darkSpyro

"Please do. If.. if you can find her. In the times I've visited her tree, she isn't there. And when I looked at the beach, she isn't there either. Maybe I'm just having bad luck." Peepers expressed melancholically, hoping that was the explanation for Sybil's sudden disappearance.

With the orders given, Ricky and Rumble took the cubs to shore. Even though they missed the game, they weren't going to risk harming some beloved residents for the sake of their entertainment. They already found other ways to have fun, so the activity could wait.

"Ok." Peepers responded, hitching a ride on her back since he was too tired to fly. As she walked, he had something else to ask.
"It's true, isn't it? The Mistress... she's entertaining the python in order to make sure he keeps the deal." he said, feeling so bad for Sybil and her awful predicament. It would explain why she wanted to get away from everything.

The brothers left the cubs on the sand.
"Sorry kiddos, but order are orders. Besides, this game is about to have fun, not traumatize others." Rumble explained kindly, talking particularly about himself and his brother. No matter how gentle they tried to be, they always ended up carried away.

Peepers sighed, not wanting to imagine how tiresome and dangerous was entertaining a python his size.
"Well that seems unfair. A more honorable animal wouldn't have asked anything in return." Peepers pointed out, both admiring and pitying Sybil for having to go through this awful predicament for the survival of the warblers.

"Of course my little friend. Just not today." Rumble expressed, before he and his brother retreated into the ocean. The younger orca retrieved the previous clam to resume their game, and if the cubs stayed on the shore, they were going to get rough so they could see what they would be dealing with in the future.

Peepers flew to her tree, and not a soul in sight inside. He then remembered who else lived there, or rather, below.
"Hey Yodel. Have you seen the Mistress?" he asked to the bitter warbler, whose feathers have grown completely, but he couldn't fly right.

"Sure sure, leave the bitter hermit. It's always the Mistress. Where is she? What's she doing? Forget about the downed warbler. It's always that infuriating civet the one everyone wants to talk to. Well for your information, she hasn't returned in a long time, and..." Yodel continued rambling on, with Peepers ignoring him.

"Let's go Lady Rose. We're wasting time." He said, too used to Yodel's behavior. Not even his near death experience has been enough to change him.

Back at the beach, the brothers saw the cubs decided to stay behind along with their bodyguard, and begin to massacre the clam in a similar way they played the game, almost as if trying to intimidate them.

The cubs went home with their dingo escort, with others keeping watch around the forest. They were quite a silent bunch, and they cared about nothing but to please their boss it seemed.

Peepers wanted to meet Naga, but he didn't want to disobey an order.
"Whatever you say Milady, but remember, I have to meet him sooner or later. We won't know how he will handle living among his former prey if we don't take that risk." Peepers said bluntly, knowing there wasn't another way. The rest of the warblers refused to interact with the python for obvious reasons, so their best bet was for him to meet a very old one, somebody that's already lived most of their life.

OOC: I'll leave the speaking to Waaksian who owns the dingoes, but in the meantime, they will remain present but silent.

The dingo remained stoic and quiet, his priority being watching over the Cubs and make sure nothing was out of place. They were there to do a job, not to make friends.

Peepers nodded, agreeing with her terms.
"Very well. It shall be as you say. I'll go with Mr. Sayan now and wait for the cubs. Safe travels." the warbler said politely, leaving her side. His jumbling flight indicated his obvious age. He wasn't senile yet, and he still had some of his previous spirit, but he gets tired rather easily. Peepers spends most of his time sleeping, and it makes him feel like he's wasting precious time with Rose and her family.

The dingo remained as silent as ever, taking the job very seriously, while Peepers flew away as soon as Rose left. He went to see if Sybil was nearby, but soon he got tired again and head to his nest, hoping to see the civet somewhere along the way... but still no signs of her. The Haven had no doubt changed, and Sybil's lack of appearances only made things worse. Just what happened to her? Why hasn't she visited anybody? And when will the wolves strike?

"I'm here Rose...," a familiar voice said as an ever-growing Naga soon made an appearance in front of the destined-to-be-leader tiger.

