darkSpyro

"I'm very sure. Though it may take time for them to prepare. And I want them to be bigger when it happens." Sybil said, wanting the cubs to be at least teenagers so they could be more sturdy to support that incredibly rough game.
"The game will continue. I promise you that. I know you and the rest miss it." Sybil commented, knowing that Jet too was very fond of the game. Unlike with the python, this game didn't feel like a chore, and unlike with the snake, the orcas deserved the entertainment. Despite the exhaustive aftermath, it was rewarding. As soon as Shadow was rid of and Naga has new prey, Sybil made it her goal to resume the activity... if Naga allowed her to stop their own game...

AJ: "You betrayed me, Shadow. I trusted you. I gave you another chance where no one else would, and this is how you repay me, by possessing me. I really thought that you had changed Shadow. Even after you had me tied up as your pet, I was willing to look past that, to give you another chance. Then you do this," I say, before going quiet again.

Royal and Jaerl: Perched on a branch high in a tree, the two watch the group below but make no move to disturb their conversation or peace. Content to simply watch and keep an eye on the group from above, they remain quiet. Royal occasionally scratching his head with a talon and Jaerl occasionally starts grooming his feathers.

Sunflame is deep within his and his friend, Whirlpool's home, caring for the lazy warbler, known as Yodel. His kindness is his undoing as the warbler exploits him, getting him to do about anything that he wants. Still Sunflame is unaware of this, thinking that all he is doing is helping him out. Someone else is going to need to speak to him and perhaps even show him that Yodel is exploiting his kindness so he does not have to do anything at all himself. The male serval is too nice for his own good, maybe his friend, Whirlpool will help him see the truth.

As Sybil continued to watch the cubs having fun with Cairo, she he was happy. So happy in fact, that she forgot briefly about Naga and her horrid nightmares. She almost even forgot about the approaching thunderclouds, but Cairo didn't. He was upset about the early interruption, but a thunderstorm was no joke. He brought the cubs back to shore.
"Well, tough break little tykes. We need to postpone the ride. Thunderstorms are mean. But hey, you can come at any time when the weather is better." Cairo said. Welcoming the cub's presence. He bid goodbye to them and Sybil, and then headed to the ocean with Jet to seek shelter from the upcoming storm.

Rain was starting to show, and Sybil lead the cubs into the foliage to prevent them from getting wet.
"Come on Snow. You too Hunter. These storms can get quite strong in the Haven." the civet warned, knowing they sometimes got as severe as typhoons. But even with the storm, she was still positive that Shadow's threat was going to be over forever, and that the rain won't interrupt the ritual.
"This is the day you leave us for good Shadow. No mercy for you. You caused enough suffering. And Naga isn't the evil monster you wanted, so tough break!" Sybil said in her mind, almost hoping the deceased Komodo dragon could hear her mocking.

At Hunted island, Barloc had enough of the irritable Yodel. Both Whirlpool and Sunflame were exhausted, and the wombat's concoction didn't go right anymore.
"No dear. Please. There is a storm coming." Kali begged, but Barloc prepared to fly away.
"It's no use darling. I'm tired of waiting. I have to tell Sybil to pick up that stupid warbler or I will deal with him myself. This madness must be over." The cockatoo leader said angrily as he flew away, sick and tired of seeing his friend Whirlpool taking all of Yodel's abuse. The warbler had to leave today...

Sybil had a bad feeling all of the sudden while she was walking with the cubs, but she dismissed it as her own insecurities and probably Shadow knowing that it was almost time for him to be gone for good. Their minds were protected, so Sybil truly believed there was nothing he could do about it.

As they reached the den, Sybil didn't see Crystal anywhere, but imagined she was close.
"Hey Rose. Did you have breakfast yet? And has Crystal arrived yet?" she asked, wanting to get over with the ritual so that the Haven could return to at least some of the peace it use to have.

"Yeah. Cairo gave them their first ride. You know what a gentle heart that big lug is." Sybil explained, remembering how Rose use to ride him too when she was more or less their age. She then gave occasional glances to the direction where Crystal lived, expecting the caracal any moment. She was growing impatient.

At AJ's tree, Sholeh was done with her grooming. She only had a small lizard for breakfast, for she couldn't wait to see Naga again and tell him the gossip. She could see the margay wasn't home, but then again, she stopped questioning where the heck he went secretly every day, but then again, it was thanks to following him that one time that she got lost and ended up meeting Naga. In other words, thanks to the margay, she had a new home and a new friend, and if she was up to the mood, she was even thinking of thanking him one day, if her pride didn't get in the way.

