darkSpyro

Sybil nodded, grateful that Naga gave them permission.
"I'll... be back." Sybil assured, but without much enthusiasm. Naga was eager to begin the game when she arrived, something she didn't expect. Now with green light, Sybil left with Snow, kinda understanding why the young cub was so afraid. But as she walked with the white little hybrid, she was now really nervous.

"Now Snow, I need you to promise that you won't tell anyone that you've seen me here. Please, you must promise." Sybil begged, not wanting anyone besides the birds to know about this activity, especially Rose. She didn't want her to worry about her safety or she could do something drastic.
"If your mother or father... or anyone else for that matter asks you where you've been, tell them that you were playing with a stick or something. And if somebody asks where I am, tell them you haven't seen me." Sybil expressed desperately, needing to keep the her business with the python a secret from everybody else. The civet wasn't looking forward to returning to the snake's territory and resume the game, but she had to. As soon as Snow was home, she was swiftly going to come back to be hunted.

Sybil looked at Rose, and was concerned when she said them.
"You don't like them? Oh, you mean snakes? It's alright Snow. Snakes aren't so bad. We have two much smaller snakes here as Haven residents. They even have their own family. They keep us safe from insects." Sybil explained, referring to Skaliscin and Voracivenom. She knew they lived near the kea's tree, but she hasn't seem them in a long time.

"Besides, I've been visiting Mr. Naga for a while now. Trust me, if he had wanted to hurt us, he would've done so in a flash. He is really big, but he's also fast." Sybil assured, having experienced first hand those deadly lightning like reflexes, which made her the more grateful that the python was, sort of, on their side. Whether she, or anyone else for that matter, liked it or not, Naga was currently the top land predator of the Haven, and it was Sybil's priority to keep him happy for all of their sakes. With Crocux now gone, that task was more important than ever.

"Come on Snow. You won't." Sybil assured, before coming to a sudden halt.
"Wait... what did you just say? A snake on Hunted island? Why am I hearing this now?" Sybil demanded to know, unwilling to continue any further until Snow explained everything...

"Mean bird?" Sybil repeated, but then she knew only one bird fitted that description.
"Oh, you mean Barloc. Forgive him. He lost his brother to a predator and can't get over it." Sybil explained, having lost all hope of Barloc changing, but before Snow could reply to that remark, the civet continued escorting her and had to ask something.

"But tell me Snow, how did your mother managed to banish the snake?" Sybil asked, just for the sake of asking. She thought the sake in question was bigger than Snow, but probably smaller than Rose, and Sybil didn't think that if indeed the snake was banished, it did it on it's own free will. She only knew that if she even dared to try to banish Naga, she probably wouldn't live to tell the tale...

With that comment, Sybil suspected is particular snake must've been much smaller than Naga.
"Well, your mother did a very good job then. And let's hope that won points with the mean bird." Sybil expressed, feeling very proud of Rose. Looks like she had chosen a worthy successor after all.

Now that Sybil knew why Snow was so wary of snakes, she tried to console her further.
"But... as you can see, Mr. Naga is too big for both me and your mother to handle, so we can't banish him. We just have to learn to live with him." Sybil explained kindly as they finally left the swamp, hoping Snow would understand. Sybil believed that Naga intended to stay permanently, so asking him to leave was out of the question.

OOC: Hey, don't forget your own RP

Sybil groaned quietly as the two reunited, glaring at Snow for disobeying her. She had given exclusive instructions that the cub was to return with her mother and say that she hasn't seen her, and she did exactly the contrary. After the two leave, Sybil was determined to find a way to head into Naga's territory again without being seen. She shuddered to think how upset the snake would be if she took too long to return...

"It's alright Rose. She just got a little sidetracked." Sybil explained, leaving the wolf detail a secret for now. She didn't want tiger to be more alarmed than she already was. She waited for the pair to leave her sight, but glaring at the cub in order to silence her. She didn't want Snow to blurt out Naga's appearance and jeopardize the activity. It was already bad enough that she had to interrupt the one today to escort Snow to her mother. Even with Naga's politeness, Sybil just couldn't stop being afraid of him. She believed that he was a ticking time bomb acting all nice because it was on his best interest at the moment...