Meanwhile in the past...
Quote: Felines

Weeks passed, which felt like months. The Haven looked as if it's time has stopped. The same routine continued. The cubs were growing strong and skillful thanks to Cole's rigorous training, and they have been safe thanks to the dingo's watchful eye. They visited the orcas when they could, offering them conversation and entertainment, something that Sybil has been unable to fulfill. Despite the guarding and vigilance of the Haven, courtesy of both the keas and the warblers, nobody has seen a wolf. It was hard to tell if they were tired of planning or if they were just patiently waiting for the perfect moment to strike again. Nevertheless, the warbler's main concern was still the dreaded python, whom despite not seeing it, they knew he growing bigger, larger, and more dangerous. They were fewer pigeons in the wetland, and some believed they were going to be extinct sooner or later. As for Sybil, nobody has heard from her in a long time. She has been avoiding everyone it seems. Some warbler's have assured seeing her in her tree or someplace else, wanting to be away from all the stress the current situation was causing her. But what was really the truth? Few knew about her painful choice of keeping the python entertained so that he would hold his end of the deal, which would explain why she is barely seen. She tried very hard to have it easier, but what was the python's answer to her ply? Did he obliged? Or did he refused? What happened that day?

Naga did indeed respond, but not exactly how the civet leader wanted...
Quote: Felines

"I suppose... you want to start the game, huh? Listen... I... I was wondering if... if you can have the game as a simple game of tag? Please, I'm not being ungrateful or anything... it's... it's just that I don't like being bitten and squeezed. I mean, you understand, right? You have your real prey to do that with, right?" Sybil commented, stammering many times with every sentence.

"Yes-- you are right my dear Sybil. And yes I do have prey, something for which I am very thankful for. Believe me...," Naga said thinking over his responding and almost staring into Sybil's soul. "However-- You asked how you could reward me and.. and I answered. Having something to hunt is good and having something faster to hunt is even better. However, there is a certain thrill to the hunt and the games very much provide that much needed thrill indeed. You are now asking that that I tone them down and I shall, but only just a little. I shall not bite, but.. but I will still squeeze just.. just not as long. Is this-- acceptable? Or shall we discuss some other form of compromise?," he then responded not entirely saying no but almost pressuring the poor civet into going through anyway. Perhaps it was the presence of the hidden Sholeh nearby and her desire to see Sybil suffer. Or perhaps his less than ideal mode played a bigger part in his decision. It was clear, however, that the growing python was unlikely to back down from his position. And he knew that it was unlikely that Sybil would go for something else such as an increased number of games. Or worse.

In that time, Sybil was very startled by his response. He said he wouldn't bite, but she wasn't going to be saved from the squeezing. But what really worried him was him suggesting more games to compensate what he was going to prevent doing. Why was he doing this? Sybil was already grateful, and went as far as to convince the warblers and the other birds to bring him prey, yet he wanted more. He wanted to keep her bounded to this contract she out of stupid nobility came up with. She was the one who suggested the game, and because she didn't stop to think he would like it too much, she was facing the consecuences.
"So... toned down it is..." Sybil said, wanting to say more, but she didn't want to push her luck. Naga had the freedom to do practically anything he wanted, and he was showing it. Feeling like she was trapped, with no other choice but to please this ever growing python, she went along with the eternal game, being easy prey for the fast and sneaky snake, with Sholeh seeing with some delight and amusement how her friend captured the civet with ease, nearly sqeezing the life out of her every time and releasing to repeat the pattern.

And so it was for the next weeks, with Sybil practically enslaved by the python's will, with him growing bigger and stronger with each visit, and sometimes demanding her to do the games more often than agreed on. She felt with no way to escape, passing through the humiliation and danger to keep the python sadistcally entertained so he would leave the poor warblers alone. Sholeh continued witnessing the game from time to time, with Sybil always being to tired to notice they weren't alone during the activity. It was an endless cycle to keep the python happy, a pattern that continued until today...

"I see... intriguing. Quite intriguing. I do say I'm surprised that your friend even asked-- and a warbler none-the-less.," Naga responded pausing before continuing. "And while I normally don't take an audience, I'm.. I'm willing to make an exception for such a historic moment. You can tell your friend that he or she is welcome-- and that their safety will be ensured. Just name a time my dear and I will make sure of it.," he then added seemingly accepting the encounter and ensuring the warbler's safety at the same time.

"That sounds fair my dear. And thank-you for bringing this up-- I'll look forward to meeting one of your warbler friends after a long long time.," Naga replied with a nod. As he spoke, he took a slightly more gentler tone with Rose verses that of Sybil. Or perhaps he was simply in a better mode after so many pleasing games with Rose's eventual predecessor. 'Ah yes-- this shall be interesting.,' he thought to himself and Ender who still held a powerful presence within his mind.