"Soon Snow. First things first." Sybil replied, knowing she won't be able to be calm until Shadow was rid of.
"Rose. I'm going to go look for Crystal. The sooner we're over with this ritual, the better." Sybil said, inviting her two children to come along if they wanted. The rain got more severe now, but the foliage provided great cover.

Back at Naga's territory, Sholeh was entering, eager to see her scaly friend again. Like Sybil, she didn't like to be there, but she bear it more than the civet did.
"Naga dear? Are you around. I hope I'm not interrupting anything, but I have some Haven news I'm sure you're interested to hear." the mongoose called as she rested on a mossy rock, determined to leave the python alone if he desired, but not before sharing these gossips with him.

As Sybil left the den with the cub's company, the sound of the rain made time to seemingly faster by the time they reached Crystal's den.
"Say Crystal? Miss Crystal? Are you there? My apologies if I interrupt you, but wanted to know when can we start the ritual. I want to be over it as soon as possible." Sybil called, assuming that either the caracal or her assistant Diamond were nearby. Seconds after she had finished the sentence, a loud, booming thunder was heard, prompting Sybil to bring the cubs closer to her in case they were afraid.

Sybil was furious with the outcome, but didn't take her anger out on Crystal.
"Blast this storm! I finally have some extra time to myself and this happens! I swear the weather is against me!" Sybil blurted out in anger, clear that she was talking to herself and none of the cats. All week the weather has been either cloudy or sunny, with only some moist air here and there, but no rain. She finally had some free time to be ready for the ritual and be released from Naga's activity for a while and this specific day just had to be the one with rain, a thunderstorm no less.

"Ugh, oh well. Nothing we can do except wait it out. Crystal, once the rain clears, meet us at Sayan and Rose's den. I'm sure that's where Shadow's presence is the strongest." Sybil said after a pause, calming down but still annoyed. She imagined Shadow spent most of his time near the den, given how Rose was his most hated enemy.
"Come on children. Let's go home before this gets worse." she said kindly to the cubs as she escorted them, planning to spend time with the family at the den while the storm passed. Storms like this usually lasted an hour or so, so there was no choice but to wait...

Sybil wasn't sure of the offer, but it was better than to get soaked by the raindrops that overpasses the foliage.
"Alright then. If the cubs agree of course." Sybil replied, willing to take on the offer only if the cubs were ok in spending their time in a place that wasn't their home and away from their parents.

Sybil waited for Hunter to nod in agreement, but he didn't seem sure. Regardless of his answer, the civet decided that it was better if both of them stayed, for the terrain has turned damp and muddy.
"Let's go children. There's plenty of room." Sybil said, welcoming Crystal's invitation. As she waited the thunderstorm to pass, she took the time to bond with the cubs, with some occasional rough housing and on other times, teaching them the kea's board games. When the siblings played among themselves, Sybil took this time to inspect Crystal's work, doubting she could ever have her power but nevertheless hoping she could learn something from the caracal as she has learned medicine from Whirlpool.

Sybil didn't liked the idea the idea of fire in her Haven, but at least with this rain, it lowered the possibilities for anything to catch fire.
"Alright. But we'll do it far away from leaves, or anything flammable." she warned all the same.

It took nearly an hour as she predicted, but after much water and thunder, the rain was finally starting to mellow down. It was still raining, but it was only a matter of minutes before this annoying downpour was over...

"No... no... I mean... no need. I can learn plenty by just observing." Sybil answered, too ashamed to admit she didn't think she could do what Crystal could do. She believed that dealing with spirits meant having a special power of your own, which wasn't necessary when learning medicine. With that you could just watch and learn, but with spirits, she wasn't so sure...

Sybil looked outside and saw that, even though the thunder has stopped, it was still raining, though not as strong as before. She still had a little free time.
"Oh, alright. But just the basics. As soon as the rain stops completely, we need to get over this ritual fast. Shadow may not be able to torment our minds, but I know he still lingers around the Haven and that mustn't be." Sybil explained, hoping Crystal would understand her desperation. Although the civet wasn't certain if Shadow knew about the ritual today, she still wanted it to be over, for if he knew, she didn't want to imagine what he could do to avoid it, or what other sinister plans he could have in motion. She didn't know, but she suspected it, given he has had plenty of time since their mind's protection to come up with something...

