I wake to the sound of squabbling echoing through the cave. My blue eyes peer open, adjusting to the dim light as I observe Gray Wing facing two cats locked in an argument. 

My claws scrape lightly against the stone floor as I shift, my scaled hide gleaming faintly in the shadows."I'm sorry," Gray Wing mews softly to his brother, his tail drooping.

Clear Sky shakes his head, his fur bristling. He throws a look over his shoulder, his gaze meeting mine. I can smell his irritation, a sharp scent that makes my nostrils flare.

You coming or not, Whisper?" he growls at me. "I won't wait."

I rise to my feet, my powerful legs stretching as I consider my options. As an Indoraptor, I tower over the cats, my presence both awe-inspiring and terrifying. I can sense the tension between the brothers, as clear to me as the scent trails they leave behind.

My tail swishes slowly as I decide whether to follow Clear Sky or remain with Gray Wing. In this world of cats, I am an anomaly, a creature of tooth and claw far beyond their understanding. Yet somehow, I've found myself entangled in their conflicts, a silent observer to their feline drama.

"I'm only going to guide you to richer lands because Stoneteller told me to, not because I like you," I growled, my voice a low rumble that echoed through the cave. I dipped my head toward the old she-cat perched atop her stone in the middle of the cavern, my scaled snout catching the scent of her age and wisdom.

With a swift motion, I brushed past Clear Sky and Gray Wing, my powerful body easily maneuvering around their smaller feline forms. The group of cats preparing to leave parted before me, their fur bristling with a mix of awe and fear as I passed. My claws clicked against the stone floor, a reminder of the predator in their midst.

"Now come on," I snarled, my blue eyes gleaming in the dim light. "We're wasting sunlight. "I could smell the anxiety and excitement radiating from the cats as they prepared to follow me into the unknown. As an Indoraptor, I was uniquely suited to guide them through whatever dangers lay ahead, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was leading them into a future none of us could predict.

My tail swished impatiently as I waited for the cats to gather their courage. The journey ahead would be long and perilous, but for reasons I couldn't quite understand, I felt compelled to see it through.

Soon enough, the cats spread out behind me as I lead them down the twisting path. My claws click against the stone, echoing in the narrow passage. Before we can get very far, a shrill yowl pierces the air, making my sensitive ears twitch.

"How dare you leave, Moon Shadow?" a she-cat snarls, her voice bouncing off the cave walls.

I whirl around, my quills bristling along my spine. My blue eyes narrow as I fix my gaze on the intruder, feeling the familiar surge of predatory instinct course through my veins.

"Oh, shut it," I snap, my jaws slamming together with an audible click. The sound reverberates through the cave, causing the she-cat to freeze in her tracks, her fur standing on end.

A tom - Moon Shadow, I presume - hurries over to me, fear sparking in his eyes as he glances between me and his mate. I can smell his terror, a scent that usually excites me, but now only serves to irritate.

"P-please, ma'am," he stammers, his voice barely above a whisper, "don't attack her. She's my mate."

I snort, a plume of warm air escaping my nostrils. These cats and their attachments - it's something I'll never fully understand. But I'm here to guide them, not to cause more strife.

"Fine," I growl, my voice low and menacing. "But we're leaving now. Anyone who wants to stay behind can deal with whatever fate awaits them in these barren caves."

I turn back to the path ahead, my tail swishing impatiently. The scent of fear still hangs heavy in the air, but it's tinged now with determination. These cats may be small, but their spirits are strong. As we continue our journey, I can't help but wonder what challenges lie ahead for this strange group I've found myself leading.

◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥

We've been walking for days, and as the sun sets on the third day, I stop at a slope still covered in rocks and snow. I huff, my breath visible in the cold air. It wasn't this bad when I came here by myself from Isla Nublar. Surely there must be a way off these mountains.

"Are you lost?" Clear Sky's mew comes from behind me.

I turn my head, my blue eyes flashing, pupils narrowing to slits. "Watch it, kit," I snarl, baring my teeth. "I know what I'm doing, and if you don't want to end up as my breakfast, you'd better shut it."

I lash my tail and continue to walk ahead, sniffing the crags and crevices. The scent of the cats behind me mingles with the crisp mountain air, reminding me of the strange company I now keep.

"Ma'am, may we rest? Some of us are tired," calls an older tom, his voice weary.

I look toward him, noting the exhaustion in his eyes and the drooping tails of the other cats. For a moment, I'm tempted to push on, but I realize these felines aren't built for such grueling journeys.

"Yes, do that," I growl, my voice softening slightly. "I'll go hunting."

As I turn to leave, I can sense the relief washing over the group. These cats may be following me, but they're still prey in my eyes. Yet, something keeps me from seeing them as mere food. Perhaps it's the challenge of leading them, or maybe it's something else entirely.

I shake off the thought and focus on the hunt ahead. The mountains may be harsh, but they're full of life if you know where to look. And I, an Indoraptor, always know where to look.

After a while, I come upon a small group of hares, large enough to feed the rest of my group. Right beside them, I spot a large deer grazing peacefully. I snarl softly, and the deer lifts its head, letting out a slow, nervous bleat.

Some of the hares look up, their large brown eyes pinning me in place as they freeze. One of them twitches, and that's all I need. In a flash, I lash out with a claw, catching it over the ear and tearing it off. The rest of them bolt, scattering in all directions.

The scent of blood fills my nostrils, igniting my predatory instincts. But I'm not done yet. The deer, panicked by the commotion, starts to flee. With a powerful leap, I'm on its back, my claws digging into its flesh. It bucks and struggles, but it's no match for an Indoraptor.

As I bring down my prey, I can't help but feel a surge of pride. This hunt will feed the cats for days, proving my worth as a leader and provider. Yet, a small part of me wonders why I care about their survival at all.

I shake off the thought and begin to gather my kill. The cats will be waiting, and we have a long journey ahead. As I drag the deer back towards our resting place, leaving a trail of hares in my wake, I ponder our next move. The mountains are treacherous, but with my strength and instincts, I'm determined to lead this strange group to safety.

The scent of the fresh kill mingles with the crisp mountain air, and for a moment, I feel a sense of belonging I've never experienced before. It's an odd feeling for a creature like me, but not entirely unwelcome.

I drag the deer over and kill some hares before gathering them together beside the buck and dragging them back to my cats. Clear Sky and Gray Wing, whom I now notice had been following us, look up as I arrive, laden with prey.

"By all that is good and green," Gray Wing gasps, staring wide-eyed at the deer and the pile of hares. I smile through the bloodied fur and lay the prey down before my claws.

"Here's some food for the days to come," I say, slapping my tail against the hares. The cats' eyes are wide with awe and fear, but I'm not sure if it's directed at me or the thought of leaving these mountains.

I sniff at the deer, satisfied with the hunt. As an Indoraptor, I was made to hunt and kill, but something in me has changed since I began leading this strange group. Maybe it's the challenge of surviving in these mountains, or maybe it's something else.

Regardless, I know these cats need me. They're weak and inexperienced compared to me, but I can help them. I can protect them and ensure they survive. And maybe, in the process, I'll find my own way out of these mountains.

I let out a low growl, a mix of satisfaction and impatience. The time for rest is over. We must move on. With one last glance at my prey, I turn toward the narrow path that winds up the mountain side. The cats gather around me, their eyes filled with a mix of fear and admiration.I let out a snort. Let them fear me, as long as they follow me. For I, Whisper the Indoraptor, will lead them safely through these mountains, no matter what lies ahead.