darkSpyro

"Ugh, I'm dying here..." Sybil complained as she cuddled up inside the hole of her tree. She was still wet, and was extremely tired. That infernal day really drained her off. She was worried about the newcomers, but she was trusting that Chica could take care of it all...

Royal lands beside Skaliscin and slides Speckles onto her back. "Forgive me fine lady next time I will allow you to save him yourself. I didn't see you until the last minute. Then with that Royal bows politely to them takes off into the air. It is then that he sees the elephant brothers and their badly wounded brother only a few feet from Sybil's tree. The younger brothers are in tears and no movement comes from their older brother, Ivor.

Meanwhile Jaerl stand beside the entrance of Sybil's tree awaiting permission to enter. A rustling scares me and I tumble from the tree and slam my head into a rock, going unconscious with the thick and dense undergrowth. My wounds are sure to attack hungry predators toward my form.

Skaliscin hissed silently, irked and slightly embarrassed that the eagle sensed her irritation.
"It's-s-s fine, thank you" she simply replied, trying to sound as neutral as possible.
As Speckles slid onto the snake's back, he continued to blankly stare at Royal.
"Uh- Yes! Thank you!" he finally said, coming back to his senses.
Before Skaliscin could scorn the velvet worm for running off to the Outskirts(which would have made her a hypocrite), he, somehow, managed to jump and grasp hold of Royal's tail feathers before he soared away. Now she was more irritated, and even a bit jealous. Knowing she couldn't possibly catch up with the two, being totally flightless(again, more jealous reactions), she glared at the gliding figure that disappeared behind the trees and stars.

Speckles climbed up to the base of Royal's tail, hanging on tight. He felt a bad for leaving Skaliscin without saying anything to her, without telling her how much he was worried about the serpent's safety, but he felt some urge to ride the skies with the eagle. It felt so exhilarating, and he seemed to forget all of his troubles and fears. The wind rushing past his antenna, the stars just within his grasp, and the slight lurches when Royal turned direction that made his stomach seem to flip made him feel like a new creature; he almost wished he was a caterpillar, so he could morph into a butterfly.
However, all the pleasant thoughts were washed away by horror and grief; the sight of Ivor's unmoving mass made his belly turn- and not in a good way.

The rumble of the elephant brothers avoided Sybil to go to sleep. Knowing that they were nearby, she showed her head outside the hole of the tree. "Oh my, what...?" she exclaimed, seeing that one of the elephants was badly injured.

But before she could go to them, she noticed that Jaerl was right in front of her. "Oh? Jaerl? I didn't see you there... did you needed something?" she asked, expecting a quick answer so that she could aid the elephants in any way she could...

Royal lands on the ground beside the fallen elephant and shakes his head. "I'm afraid his wounds may prove fatal. Our friend here gave all he had to protect us and now he is paying the price. He's losing so much blood I doubt that we can save him." Jaerl hearing Sybil's question blushes and shakes his head. In reality he was wanting to stay with her in her tree, but now was not the time for that.

Ivor gazes at the group around him and tears fall down his face. "I'm regret not being able to stay with you all. If only the humans had never come, than this would not be, but they did. At least with my sacrifice our home will at last be safe. He grasps Sybil's paw in his trunk and gazes deep into her eyes. Have hope and faith and you yourself will be whole again." Then his large eyes close and all goes quiet. The brothers stand motionless beside him, while Royal and Jaerl bow their heads.

"Oh no! don't you think I will be allowing this!" Sybil yelled with teary eyes. The thought of somebody dying in her Haven (a place that was suppose to be safe) was unacceptable. She went running towards the swamp, hoping to get some healing herbs she heard about, but in her rampage, she ended up tripping. She couldn't accept the fact that it was most certainly, too late. Sybil lied there in all that mud, trying exceptionally hard not to throw a tantrum...

Chica came by, and heard a crash, well similare to one, and ran up to sybil. "what's gotten into you?" she asked

Sybil didn't reply. She knew that if she tried to do that, she would probably give an eerie scream. She looked at Chica, and moved her eyes to her, pointing to the sad scene from behind...

chica looked to where sybil was pointing, and quickly ran to the scene. "what happened?" she asked the other elephants

The elephant tell her of the human attack and how their brother bravely faced the humans.