In the Haven waters, it didn't took long for the orcas to be informed on what happened with the cubs. Most agreed that their leader did well in preventing them from going to such a harsh ordeal, while a few were frustrated that they finally had a chance to play today and was denied.

"The game could've been a great opportunity for them. They could've become sturdier." one of them said, being one of the selected few who didn't approved Jet's decision.
"They're still too young." another said.
"We're here to protect them, not to treat them as toys."
"But we were promised the game."
"That's right. Sybil promised it. And where is she now?
"She's very busy with the wolf threat. And didn't you hear the python has her under some kind of oath?"
"I don't care. She has a responsibility to us. We've done so much for her!"
"As has she! Give her a break!"
"Yes! She is a kind soul that deserves our compassion and understanding."
"But we're the top predators, serving a minuscule little civet. She owes us."
"She owes us nothing you dweeb! It's not the orca way being callous and asking for rewards."
"Then what's the point of being the ocean's top predator?"

The discussion escalated quickly, to the point that the conversations couldn't be understood. All but Cairo were present in the meeting, and despite the respected status of Ellen, not even she could contain all the discussion. Her son Dagger, who was almost her size now, tried to help, but it was still useless. It has been so long since the orcas had an arguing as big as this...

Even though they knew the cubs will eventually play, some of them were still anxious.
"If they keep their promise." an orca said bitterly as the pod scattered, the meeting ending. Ellen went to Jet.
"I can't believe how nasty this turned out. We haven't had a meeting this heated since Miss Sybil open up the Haven. You know how hard it was to convince them to help her?" Ellen said, remembering that first time? Jet wouldn't arrive until much more later, and she sometimes wondered how things would've played out if he had already been leader back then.

"I know." Ellen said, still remembering that moment. She find it unfortunate how Cairo missed most of these meetings now. Like Sybil, he was rarely seen.
"Poor Mr. Cairo. He feels so helpless, and I don't think it's because he isn't leader anymore. I had Dagger follow him once, and he's apparently spending lost of his time in a reclusive part of Hunted island." Ellen expressed sadly, knowing how much it hurted Cairo to be limited to water and be unable to do more for the Haven residents.

"I hope so... for his own sake." Ellen commented, still appreciating despite how much he changed. With the issue taken care of, she moved on to the most important topic.

"By the way, did the cubs say anything about Miss Sybil? We haven't heard about her for a long time. She said she was going to visit her, but that's not what I'm worried about. She always visited the beach when she needed some time to unwind, but not even that..." Ellen expressed worringly, being very unlike Sybil to stop visiting the beach.

Ellen sighed, being as worried as Peepers.
"Well, we better make sure she has a wonderful day if she appears on the beach again." Ellen recommended, wondering as much as everybody else why Sybil has disappeared. She didn't know if it was due to her preparing for a future wolf attack, or if the python had something to do with it. Rumors of some warblers seeing her wasn't enough. She wanted to see her in person to make sure she was alright.

OOC I'm waiting for one of you to post something.

"Sure sis!" Hunter said running after Snow.

Sayan gave an approving nod at just how far the two had come.

Elsewhere-- Naga anticipated the coming meeting. And all while most were still unaware of the still ongoing games...

OOC: Oh, that's how soon

Whatever happened to the beloved monarch of the Haven. Why is it that nobody close to her has seen her lately?

At a certain vulture's tree, there was some interesting activity. The large yet gentle carrion eating bird was having a very unlikely roommate. He was returning from the outback, when out of the foliage of the tree came the now reclusive civet.

"Welcome back Warren." Sybil said an a low tone, feeling extremely tired. Her fur was really messy, and if one looked carefully, her body was somewhat deformed. All those days of being relentlessly squeezed by the eager python was taking a severe tow on her, and was too ashamed to show her face to the rest of the Haven. Warren was the one she chose to help her with this predicament.

"Hello Mistress... must you really go today? You need rest." the concerned vulture asked, knowing there was another game today. Naga was growing bigger and stronger, and getting more merciless in his hunts. It was clear to him that Sybil wasn't his friend, just a mean for entertainment.

"It's a deal I have to live with forever Warren. I only have myself to blame." Sybil said, never living down the fact that it was her who suggested the infernal activity in the first place. She was afraid that if she stopped, Naga would back down on his deal and would start devouring the warblers again in retaliation.

"At least eat something first. You'll need your strength. I'll help you." the kind Warren offered, unable to stand seeing Sybil like this. She accepted his offer, not being in the mood to catch anything. It would be a quick meal and then to the torture that turned into a routine.

