𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐋𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑, an indoraptor story

Chapter 11

The coltoless fishers had long since faded into the past, their ghostly silhouettes lost in the tides of memory. I lashed my tail, white scales shimmering as the sun dipped low, casting a warm glow across the landscape. Soon, I would find a place for them, a sanctuary amidst the towering wooden walls that loomed ever closer, a stark reminder of the Twoleg civilization pressing in around us.

Rainswept Flower, nestled beside me, raised her gaze and mewed softly, "We should stay. This spot is sweet and it's sheltered." Her suggestion hung in the air like a delicate mist, both tempting and fraught with uncertainty.

But I refused to be swayed. "You do as you please, but I am to lead you beyond the bleeding sun," I replied, my voice firm as I lashed my tail once more, a signal of my determination.

The other cats hunkered down, their sighs mingling with the rustling leaves, as I padded away to inspect the damp earth around the Twoleg shed. My nose twitched with excitement, searching for any trace of food. It wasn't long before I uncovered a bounty—several mice, a few voles, and even a starling. With my spoils clutched tightly, I returned to the gathering of cats.

Gray Wing met me with a stern expression, his brow furrowed in concern. "You're sure we should stay here? You told us yourself you're here to bring us to another place," he said, his tone heavy with doubt.

I could see the apprehension in his eyes, a reflection of the unease that had settled over our group. But I was resolute. The journey ahead was fraught with challenges, but I would not abandon my promise. "Trust me, Gray Wing," I replied, my voice steady. "I know what I'm doing. We will move when the time is right."

Gray Wing sighed deeply, rubbing his paws over his ears as if trying to erase the worry etched into his expression. "Well, will you at least share tongues with me and Cloud Sky?" he asked, his tone softening slightly, a hint of camaraderie breaking through the tension.

I nodded, grateful for his willingness to connect despite the uncertainty looming over us. With a flick of my tail, I deposited the prey I had brought back in a neat pile, ensuring that any cat hungry enough could partake. The scent of fresh kills wafted through the air, a reminder of our shared struggles and triumphs.

As I settled down beside the two brothers, I noted the way their eyes brightened at the prospect of a meal. My larger size allowed me to easily maneuver as I began to groom my companions' fur, my tongue moving in long, deliberate strokes. They twitched and flinched occasionally, trying not to wince as the rough texture of my white scales brushed against their softer pelts.

"Relax, you two," I teased lightly, catching their eyes with a playful glint. "You might even enjoy it if you try."

Cloud Sky let out a soft sigh, and Gray Wing huffed in mock annoyance, though I could see the corners of his mouth twitch upward. The warmth shared in this simple moment, the bond of kinship amidst the uncertainty, felt like a fleeting ray of sunshine cutting through the clouds of our troubles.

As my tongue gently worked through their fur, I could sense the unspoken understanding between us, a promise of loyalty and strength that would guide us no matter where the winds of fate might blow. Together, we were resilient, and together, we would find our way.

"You got any mate, Abla?" Cloud Sky asked, his voice laced with curious mischief as I paused mid-lick, my attention turning to him.

Before I could respond, Gray Wing gave his older brother a sharp nudge, batting him on the side. "Brother, don't ask things like that!" he hissed, his ears flattening against his head in a mixture of annoyance and embarrassment.

I couldn't help but rumble a laugh, the sound bubbling up from my chest like a playful stream. "No, I haven't," I replied, flicking my fur-less tail dismissively. The thought of a mate felt like a distant wave crashing far from shore—something important but not yet in reach.

Just then, Rainswept Flower approached, her slender form carrying a heap of mouse bones clasped in her mouth. Without missing a beat, she dropped the remnants at my paws, and I took them with a nod of thanks, appreciating her diligence. She always had an eye for what was needed, her spirit unwavering even in the face of uncertainty.

As we settled back into our small gathering, the camaraderie around us felt comforting. The bone remnants scattered at my feet symbolized the lives we had taken, the struggles we had endured, and the shared promise that no matter where we wandered, we would remain united in our journey.

Suddenly, a bark cut through the air, causing my quills to rise, standing alert like the fur of the cats around me. "Dog!" shouted Cloud Sky, his eyes wide as he flashed his claws, ready for a confrontation. "Stupid mutts don't know to let us be alone! I mean, we even got a monster on our side!"

I shot him a sharp look, and his ears flattened in apology. "Sorry," he muttered. But I didn't respond; instead, I slunk out of the shed, curious and cautious.

Outside, there it was—a large Rottweiler, the kind of dog humans kept for protection. It stood outside the entrance, dripping jaws bared, barking fiercely as it spotted me. My instincts kicked in; I growled low in my throat, the sound rumbling like distant thunder.

Rising to my hind legs, I flared my quills and claws, trying to make myself appear larger and more intimidating. One swipe would send the dog packing, I thought. As I moved forward, the Rottweiler's bark intensified, but I could see the uncertainty in its eyes.

With one quick swipe of my paw, I struck a nearby pile of debris, the noise startling the dog. It whimpered, tucking its tail between its legs and backing away, eyes wide with fear.

I stood my ground for a moment longer, ensuring the message was clear: this territory was not to be trifled with. As the Rottweiler retreated, I felt a mixture of satisfaction and relief. I knew my friends were safer for now, and perhaps even that foolish dog might think twice before approaching us again.

Turning back toward the shed, I felt a surge of pride. The bond of protection that we shared was strong, and together, we would face whatever challenges came our way—dogs, two-legs, or any other threat lurking in the shadows.