The poor civet was at a loss. She felt so guilty. Sh was way too sure the island was a safe place, but because of her overconfidence, somebody's life was lost. There was no time to lose. Those humans knew about the island, and the birds would probably take a while to return with reinforcement. How could she assure the safety of the animals who seek the Haven? She had to think fast, but all the rush made her have a headache...

"and you just stood there, watching!?" Chica snapped at the rest of the elephants

Sybil turned around to look at Chica, still without saying a word. She though the comment was meant for her...

Kallik heard Chica and ran over. "What happened!" She gasped.

The elephant brothers grow angry and the earth rumbles beneath their feet.

"How dare you speak in such a way to us, they say their eyes burning with anger. We risked everything to protect you all and lost everything because of it, but still we continue to protect you and this is how you thank us," they say angrily. Royal and Jaerl take flight knowing that it is unwise to be around angry bull elephants. The two brothers blinded by their rage charge toward Chica. Royal seeing her in danger wraps his talons gently around her before lifting her off the ground. The brothers vanish into the outskirts trampling and destroying all in their path.

Royal places Chica on the ground and stands beside her. "It was cruel and unjust what you said to them Chica. They have protected us and guarded this Haven. For heaven's sake their brother gave his life to protect us all! You have hurt them greatly and I doubt they will ever return. In fact I fear that they too will die protecting our home and then only then will you respect them." With tears in his eyes Royal flies off.

Jaerl flies down and lays a wing over Chica trying to comfort her after his father lectured her.

"Hey its alright Chica, its not your fault. You are sad and angry that this happened. You want someone to blame and so you unintentionally blame the younger brothers. Though what my father said is true about the other two brothers. I fear that before we are truely safe from harm, they too will die joining their brother as the eternal guardians of this place."

Speckles's head was in a dizzying whirlwind. Too much happened at one time; the passing of Ivor, Chica's response, the brothers' angry reaction, Royal's scorn...
Even still, he refused to speak, and he continued to grasp tightly to the eagle's flight feathers. The invertebrate didn't want to anger Royal any more.
He couldn't feel the joy of soaring anymore.

Royal lands on a high tree branch and uses his right wing to wipe his teary eyes. A great person had died today and soon two more would as well. He had scolded Chica but now felt bad about it. He takes off into the air and lands beside Jaerl and Chica. Bowing his head and with tears in his eyes he speaks.

"I'm so sorry Chica, I never meant to hurt you. Its just Ivor was such a valient person risking all he had to protect us. Now him being gone has injured me so that I can no longer control my emotions. I ask you for your forgiveness, my friend," he says wiping a tear away only to have several more follow.

During the lecture Chica felt nothing pass through her, and her self hasn't been effected. And when he came back Chica still had more to say. "you do realize he wouldn't had lost so much blood if the elephants went to look for help" she said. She was grateful for the apology, but when Chica starts to speak her mind she doesn't stop until its over.

Royal nods.

"That may or may not have been true. Take a closer look at his injuries and you'll see for yourself what I mean. He gave it all to protect us and so will his brothers."

All that trample made Sybil come to her senses. Seeing how the elephants went on a rampage, she headed towards their direction (making sure nobody noticed her). She could see that wherever they were heading, it was dangerously close to the swamp, and if one of them reached the quicksand, (no no, the day was infernal enough already). The shaken civet was so distracted that she caught herself in some thorny vines. She managed to break loose, and proceeded, with a little pain...

As she travels with the elephant brothers she sees the destruction all around her. Finally she comes to the brothers and they are on the far side of the island. They had fallen to the ground and are crying. Within the bushes she can hear their conversation with one another. "I can't believe he's gone, he seemed so tough and invincible but those men riddled him with gunfire and hours later he was gone. Bjorn nods and holds Anvor. I know its all so hard to believe. We must do him proud and free this island of all threat. We must negotiate with the other animals and drive away any sign of humans, even if it cost us our lives." Anvor nods and so him and his brother start their work alone.