After Rose and Snow were far from view, Sybil backed away and use the brushes a hiding places. As much as she hated it, she had to return to Naga's territory and continue their activity. She only hoped the python didn't ask for extra time for this inconvenience. If she was honest with herself, she was feeling miserable. Unlike with the orca game, or Crocux's chase, this was not an activity she enjoyed, and even though she was the one who suggested this entertainment, she felt forced to do it. But she had faith in her avian friends. She believed they would find suitable prey for him in no time and she wouldn't have the need to keep this deadly reptile entertained.

Although Sybil was far away from Rose and her daughter, she was just within earshot to listen to Rose calling out to Sayan, and was glad she could reunite the family. But it was time to get back to reality. She still had to return to Naga's territory and finish the game. Her only hope was for Snow to remain quiet about their ordeal.

Having reached the huge python's home, Sybil was preparing herself to be attacked.
"Alright Mr. Naga. I'm here at last. Come get your meal, or whatever." Sybil yelled sarcastically, with nothing but the hollow sound of the tree leaves bashed by the wind as a response. She had to give Naga credit. He was the best when it came to camouflage. She knew he was nearby waiting for her, and it still worried her how exited he seemed when she came by earlier. Perhaps he was liking the game a little too much? It didn't matter, since Sybil was determined to let him know that this insane activity was over once suitable prey was found. There was no way she wanted to make this a routine. The orca game was one thing, but being hunted by a python that exterminated so many of her warbler friends was another thing entirely.

Sybil jumped almost three feet in the air when she heard the voice. Since she was expecting only Naga to be around, the wolf's sudden appearance was too much.
"You!?!" Sybil exclaimed, glaring at the wolf.
"What are you still doing here? Why are you here? What were you doing with little Sow earlier?" Sybil demanded to know, unwilling to answer the wolf's question until she he had answered hers. She still didn't believe the wolf was from the Haven even before she arrived, since somebody would've noticed a white wolf like that a long time ago.

Sybil didn't buy it. She has witnessed what happened.
"Really? And why did you brought her to Mr. Naga and not her mother?" Sybil demanded to know, wondering what kind of relationship this wolf had with the python. She had been under the heavy impression that Naga knew nobody else besides her and the ones he met when she brought him to receive Crystal's blessing.

Sybil still wasn't convinced. Who would pass by the difficult swamp when they're were better roads to take? Sybil was convinced Snow was kidnapped without the cub knowing.
"Company? If you ask me, I think it was more than passing by. You brought Snow here on purpose. And... you seemed eager to have Mr. Naga meet the cub." Sybil pointed out, thinking the worst. She was facing the wolf with much confidence only because she believed that if she decided to attack, Naga wasn't going to allow it...

Sybil simply shook her head, suspecting that little introduction wasn't the wolf trying to help Snow. Be that as it may, she believed Naga would give her better answers. If it was true that they knew each other, the python would know what were this canine's intentions.
"Fine then, now if you excuse me please. I have a hunt to dodge." Sybil said, trying to sound polite, but the comment came a little rash nonetheless. She didn't answer the wolf's previous question, believing she didn't have to explain herself to her. The civet wanted Anue to leave as the python pursued her, since her presence was distracting and didn't want anyone to see Naga capture her. Even though she was going to try her best to dodge the reptile, he was too good of a hunter, so Sybil was preparing for another successful attack of his part just in case...

"Perhaps..." Sybil replied, but before either of them could leave the other, she had anothe question for her.
"Why the sudden interest in what I'm doing with Mr. Naga?" Sybil asked in regards of the wolf's first question earlier, wondering why would she even care. As she asked, the civet kept alert just in case Naga attacked her while taking advantage of her distraction...

Sybil was rather surprised to hear that. All that time, she was under the impression that she was the only one who dared venture into his territory for a visit.
"Well, as you can see, you're not the only one anymore. Mr Naga gets bored with his usual prey, so I volunteered myself to get hunted and bring him the entertainment he seeks." Sybil explained, imagining it sounded weird how a small, prey animal like her would let herself be purposely pursued by a large and dangerous creature like the python.

Sybil thought very hard on the answer before replying.
"I have to insert myself with fear so my senses can be more alert. I have to pretend as if my life depended on it so I can give him a better challenge." Sybil said, being alert even as they speak. Her fear however, was also genuine. Even though Naga has shown yesterday that he can control his instincts as well as the orcas, it didn't stop Sybil from worrying he may desist control if he gets exited enough...

