darkSpyro

"Why wouldn't she, Mr. Jet? You are nice. Mama and her club even saw you when you gave a ride to her and others." the young one commented, being completely unaware of the previous Jet, the one working for Shadow and even a mongoose.

That was news to the little one, and yet that didn't stop him from admiring Jet.
"We'll the important thing is that you did the right thing at the end. I don't know about Mama and the others, but I really hated how Mr. Cairo pushed us so hard just to please the civet. I'm pretty sure she never means for us to be overworked like that, she's too nice, but still." he expressed, showing how he really detested manual work.

"I hope. Either way, I may even challenge him for position when I grow up." the little one said firmly, demonstrating how extreme he would even get. In fact, that was his plans for the future, since Cairo was probably going to be too old to keep his position by then.

Very nearby, Mambo was airborne, hidden by the thick clouds that were still noticeable afte the earlier rain. He managed to get a glimpse of Jet's particular dorsal fin before he submerged into the water. He knew that must be him, and he was with a baby? Mambo couldn't hear what they were talking about underwater, but could hear the sounds. He wondered if that conversation was something to worry about...

The little one highered his head, proud, though unfortunately, he didn't seem to take at heart Jet's words.
"A great leader indeed, I am certain of it. Oh Mr. Jet, I don't believe I have said my name. My name is Dagger." He introduced himself, showing a lot of pride in his name. He believed it was a fitting name to a leader, hinting a little sign of arrogance.
"And once I become the leader, the only work there will be is the hunting and fighting, no manual work. I'm sorry for the civet, but I won't force the family to such a thing." Dagger commented, though it was uncertain if he meant to continue helping Sybil with the Haven in other things such as traveling.

Dagger thought about it for a moment. He didn't know Sybil very well, but has seen how nice she was. However, he didn't like the idea of working for an animal he thought was too small and unimpressive.
"Well, I might think about it, but, I don't know, it seems silly. We orcas are like, the masters of the sea, and serving a tiny animal like a civet seems a little... strange." little Dagger expressed, showing a conflict with himself. Should he continue helping Sybil or live like normal orcas? It was a decision that was making him uncomfortable.

Mambo, after a while of spying, decided that it was no use to continue doing it if he couldn't understand what those two orcas were talking about. He returned to Hunted Island, to the relief of his bodyguard. He didn't see Shadow anywhere along the way, but ordered his flock that if any of them saw him, keep a close eye on him. He knew that Sybil was tormenting herself thinking on what his next move would be...

Quote: Felines

"If it will make you all feel better, I'll keep an eye out for him. I have seen all the orcas, I'll know who he is." Mambo offered, remembering the times he teased the whales. He knew them quite well.

OOC: In the previous page, this is what I wrote. Mambo was going to watch him, not take him to Sybil.

Dagger didn't understood what Jet meant. What was so horrible that Jet felt guilty for? He didn't ask though, and decided to make his own path as he grew. Wether he would continue Cairo's task of helping Sybil or not, well, that was something he was going to decide later.
"Uh oh, look. The sun is hiding already. I better get back t Mama or she's gonna scold me badly." he said, swimming swiftly towards where the pod was.

Sybil was still in her tree, too shocked about Yodel's revelation. The warbler didn't liked her, but she never expected him to go that far. She tried very hard to stay calmed, especially now that Cairo was leader again and that Jet was showing signs of a genuine change of heart, not to mention that Sholeh wasn't a threat anymore. But the dingos were still a problem. She had to found out how they were entering the Haven.
But her biggest concern was Shadow. Someone seeking revenge was extremely dangerous, and she was afraid that Shadow was going to find a way to reach the Haven even without Jet's help...

Sayan arrived alongside the tiger, now realizing that he was possibly protecting the next leader of the Haven. 'This should be interesting.,' he thought.

Sybil was glad the train of worries in her mind was interrupted with Rose's call. Without losing time, she came down.
"Hey Rose. I hope you are fine, cause there is a decision you have to make." the civet said, pointing her eyes towards the still bitter warbler.

Even seeing her with her own eyes, Yodel couldn't believe it. There was Rose, in the flesh, alive and well. He felt so stupid believing that Shadow could get her out of the way in a jiffy. He didn't care anymore though. He imagined everybody present at that time was against him, and whatever fate Rose decided for him, he at least hoped it would put him out of his bitter misery.

Sybil gave a very quiet chuckle before composing herself and answered. It was Rose's decision, not hers.
"Well Rose, I did say it was your decision. I won't be part of it this time. What you wish, whatever it is, it will be alright with me. You are the future owner of the Haven after all, you need to learn to make your own decisions." Sybil claimed, wondering how Rose would handle that, if she was going to be merciful towards Yodel or not. Sybil has decided by then that what she said to Rose when they were endangered by Shadow was something that she really meant. She was going to be her successor after all.