Sybil did just that, but wondered how much would she learn, and whether this was necessary. Crystal was going to get rid of Shadow after all, so she didn't know if this new knowledge was going to be useful in the future, though she figured that if there's going to be another hostile spirit someday, so perhaps this could be helpful in another time...

"Oh? That's fantastic!" Sybil exclaimed, happy with the possibility of helping others sleep soundly, since she knew too well how a sleepless felt. She then had an idea;

"Hey, can I apply that to myself? Or at least... can you please teach me to stop nightmares?" Sybil asked, last night's nightmare coming to her mind again. She had completely forgotten about it in the time she spent bonding with the cubs, but now that subject was brought up, she got reminded again and once more, it scared her as much as it infuriated her.

AJ: "I'm a cat, Shadow. Not a little rat. As for this rain, I originally live in the tropics, I'd be more than fine in it. Don't underestimate my body, Shadow, I am a lot tougher than you think. I swear Shadow, whatever you are planning you will not be able to do, without first defeating me. Even though you have my body as your own, you will find that even as a prisoner within, I am a difficult foe. If I cannot defeat you myself, the others will and they will make you pay for this, I guarantee it. Your twisted plans will end once and for all, as you have made both a good move and a bad move."

In the now quiet Haven, everyone was waiting for the rain to quench it's water. Barloc was at the marine bird's home, after some pelicans rescued the reckless cockatoo from the downpour. He was soaking wet by the time he arrived at the Haven, rendering him unable to fly, and the pelicans rescued him before he could plummet to the cold sea, much to the leader's humiliation and fury.

Even though it was still raining, it wasn't with the strength of before, and the lack of thunder lowered the danger of the storm.
"Alright now! This has gone far enough! I'm going to find those two idiots and demand them to take away that infernal warbler from my friend's home." Barloc exclaimed furiously, referring to Rose and Sybil, and leaving that place. The marine birds let him go, for none were in the mood to fight with the bitter leader. Barloc hated the Haven's foliage, for it was different from the trees of his own island home, but even with the raindrops and the complicated scenery, he went to find the two in charge of the Haven...

AJ: As the chains bind me and a muzzle forms around my mouth, tears form in my eyes and fall down my cheeks. I gaze silently at Shadow, not daring to say or do anything even if I could, which I can't do to the chains and muzzle. I know better than to try to be submissive or subordinate to Shadow, for I know he has no heart, after what he has done.

While everyone was unaware of Shadow's dark intentions, Barloc broke the Haven's current silence by calling very loudly.
"SYBIL! ROSE! YOU TWO BEASTS BETTER ANSWER ME!" he yelled on top of his lungs, very angry that neither of them have picked up Yodel when he was their responsibility.
"Curse that crocodile! He couldn't even finish the job right!" Barloc said coldly to himself. He lost his brother that way, but he came to hate Yodel so much to the point of cruelly wishing he could've stayed eaten when Crocux attacked him.

Quote: Spyroconvexity

"Of course!" Crystal said. "Now this is a technique I used when I was stressed. Breath in deeply, clear your mind, allow the calming rain to ease you, listen to your surroundings and breathe in and out, in then out, in then out. Then gently touch the animal and breath with every breath of theirs and bring them to match yours." Crystal then put a necklace around Sybil. "Be calm this necklace should enhance its effect to help others."

Sybil wasn't sure what to feel having a necklace around her neck. It was practically the same as a collar, which brought her back to her zoo days. Nevertheless, she put her thoughts aside and tried to relax, with the help of the remaining rain. Although she somewhat succeeded, her curiosity got the better of her at the end.
"So... this collar will help me help others. Will it help me as well?" Sybil said, knowing she will be unable to tolerate another Naga nightmare...

Sybil heard the yelling as well, and believing this lesson was enough for now, she went to investigate.
"Crystal,? Can we do this for another day?" she asked as she went outside. Thankfully, the rain has stopped and the ritual could finally begin... as soon as she took care of whatever was happening. It didn't take her long to know what was happening, as Barloc's white silhouette approached her.

