𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐋𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑, an indoraptor story

Chapter 10

Waking up just after the sun had climbed high in the sky, I slowly stretched out my limbs, feeling the warmth of the day seep through the den. Suddenly, a paw gently prodded me in the flank, and a gruff voice broke the peaceful morning air, "Get up, you with your smelly breath," snarled the voice. I reluctantly opened my tired eyes and found myself face to face with a striking light gray tomcat with mesmerizing pale blue eyes that seemed to hold secrets of their own. With a resigned sigh, I addressed him, "Clear Sky, what is it that you seek from me on this day?"

Clear Sky lashed his tail with a sense of authority, the movement cutting through the stillness of the air. His voice, firm and unwavering, commanded attention as he spoke, "Those who want to leave this rock are departing now. You, as our guide, must lead us," he declared, before settling himself down, wrapping his tail protectively over his forepaws. "Gray Wing will be joining our journey, so we must hasten our preparations," he added, urgency resonating in his words.

Sighing, I rose to my claws and shook out the moss clumped between my shimmering silver scales. Brushing past the clear sky, I ventured out into the open clearing where the Stoneteller was diligently ensuring everyone was prepared. Among the gathered cats, a she-cat held her kits close, casting a fierce glare at a tom standing not far away.

"I can't still believe you want to leave me, Shaded Moss," she snarled, her tail lashing with frustration. "After all we've been through, I have your stars-forsaken kits!"

The tension in the air was palpable, the emotions raw and intense as the impending departure weighed heavily on their hearts. Each word uttered carried the weight of their shared history, the bonds that once seemed unbreakable now strained by the desire for a different path.

Stepping forward confidently, I gently placed my tail on her back, offering reassurance. "Calm yourself; you'll see him soon if you ever decide to come with us," I said in a soothing tone. With a graceful movement, I brushed past her, paying no mind to the mumbled curses that escaped her lips. As I made my way to the cave opening, I cast a glance back at the group of cats, their readiness to depart evident. Seeing Gray Wing among us brought a sense of relief, knowing we were finally united.

Approaching me, Stoneteller quietly padded over, her presence commanding respect. "Take good care of them, alright?" she inquired, to which I solemnly nodded in affirmation. "I will do my utmost, Stoneteller," I assured her, understanding the responsibility entrusted to me.

As I lifted my tail with a sense of regal confidence, I whispered, "All cats follow me," my voice carrying a mysterious allure that seemed to beckon the feline world to attention. With a graceful step, I slipped out into the cold embrace of the snowy wilderness, each delicate paw leaving a trail of soft imprints in the pristine white landscape. The chill in the air only heightened my senses, as I ventured forth, a solitary figure amidst the serene beauty of the winter landscape, my spirit wild and untamed.

◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥

As we strolled through the forest, my attention was drawn to the cats who struggled to keep up. I often fell back to lend a helping paw to the weaker ones, ensuring they stayed on their feet. Shaded Moss, with his graceful stride, took the lead, guiding us gracefully along the path that ran parallel to the Thunderpath.

The tranquility of our walk was shattered by the distant rumble of an approaching monster. Gray Wing, quick to react, flicked his tail in a signal for us to take cover. "We better go down here," he said urgently, leading the way as he hurried down an alleyway, the rest of us following closely behind. The urgency in his voice echoed the impending danger, propelling us into action as we sought safety from the unknown threat.

As we stood watching the monster pass, a sense of caution pressed against me. I recognized it as a car, knowing the potential danger it posed if it were to strike us. With a sigh, I carefully navigated past Gray Wing and Clear Sky, who emitted matching calls for my attention. As I sidestepped them, I detected the absence of the threat and confirmed it with a sniff. "It's gone," I announced, my tail lashing as I rose onto my hind legs, the sharp claws on my paws tapping lightly on the ground, sensing the vibrations around me. In no time, I pinpointed my prey and couldn't help but smirk in anticipation. "Stay here, stay hidden," I commanded before stealthily slinking away, following the trail of the fox.

With a keen sense of discovery, I swiftly located the twoleg food and wasted no time in indulging myself. As I pounced on the meal, a primal yowl escaped my throat, echoing fiercely against the backdrop of my hunger. Pinning it down with a calculated ferocity, I tore into its belly with precision, reveling in the satisfaction that washed over me as warm blood painted my pristine claws. The swift takedown was executed seamlessly, and without delay, I grasped its scruff and proudly carried my prize back to the awaiting cats. A chorus of triumphant squeaks filled the air as the lifeless fox was presented before them, a testament to my prowess. "Behold," I proclaimed, as the group acknowledged my successful hunt with reverence.

With a graceful sweep, the majestic gray wings and tail of the creature soared through the open sky, catching the sunlight in a dazzling display. As it hovered above, a warm smile graced its face as it directed its gaze towards me. "Thanks," it spoke softly, its voice carrying a sense of gratitude and kindness. With a swift movement, it then proceeded to consume its portion of the meal, displaying a blend of elegance and efficiency in its actions.

As I listened keenly, my head raised high atop my spine, my neck trembling. Clear Sky noticed the change, his tail stiffening. "What's that?" he asked, his voice hushed so as not to disturb the cats feasting nearby. I growled, "Two-legs. Hide beneath that." I gestured with my tail towards a pile of metal. "I'll go deal with them." Clear Sky's eyes widened. "What? No, you can't! They'll kill you!"

I smiled, a chilling glint in my eyes. "No, they won't." With a swift motion, I vanished, concealed among the fleshy sacks. Moments later, I leaped down, swiftly ending the life of one with a deft swipe. The other screeched in terror and fled. My grin widened, blood staining my muzzle, as I called out, "You can come out now." Emerging from the rubble, the cats hesitated, their eyes wide with astonishment. Gray Wing blinked in disbelief. "How... how?" he stammered. I smirked knowingly. "My kind was born for battle." With a flick of my tail, I declared, "Let's depart."