Yodel couldn't believe what was coming out of Sybil's mouth. She couldn't be serious, could she?
"The tiger is going to be the one to lead us in the future? We are so very doomed." Yodel said, both sarcastically and horrified.

Before giving Royal a chance to reply, Yodel takes ahead, infuriated by her conditions.
"Tell me you're kidding you little brat? You do know I'm a hermit right? If you are short in the knowledge of a dictionary, a hermit is someone that wanders off... ALONE! I'd rather bury myself alive in the swamp than having one of you fiends obstructing my privacy and freedom!" Yodel madly yelled, refusing to cooperate.

"Oh shut up Yodel! Consider yourself lucky it's not something worse." Sybil claimed, really growing tired of his hissy fits. She knew Rose wouldn't me capable of banishing, or even less, attempt against his life, but she however imagined that whatever Rose decided, the warbler was going to be heavily against it.

"...Fine then, but I have conditions of my own. I don't want any of you to be nearer than ten meters from me. And above all, no touching, no grabbing, no anything! I have already been given enough suffering from this bully that thinks can boss everyone around with physical violence!" Yodel furiously pointed out, still being grasped by the strong Royal. He was still angry by the way Royal restrained him all that time.

Sybil could notice how firm Rose was, yet still managed to retain some calmness by trying to calm her too. So far, she was showing great qualities to lead the Haven once the time comes.

Sayan was about to say something, an angry outburst perhaps, but remained silent while the tiger gave judgement. He wasn't going to interfere in an important decision, though he was clearly tense.

Quote: Spyroconvexity

"Very well. But if you should get into more trouble you will be brought back to me or Sybil for punishment." Rose said.

"Punishment? You? Hah! You think this isn't enough? Yodel screamed, believing that Rose was too soft to resort to physical punishment.
"Poor miss Sybil, doesn't realize that conspiracy is everywhere. Now if you excuse me... you! Let go! I'm not an invalid!" Yodel furiously commanded, noticing that Royal loosened his grip a little after all that conversation. He flew towards his own tree home, not caring if Royal was following him.

Sybil was proud of Rose, yet also worried. Did Yodel knew about another conspiracy, or did he said that just to taunt her? Either way, she pretended that she didn't care.
"Well done Rose. I believe you chose the best punishment for him. Oh Yodel, if only I've known he would go too far..." Sybil said, feeling very guilty. She never realized the warbler had more malice than she originally anticipated...

"I really hope so. He is starting to become impossible." Sybil expressed, having been tempted to banish him on several occasions, but even if she had permission of the other birds, she didn't want to rob anyone of their home, no matter the pain they represented. She looked at Sayan, feeling the tension.
"Alright then, I think we had quite a long day today. You both should be heading home now. The sun is setting. I'll head tothe beach to attend some business. Go with Sayan, alright Rose?" Sybil suggested, still too worried about Rose even though Shadow was very far away right now.

Sayan appeared to be lost in thought for a moment, but snapped out of it when his name was mentioned. 'If Rose takes over..,' he thought as he tried to figure out his place in the upcoming future.

Sybil reached the beach, just in time to see the beautiful sunset. She was waiting for Mambo, whom she told to bring Sholeh. In the meantime, she was determined to enjoy Light Beach just in case he took too long.

Back at Hunted Island, the Sholeh problem was still at large.
"So, what did Sybil want boss?" Cole asked, after Mambo gave the command to search for Shadow.
"What? Oh right, I almost forgot. Sybil wants us to bring the mongoose to her. Don't worry, a mongoose is something Subil can handle." Mambo assured, after seeing Cole's worried expression. Without delay, Cole went to Whirlpool to get Sholeh. He quickly did it, not standing her anymore. Sholeh was starving and delirious. Being stuck in that messy tunnel had almost driven her to madness. With Cole grabbing her by the shoulders and Mambo by the tail, they began to fly towards the Haven. They were too proud to ask the orcas for a ride.

With only a tiny bit of the sun on the horizon when Mambo and Cole reached the Haven, grasping the mongoose on their talons.
"Why didn't you ask an orca for help?" Sybil asked, though she didn't need an answer with a gesture Mambo gave her.

Sholeh was very skinny and wide eyed. As Sybil predicted, trying to find her way out of that labyrinth made her lose part of her sanity. However, she was still conscient enough to recognize Sybil.
"Like being trapped in that stupid labyrinth wasn't enough punishment for me. I should have known that nasty tail fling that idiotic Jet gave you wasn't enough to erase you" Sholeh said madly, cursing her bad luck.
"Does Jet know about this, or did the ninny grew soft on you as I suspected? I'm telling you, finding someone to get the job done correctly is so hard." she said bitterly, grasping the sand.