Meanwhile horrible pain envelopes my form as I finally begin to wake. My blood drips on the stones as I try to stand but fall over. The scent of blood will attract predator and I am too weak to move. My beautiful coat is dripping with my blood. I try to cry out for help but all that comes out is a pained yowl of anguish. Exhausted and in horrible pain, I lay against the boulder and collapse unconscious against it.

Sybil heard a strange noise in her forest. She still had some of those thorny bushes around her, but she didn't mind. She heard something in her left... but the elephants? First, she went there as fast as she could to return to the elephants later. Something yelping nearby caught her attention. When she looked up, she saw someone familiar...

"I was a witness" Chica said, "the humans fired guns, I've dealt with guns. But I could've helped, we all could've, if he lasted for this long. Wich is very long" she then heard the familiar shriek, faint but she could still hear it what's he gotten into this time she thought as she rushed over to the fallen margay.

Royal shakes his head and ruffles his feathers frustratingly.

"You don't understand Chica, he was not simply shot at with rifles he was gunned down. He was riddled by gunfire from a machine gun. Its amazing that he survived enough to say farewell. There was nothing we could have done against such firepower. We were helpless to assist him. If any of us had tried to help we would have just gotten in the way gotten ourselves hurt, endangering the lives of all those around us. When he shielded up with his body he saved many lives at the cost of his own. This was a acceptable sacrifice to him. We can continue to believe that his death is our fault and wallow in our grief, or we can mourn his death and thank him for all he did for us."

"Amen to that," Speckles said impulsively, not thinking.
Oh carp, the velvet worm thought when he realized that he blew his cover.
He dug deeper into Royal's feathers in a futile attempt to hide himself.

Sybil heard yet another yep in the distance. "This is too much!!! I won't tolerate any wound and pain in MY Haven!!!" Sybil yelled, enraged... "And all of the birds are gone. I have no choice but to recruit *gulp* the pigeons." Sybil said in a low voice. Pigeons in that island were pretty stupid, and besides, she allowed predators to hunt them, so she doubted they would help... but it couldn't hurt to try...

Hearing another cry, Chica had suddenly been torn.

"Geeet loooost" A pigeon said when Sybil arrived in that beautiful wetland. "Come on pigeons. I just need a little help with this. And if you do, I promise I will make every predator stop hunting you." Sybil said, taking the risk. It was one less animal that wouln't be allowed to hunt for predators like Chica, and there wasn't exactly a large variation, except, maybe, the outback

A large, yet ditzy pigeon approached the civet with caution. He gave a gesture, letting Sybil know that he would think about the offer. However, his face went blank. It was obvious that the pigeon was caught in a daydream, as those dumb birds usually did...

I follow the scent of Sybil and come upon her in the wetlands. Still bleeding and badly wounded from my narrow escape from hungry predators, I lightly tap her on the shoulder and smile. "You're not alone Sybil, once I have recovered I will help wherever I can. I clutch my side and blood flows through my paws. Claw marks and teeth marks can be seen from where the predators and I fought. Terrible gashes over my body as the predators easily overwhelmed me. The two elephant brother appear behind me.

"Those predators will think twice before going into our territory again. As I stumble Anvor gently wraps his trunk around me and places me on his back. There you go little one, you should take it easily do as little as possible until you are healed. I nod. "Thank you," I say smiling. The brothers smile. "You're welcome. It was our pleasure, the two say. As they say this tears fall down their cheeks. I only wish that our brother, Ivor could be here with us."

Being Jaerl a natural predator of pigeons, they flew away without a moment's haste "No wait! Wait you STUPID birds!" Sybil yelled with rage, although the anger quickly eased. She watched Jaerl with some concern. "You too? Why is everybody getting hurt lately?" she ironically asked, reminding her that she still had some thorny vines around her.

The stressed civet sighed, trying to remain calm. Before letting Jaerl apologize for shooing the pigeons, she talked; "I appreciate your help Jaerl, but the Haven has become too dangerous recently. It was naive of myself to think that this place would be safe for you. I need to think... what to do? What can I do to avoid further catastrophes..." she explained to the humble falcon, remembering in pain the death of that elephant...

Meanwhile, Sayan was alone elsewhere on the island. He heard distant cries of help and followed them to where Rose was. Perhaps this "haven" isn't as safe as it was said to be... Seeing the tiger cub, he quickly rushed over and noticed the broken leg.