"Well finally I find you! Sybil, I'm exhausted, and soaking wet. Now then... I remember somebody saying they were going to bring a certain warbler back where he belonged... cause HE'S MAKING POOR WHIRLPOOL CRAZY!" Barloc said, suddenly yelling. He was furious, yet Sybil was used seeing him this way.

"Alright Barloc alright, you're right. Listen, today is the day we finally get rid of Shadow's spirit. Yu may not believe it, but here we know he's still around. I promise, as soon as the ritual is over, I will go there myself and take him away.' Sybil promised, tolerating Barloc's current jabbering. He was going to stay there at the Haven and make sure Sybil kept that promise this time. Whirlpool have been deprived of sleep and was starting to be delirious. He was too kind to throw Yodel off his home, so Barloc had no choice but to ask for help.

"Well..." Sybil was about to respond, but Barloc already left. She knew he was nearby though. He would be waiting for the silly ritual to be over so that Sybil could go and pick Yodel.
"You don't have to be afraid of Barloc. He's a jerk sometimes, but a jerk that means well." Sybil assured, knowing poor Snow was now terrified of him. But it annoyed Sybil how her free day seemed to be plagued with chores and tasks nonstop.

For now, with the rain gone, it was time.
"Crystal? Look. The storm left. The terrain is a little muddy, but the sun has come out." Sybil said, showing the rays of sun falling through the foliage. The storm was finally gone. As she waited for Crystal to go with her, she hoped she didn't sounded like he was rushing the caracal. But Sybil was so desperate to have Shadow's threat removed, she refused to let any other setbacks get in the way.

Sybil went through the less muddy path, even if it was the longest. Beckoning the cats to stay close to her, she was starting to feel very uneasy. She thought she was simply nervous for the ritual, but the surroundings felt very eerie and ominous. She was starting to believe that Shadow somewhat knew what would befall him, then again, she was under the genuine impression there was nothing he could do about it...

Sybil made sure to answer without including the cub's mother, for she didn't want to worry them. Sybil knew Shadow hated Rose more than he did her, so it was better to leave her out.
"Well, it was long before you two were born. He was greedy and power hungry and wanted to Haven to himself, but since I didn't let him, he turned vengeful. I gave him many chances to redeem himself, but he took none, so I had no choice but to... sacrifice him." Sybil explained, almost using the word kill, but it sounded too cruel.
"But I ever expected his spirit to be strong enough to remain here. That's why this ritual must be performed as fast as possible, to prevent him from tormenting the Haven." Sybil added as they approached the den, wanting the siblings to understand why this was a delicate situation...

Sybil glared at Crystal, having taken that comment as if she did something wrong.
"Well, perhaps his pride was too important to him." Sybil said, offended.
"But that aside, we're here. Rose! Sayan! Come on out! It's time!" Sybil called from outside the den, wanting the couple to be witness of the ritual. The civet was really looking forward to it, for Shadow's threat was going to be one less worry. She will still have Naga and the wolves, but in the meantime, this event was the most important one now...

"Oh?" Sybil exclaimed, not suspecting a thing since AJ looked like himself and his voice was the same as the currently imprisoned margay.
"Hey AJ. This is a surprise. We barely see you now. Did you found out about the ritual?" Sybil asked, imagining AJ heard about it from the gossiping warblers. They just couldn't keep their beaks to themselves... but as she talked to the shy creature, the ominous feeling she had earlier got very strong. It was making her quite nervous and uneasy. She thought it was a combination of Shadow being nearby and her own paranoia, but unfortunately, she didn't have enough malice to suspect the evil Komodo dragon has reached the point of possession...

Sybil dropped her ears, having forgotten that AJ was one of the few that didn't have the divine protection. Now she was scared to death. Ignoring Snow's question, she talked to Trico in her mind.
"Please. Say it isn't so? Please!" she begged, but then looked gloomily at Crystal, praying that the ritual could be done even if Shadow was possessing someone. She knew he was strong enough to do that...

Waiting for Crystal to do her job, Sybil decided to distract the possessed margay while the caracal got everything ready.
"Well Snow, tie is Aeriji, or AJ as he prefers. He's another one of the Haven residents. He lives a few steps from here. He is very kind. He allowed a mongoose called Sholeh to live with him after her home was destroyed." Sybil said, answering Snow's previous question and doing the long introduction in order to stall. If Shadow was inside as she suspected, there was no doubt in her mind that he was going to try and stop Crystal from doing her ritual, so she needed to keep him distracted as much as she could...