Sybil could see how much that specific mongoose hated her. But with Sholeh's revelation, she just had to hear it from Jet. She went to the waters of the beach and called to him, hoping he was nearby and aboid giving the task to one of the keas. While Mambo and Cole grabbed Sholeh, Sybil called.
"Jet! Are you out there? Please, I need you to come here, now!" she said loudly.

Quote: Spyroconvexity

"Come on Sayan. Lets go and find a place to sleep for the night." Rose said as she rubbed her head against Sayan's head.

"Right... sorry.," Sayan muttered. "We can use my old place. It's big enough and not many here know about it.," the Amur leopard then said heading off in the right direction.

Quote: Spyroconvexity

Jet was nearby and he heard Sybil calling him. He hesitated for a moment ashamed by his actions. He slowly swam to Sybil. "Y-yes miss Sybil?"

"Look who's here, somebody I'm sure you got to know well." Sybil said, as she showed the restrained mongoose behind her.
"Now then, I want to know exactly what happened. What was the deal?" Sybil asked, wondering what possible gain he would have from it, or even Shadow, considering he was working for him back then.

Sybil simply sighed. She knew that was the reason, but wanted to hear it from him.
"So then, what was your gain?" she asked, believing there was more to the story.

Sholeh remained completely silent in all that, as if she was preparing to say someone big...

Quote: Spyroconvexity

"Okay." Rose then followed Sayan.

"It's this way.," Sayan said as led the tiger towards his home. He proceeded to head into the inner forest and stopped for a moment. He sniffed the air, catching the faint smell of fish. "Here.," the Amur leopard said as he remembered the correct path. The terrain dropped slightly and became slightly more slippery as they headed down a mossy slope. "Careful," he warned. The path eventually led to what they after-- the excluded pond. The terrain flattened out again producing what could be considered a little hidden oasis deep within the woods. The smell of fish became apparent and much stronger as they came out near a large pond ripe with fish. Near the pond, lied a cave at least big enough for two if not more and the whole "oasis" was seemingly hidden from the world by a rather full-looking tree line.

"Here we are.," Sayan said as they reached their destination.

"Isn't it obvious!? It was I who gave him the idea of getting your dear Cairo's pod against him. Do you really believed he got that idea by himself?" Sholeh said, proudly but angry, interrupting Jet's chance to reply...
"All I wanted was a simple favor in return, something he could have gotten done easily, but what do you know? He fell for your poisonous kindness. So much for the top predator of the sea. And just when I was beginning to like you..." Sholeh said bitterly to Jet, panting.
"Well then, if you are such a weakling..." and what Sholeh did next was something that was too shocking to anticipate...

Since Cole and Mambo were restraining her by the shoulders, she cunningly used her long body to trip the keas, even giving Mambo a scratch on his talons and savagely biting Cole at the edge of his beak before lunging at Sybil. It all happened way too fast. Sholeh was skinny and starved, but her hatred for Sybil was so big, she managed to gather energy for that swift attack. Even though Sybil had the higher chance of winning, she instead tried to talk some sense into her, but to no avail. She had to try to dodge and block every attack the mad mongoose gave to her.

"Why of all the..." Cole said, furious, as he touched the wound, which fortunately, it was only a very minor puncture. Mambo was getting ready to attack, but Cole stopped him. The tossing and turning between the two was so quick, it could risk the chance of hitting Sybil.
"Jet! Do something! Honestly, how did this madness happened?" Mambo complained, flying above the two fighting females, trying to stop the fight, but it was too hard. The battle continued, with a wet Sybil trying very hard to avoid it, but the mess continued on, in front of the shallow waters in front of Jet...

Royal nods and flies off after Yodel. Perhaps with time the warbler would change. He would have to wait and see.

Meanwhile Jaerl sees the fight. Slamming into Sholeh, Jaerl protectively guards Sybil, his talons glistening in the light. His dark blue eyes flare with anger.

"Stay away from her, weasel, or I swear you'll pay," I say.

Quote: Wyrstel

Meanwhile Jaerl sees the fight. Slamming into Sholeh, Jaerl protectively guards Sybil, his talons glistening in the light. His dark blue eyes flare with anger.

"Stay away from her, weasel, or I swear you'll pay," I say.

Quote: Felines

The tossing and turning between the two was so quick, it could risk the chance of hitting Sybil.