OOC: Remember Peepers is back his nest. I'll still reply, but you'll have to change the post later.

Peepers was snoozing in his nest when he heard Rose's unmistakable voice.
"Oh, hello Lady Rose. Is it already late? Must've dozed off." Peepers said rather ashamed, noticing how the sun would be close to setting. It was late afternoon at best.

Crocux took notice of this though and he wasn't very happy about it, in fact he was quite worried. He decided to fallow her and what he saw made him feel enraged but he kept calm, after the encounter he fallowed Sybil and waited for her to be rested enough to talk.

OOC: Look who's back guys

Crocux's presence went unnoticed many times, but many have seen that he, like the python, has grown, and many warbler's were hopeful that if something awful happened, particularly concerning the python, Crocux would be the only one to have a fighting chance against him.

At the python's territory, the enslaved civet was arriving to meet her quota. The game has progressed for so long that she reached a point where she didn't even cared about providing a challenge. She started to think that if she didn't gave Naga the thrill he seemed, he would lose interest and finally leave her alone.
"Good afternoon Mr. Naga. I'm here." she called politely but unenthusiastic, unable to see him but feeling his presence. She had thought that Naga not biting would make things easier for her, but it turns out it made things worse. Since Naga didn't couldn't use his teeth to grab her, he would either dropped on her from above with his heavy body or ambush her, surrounding her with his coils until squeezing her.

Quote: Spyroconvexity

"The kids didn't give you trouble did they?

"Not at all my dear tiger. They're absolute sweethearts." Peepers assured her, having no trouble babysitting the cubs and willing to do it any time it was needed.

"He is, isn't he?" Peepers said rather sarcastically, believing this dangerous move was something Naga was looking forward to.
"Well then, what time should se meet? It's time to leave all this paranoia behind." He then said in a more serious tone, genuinely wanting to befriend Naga and teach him they are more to warbles than being simple snacks, and perhaps convince him not to be too harsh to the gentle Sybil. This was a necessary step if Naga was to become an official Haven resident.

OOC: Look at post #2170. It's in the morning

"Very well then. If this goes well, this should be a turning point for all of us. This Naga fellow can't be so bad if he accepted Sybil's proposition of not hunting us... well, even if it meant her entertaining him. Still, he has kept his promise, so he must be honorable in some way, although evidently extremely selfish. But we musn't forget he did save your cubs from those dastard wolves." Peepers deduced, doing some analyst on the python's behavior with what little he has heard of him.

"Hmm..." Peepers exclaimed, pondering about the situation.

"Do you think he asked miss Sybil for a reward? Cause that would explain why we don't see her anymore. I want to believe the best in this python, but it sounds to me that he is indeed very selfish. I wish I could refrain from this opinion once I meet him. Still my dear lady, we must be very cautious. In my youth, when I travelled with the rest of the warblers to look for Haven residents, I saw and heard many things, including big snakes like pythons and anacondas. They are formidable animals my dear, and some reach such awful size, they can even take down crocodiles." Peepers warned, thinking particularly of Crocux, and knowing many things about the world and it's animals thanks to his travels. Many snakes were even considered plagues in some parts of the planet, and with Naga being in a small island with no natural predators to provide him with a struggle, there was no telling the deadly size he could reach.

Peepers pondered some more, drawing conclusions with every thought.
"So... it seems like he didn't want anything from you. Seems to me like the Mistress is the only one that can provide him with what he wants..." Peepers expressed, hating to say so many negative things about the python, but that was what he could draw from everything happening. If a game was all he requested from Sybil, it was quite certainly due to her being smaller and more challenging in many aspects. Or it could also be due to her being the one in charge of the Haven, and if he controlled her, he could partially control the sanctuary as well. Still, all may or may not be true, and Peepers was determined to get to the bottom of it all by meeting the dreaded snake in person.

Peepers simply, being done with his thoughts and hypothesis.
"Very well then. It's all up to tomorrow morning. Make sure the snake has eaten well before the meeting. In the meantime, make sure you have all the rest and relaxation you can." Peepers suggested, preparing to doze off again. He knew the panic and paranoia it would cause if the warblers knew that an important figure like him was going to meet the very animal that killed so many of them, but if he didn't do it, who else will? Nobody else has taken the initiative, was up to him. He was old and has lived his life, so in the case that something went wrong, he would have no regrets about anything.