Sybil flinched with that question. She didn't know exactly how to respond, but suspecting that Naga was listening like the last time, she tried to answer as best as she could;
"Well, I suppose he is feeling grateful that I am trying to help him as best as I can. Besides, he seems to prefer birds over mammals." Sybil added, knowing too well that Naga has had a high number of chances to finish her off, but hasn't done so.

Sybil opened her eyes wide as the wolf left. Did she say brother? That means there were more wolves, perhaps an entire pack. That was some troubling news indeed. But the only one able to give her at least a few answers was Naga, and Sybil doubted he was in the mood for talking. With the wolf gone, Sybil proceeded to walk around, getting ready for the inevitable hunt.

"Mr. Naga... after we're done, I need you to tell me all that you know about these wolves." Sybil asked, hoping he was in the mood for a favor after this game. She knew he was out there, but she couldn't see him. How could someone be so impossibly good at hiding like that? Nevertheless, Sybil maintained her alertness, knowing how quick and unpredictable Naga was with his attacks...

As the tension built around Sybil, she couldn't help but to think what was that wolf doing with Snow, and what was her plans. What was worse, how many of them were they? And what were their relationship with Naga? She doubted the snake was going to tolerate another interruption, so asking him again right now was out of the question. She instead tried to stay focused, for she didn't think Naga was going to have too much mercy if she got caught easily like yesterday.

Near the kea's tree, Sholeh was surprisingly jogging. It was such a drastic chance for somebody that spent her entire day being sedentary. She was getting tired quite easily, but she marched nonetheless. She wanted to get in shape so that she could look presentable for Naga. His friendship really had her in high spirits, and increased her self esteem, so she wanted to look good. But in the moments she rested, she couldn't help but to spy on the warblers and get into their juicy gossip. Everybody knew they couldn't keep their beaks shut. Not only did Sholeh found out that Crocux was no longer on the Haven, but she also found out that Sybil, was being hunted by Naga. Wait, hunted? What was that suppose to mean? Sholeh was very confused, but before she could hear more, she had to hide so the warblers wouldn't notice her...

"Yes... we can talk... afterwards...," Naga said his voice bouncing and echoing off the trees. As Sybil prepared once again for the game-- Naga proceeded to get closer and closer. As the his taunted the civet leader, the trees around Sybil almost seemed to move or shake as if a certain someone was close-by. Although the exact source of the disruptions remained unclear...

Sybil's fur stood up, for she knew avoiding Naga was nearly impossible. How could she gave him the challenge he seeks if she couldn't pinpoint his exact location? Not only that, but the hunting wasn't enough for the snake. He also had to resort to taunting. Even though Sybil still regretted suggesting that insane activity, she knew it was too late to back down. She had to tolerated it for as long as it lasted, but wondered if Naga was liking the game a little too much. Her only hope was that he had it clear that once suitable prey was found, this madness was going to end...

Sholeh managed to avoid detection, but the gossiping warbler's world still rumbled in her mind. What did it mean that Sybil was being hunted by Naga? Was he pursuing her now? She didn't know they were talking about a game, so the mongoose genuinely believed that Sybil's life was in danger. Not that she cared though. Even though she didn't want the civet dead like before, she didn't care what happened to her either. One thing was for certain; she wanted answers. Did Naga grew tired of the civet's rules? That was but one of the many questions spiraling inside Sholeh's brain...

Sholeh was on her way to AJ's tree to reflect what the warblers just said, when she heard Rose's voice. Feeling the need to listen to more, she hid herself in the brushes, at a considerable distance from the cat family's den, focusing her ears on them. She wondered if they knew anything about what the warblers just said. She doubted, for they seemed too calm...

But nearly all over the forest, both the keas and warblers were in complete outrage. After Lumos told Peepers what Sybil was up to, the old warbler informed everyone else, and the reactions weren't pleasant. Right now, they were preparing themselves for a reunion at the kea tree, but everyone was having a hard time organizing themselves. Peepers tried to calm his comrades down, for they were wasting precious time. He has known Sybil ever since she arrived at the Haven, and knew she wasn't going to be persuaded to stop this insane activity before it was too late, not to mention the python probably wasn't going to let her. He had Lumos help him in calmin everyone down, for the faster they ended the reunion, the quicker they could get to work in finding that dreadful python's new prey...

"Snow! You're safe!," Sayan said running up and rubbing against his daughter. He had never been so worried in his life...
"Sis! You're back!," Hunter said hearing the commotion.