However, due to Jaerl's rashness, it ended up hurting Sybil as well. He managed to separate the two of them for just a little while, but Sholeh wasn't done for, not yet at least.
"Darn it all. How many of these pests you have Sybil!?" An annoyed Sholeh said, having an enormous breakdown. She was furious at Jaerl's interruption. Taking advantage of the pride Jaerl must have felt protecting Sybil, Sholeh splashed a fair amount of saltwater to his face, believing it would give her enough time to finish Sybil off while the young falcon rubbed his eyes.

The mindless attack continued, and even though Sholeh was evidently weaker, so was Sybil. Both of them were hurt by Jaerl's talons, but they were still standing, and Sholeh didn't gave any signs of giving up, even though Sybil was close in doing so...

Jaerl protects Sybil not about to let the mongoose at her. He sees the wounds on Sybil, but pulls himself together, determined to care for Sybil once this is dealt with. If he must he will kill the mongoose. Defending her however he has suffered several wounds from the crazed mongoose. A few minutes later he falls to the ground bleeding badly.

Ivor pops up out of the ground, tackling the mongoose from behind. His giant digging claws are not something that the mongoose wants to mess with. His eyes are filled with rage. Pining the mongoose to the ground he speaks.

"How dare you attack Sybil. you traitorous weasel. She has provided a sanctuary for all kinds of endangered creatures. I will not tolerate this any longer. Now go, mongoose. If I see you again, I may just kill you, Ivor says furious at Sholeh, but releasing her from his clutches. He gently picks both Sybil and Jaerl and carries them over to Sybil's home. Stay, he says after gently laying them down. Then he heads off to find Whirlpool.

Sholeh wanted to continue the battle, but the few strength she had she used it to swim ashore, since she retreated further into the water when Ivor forced her to retreat.
"Oh sure, a Haven, for the likes of you treating the original residents as garbage and servants. And who the heck do you think you are, badger? I am sick of you fiends appearing out of nowhere!" Sholeh said furiously, getting tired of more and more of the Haven's residents annoyingly interfering.
"Hey Sybil, don't you have any honor? First a shaky falcon, and now a dirt-kissing badger. How dare you guys interfered this one-on-one fight! Do you love the unfair?! I hope you all perish, you hear me, you invading plagues! And you Sybil? Don't think this is over!" Sholeh yelled, finding all that extremely unfair. Sybil having the lot of them protecting her while Sholeh was all alone.

Sybil was wounded, but had enough strength to walk away from Ivor before he retreated further into the forest.
"That is enough Sholeh! It's not my fault your kind couldn't live peacefully with others! I believe every animal can get along with the proper patience and education." Sybil lectured, but the still crazed mongoose refused to listen. She then ordered Mambo and Cole to take her to the outback, where she belonged...

Jaerl's wings are badly torn and there are teeth marks from where Sholeh, sunk he teeth into his flesh. His talons are blood with both Sybil and Sholeh's blood. He weakly stumbles upright, but falls over.

Mambo and Cole wanted to help him, but they wanted that mongoose out of there as soon as possible. They grasped tightly to her shoulders, flying away towards the outback, still angry of her sly attack to them earlier.
"Right, spare me, you'll never had enough malice to save yourself. And as for you Jet, just wait until Shadow finds out. And I'll make sure you really suffer this betrayal. Breaking deals and promises is unforgivable!" Sholeh warned as she was being carried off. There was no way she could physically harm Jet, but she trusted in her intelligence. She was sure she would come up with a clever plan to torture the orca she liked and trusted so much.

"There you are, and don't you expect us to be benevolent enough to bring you food. You find it yourself." A serene, yet still upset Cole said, as he and his boss dropped her off into the outback and left.
"If she doesn't starve, she will surely want to try to strike again, but I don't think she is that stupid. She has now witness how much support Sybil has. She wouldn't dare to risk entering the Haven now, especially once Royal finds out about this." the always optimistic Mambo pointed out, not being angry anymore, and even feeling pity for Sholeh. His bodyguard, however was still angry, and doubtful. Mongooses were cunning by nature, and he was afraid Sholeh would eventually find a way to enter the Haven and do harm undetected...

"I'm fine. They were worse yesterday." Sybil said neutrally, referencing the nasty fling Jet gave her that very day. She was beginning to get use to so much pain. With every injury, she seemed to turn a little colder. All the sudden events that have happened in just two days overwhelmed her. She just wanted to return to her tree and sleep peacefully.

Quote: Spyroconvexity

"Wow Sayan this is beautiful!" Rose said.

"It is, isn't it?," Sayan said with a smile. "I found this place when I was in a moment of great distress. This is where I have always gone when I needed to be alone or at peace. Up 'till now, I have always kept this place to myself and considered it my personal solitude. Now, it can be yours as well.," the Amur leopard explained no longer appearing distressed as he was during the meeting.