"I got it!" Sybil exclaimed. "You two want to help? Alright then. Jaerl? I don't know if you can fly with all those wounds, but I need you to let everybody know that we are going to have a meeting in front of my tree. Anvor and Bjorn can use their loud trumpets to send the message." she carefully explained. She had a desperate plan, but very sure it would work...

OOC: Jaerl is with her but it was the margay that was talking to her.

Jaerl smiles. "I've all but recovered from my injuries including when that dog got me a few times. I will always be here to help you Sybil, I love you. Jaerl turns to the margay and shakes his head. You must rest my friend and allow the rest of us to take care of you. It's great to have you and all. We appreciate your desire to help, but until you are mostly healed you only risk hurting yourself more. When you are better then we will discuss this, but not before." Bjorn can you take him back to his tree and let Chica know what happened to him. Bjorn nods. He grabs me gently off of his brother's back and walks off. Anvor can you trumpet and let the others know that there will be a meeting at Sybil's tree, he asks. Anvor nods and trumpets loudly before heading off to let everyone know about the meeting. Smiling he walks over to Sybil. "There you go Sybil, its all taken care of."

OOC: Alright. I will make a few changes, though I don''t remember the margay's name...

Sybil was glad her orders were followed so quickly. She was still surprised that most of the animals were so loyal to her after all the unfortunate events (although she had the feeling that others were doubtful). She was even more uncomfortable when Jaerl confessed his love once more. She thought the poor falcon got over that, but apparently not. She did appreciated him as a friend, but she knew too well that he wanted something more.

"OK now everyone, its nearly dawn. I suggest we head to the tree and wait for the others to get the message." the civet commented, trying to shake off all that disorganized thinking she was having at the moment...

Chica looked up to hear the message. And the farther away she looks she could also see bjorn with aregil.

Sayan attempts to calm the tiger cub down, "Sh... It's all right. I'll get her and she'll be here soon." He then catches the scent of Chica and runs off towards her direction.

Quote: Waaksian

"Amen to that," Speckles said impulsively, not thinking.
Oh carp, the velvet worm thought when he realized that he blew his cover.
He dug deeper into Royal's feathers in a futile attempt to hide himself.

OOC: *coughcough*

OOC: The margay's name is Aeriji.

Meanwhile, Sybil was returning to her tree, waiting for the others to finish whatever business they had and start the meeting. Heading to her tree, she heard somebody pleading... "Aw man, is this ever going to end?" Sybil said to herself, getting depressed of hearing so many of her guests having such a hard time in a place that's suppose to be safe...

OOC: Did Royal not notice Speckles's remark and movements? Sorry if I sound demanding.

A wisp of wind touches her and as she turns she sees the smiling spirit of Ivor.

"Everything will be alright I'm so sorry that I left you so suddenly, my dear friend. he says grasping her paw in his trunk. I may not be here in the flesh but I am in spirit. I promised that I would never leave you but the humans stole me away from you. There is a legend told by my people, of how to bring back the dead. They say if enough power and strength is put into a wish for someone to live again, the person who has died will be reborn again in the form of another creature. They say in order for this to work, you must take the blood of the fallen, mix it with your tears and allow the power of a storm to mix it. In my case I would be reborn as that which you need a powerful messenger of the skies that can travel for thousands of miles if needed or as a civet like you. Now if this is what you desire then you must hurry for if the predators get to my first they will leave only my bones and this will make you wish all the harder to perform. If my bones are all that is left you must crush my bones into a powder, mix it with the sand of the beach and add your tears. The powder will turn a brilliant blue then you either throw it into the sky or pour it into a body of water and wait. Within an hour a sign will appear to let you know that the spell is complete. This sign will be a powerful storm that batter the island and just as it end I will be there beside you wherever you are."

Chica found Sayan. "is anything going on?" she asked desperately

Sayan nods his head, "It's Rose! I-I'm not sure what happened, b-but she's injured. Her leg's broken a-and she she can't seem to move." He stops a moment to take a breath. "Come on! She's this way!" Sayan then starts running back to the injured cub, making sure Chica was following.

Chica quickly plucked the closest, but strongest, clump of tall grass, and ran after Sayan.