, she gracefully departed, leaving the patron to contemplate her cryptic message, and Nightwing to long for the chance to see her once more.