Meanwhile-- the torment continued for a certain civet leader. As Sybil did her thing, what little remained of the sun seemed to blot in and out. No doubt-- Naga was having his fun this time. "You know... no matter what happens... I'll always have a certain degree of respect for you. You've shown a great amount of courage and I would be lying... I would be lying if I said that you didn't leave a mark on this place-- on this Haven.," the large snake said seeming to play games with the civet. Perhaps he was overly excited over the delay or perhaps he really was getting too much into the game. "I'll give you a hint... I'll help you out... I'm over here... Focus... Focus on the voice...," he then said the source seeming more clear then it had before. It was as if Naga was almost guiding the civet. "Focus on the voice... lose the distractions... and all will be clear...," he said again from off in the distance.

Sybil was more confused than grateful of Naga for praising her and trying to throw her some hints. Was that just another way of taunting, or was he genuinely more interested in having Sybil dodge him than have her captured? Sybil was so focused in the game that she didn't realized it was almost nighttime. The swamp was already a dark place, so it was hard to tell when the sun was setting. But even if she had noticed, she doubted Naga would want to end now, especially after all the time lost when she had to escort Snow home.

Staying alert, Sybil realized that trying to pinpoint Naga's exact location was futile. Even with his talking, the echo made it impossible to spot him. The darkness of the foliage and his excellent camouflage made him practically invisible, and trying to rely on her eyes was just another invitation to get bitten. So instead of trying to locate the python, she instead used her ears. The leaves always rustled when Naga went for the catch, and he always gave a very small hiss before striking, so her hearing was the best option, or so Sybil hoped. Yesterday's method didn't work, so this one was her only choice...

As Sholeh spied, she finally figured out what was going on. When Snow said Sybil let herself, it clicked. It was a game. Just like with the orcas. But Sybil was really stupid enough to do it with a snake? A python no less? As much as she cared for Naga, that was something she would never do with him. Even though she trusted him, she didn't think it was wise to trust a snake's instincts. That civet really was an insane animal. First the orcas, then Crocux, and now the python! Sholeh was starting to question the civet's sanity, and found it miraculous how that silly little beast hasn't been eaten by any of them after all this time. It was no wonder the warblers were so freaked out.

Speaking of warblers, they and the keas were having a major discussion at the reunion. Even Peepers was having a hard time maintaining order, even with Mamabo's help.
"This is ridiculous! Since when did become that monster's servant? Finding him prey? After he almost wiped us out?" A warbler yelled, not agreeing with the plan.
"Would you rather prefer that he hunt us again?" another one said.
"The Mistress is doing a great sacrifice in entertaining him. She must know the risks!" a third warbler interrupted, finding the civet either too brave or too foolish.
"Well, it's the Mistress's own fault for being in that predicament!" the first warbler said, still not agreeing.
"Aeon! Please! The Mistress has done us a wonderful favor! Keeping that monster entertained in order to distract him. We are lucky that the python even considered her deal of hunting the pigeons instead of us. But what will happen if the pigeons are extinct before we can find a more challenging prey for him?" a female warbler said to the first, making much sense.

The discussion went on for a while. Like with them, they knew the pigeons, despite being bigger, wouldn't last too long if they continued being the python's only food source. Their numbers were already reduced despite the little time that has passed, and knowing that Sybil was going to stop her mad activity with the python once a desired prey was found, all the birds agreed to the task at the end, even those that opposed. Even though they hated the python with all their might, they knew they had no choice but to keep on the snake's good side, for if he decided to hunt them again, they wouldn't stand a chance.

Sybil's heart skipped a beat, but afterwards groaned quietly as she heard the tiger's voice. She didn't even need to suspect why Rose was there. She already was certain that Snow couldn't keep the secret. The alarm in her voice said it all. Instead of answering, Sybil prompted to hide in the nearest brush, not wanting to give away her position. She knew Rose would probably drag her away if she found her. Naga already had their game interrupted once, and Sybil could feel he has been very close to attacking before Rose interrupted. She didn't see the python as one with that much patience, so the civet was afraid on how the reptile would react with this new interruption...

Sybil didn't answer. She wasn't sure if she will be able to mimic the echo Naga created when he talked, especially since she wasn't on the trees, so silence was what she resorted to. The swamp was already a dark place, and all the damp, humid atmosphere made it nearly impossible to use your sense of smell to locate someone.