darkSpyro

Sybil looked at her, trying to find some truth in the matter, but she couldn't see any. She and many others already suffered too much once. She wasn't going to make the same mistake twice.
"I'm sorry. I just don't believe you." Sybil said bluntly, not willing to give Anue a second chance. Too much bad experience to allow that. Even fully aware she would be in the belly of a beastly crocodile if it wasn't for Anue, it still wasn't enough for Sybil to trust her...

Sybil still refused to believe what Anue said was true. Although she sounded convincing, Sybil doubted she even met Shadow in person. Naga could've told her about him.
"Still not buying it Anue. You kidnapped the cubs once. There is no way I can know you won't try it again. Your word is not enough. Nobody's word is enough. The only reason you're so willing to negotiate is because the cubs are out of your reach and because Naga won't do any of your dirty work anymore.you're at too much disadvantage and you're just trying to buy enough time to think of a strategy to have things in your favor again." Sybil said furiously as she watched the orcas still roaming around waiting for some action. She had only Rose, Sayan and Naga to back her up on land, but they were enough for the number of wolves currently seen...

Naga watched closely from the tree tops, greatly anticipating the chance to eat the wolf leader. 'Lies... all lies..,' he thought to himself.

Elsewhere, Hunter played with Snow and Nia.

Quote: Spyroconvexity

"i speak the truth. Tell you what give us a portion of the forest big enough for us to hunt and roam and we won't bother you again. "

Despite having been a leader for a long time, it was the first time Sybil felt genuinely lost in what to do. It only took a little brainstorming of her part to take a decision, and it wasn't always the correct one. She looked at Rose, then Sayan, and she knew that somewhere around the canopy. Naga was present as well.
"It just won't do Anue. Letting you free after what you did? I think... I think I won't take this decision alone. I'll let my friends help me decide what is best." Sybil said at last, including Naga in this group of friends. She didn't want the wolves, particularly Anue be on the loose on her beloved Haven and risk another plot to kidnap the innocent cubs. This time, the lack's fate was going to be decided on the most influential animals there, which was her, Rose, Sayan and now Naga. Mostly Rose, for if she was going to run the Haven full time one day, she had to learn to make decisions...

Although Sybil liked the idea, building a wall could prove too complicated and the time could be too much.
"The construction of this wall may take too much time Rose. Consider the miles we would need to keep the pack out. And that is just the construction. We will need materials to do it, which just adds to the time." she pointed out, knowing the long and tiresome task it could be constructing a wall that extended that long. There was also the risk of Anue and her wolves finding out if there was a weakness to the construction or nature itself destroying it. Even human walls had flaws.

After a while, Sholeh grew tired of everything and went home, though she had a lingering pain. Naga was helping Sybil, making her have terrible flashbacks of the past. First, Sybil took Jet's friendship away from her. And the once loyal Warren started d to respect the civet more. She truly believed Naga's friendship was slipping away from her...

While Rose waited for a response, Sybil was more concentrated on her surrounding. Truly Naga's camouflage was something to be admired. Even with a full belly, he could conceal himself very well. She couldn't see him anywhere, but knew he was out there, probably anxious for more hunting. It then occurred to her; if there was someone there who ever got the chance to know Anue, it was him. Maybe he could tell everyone if the wolf matriarch was being truthful?

Sayan briefly looked back at the ocean and then at the others. "I agree as well, but believe we need to alter our plan one step further. If we can't feasibly contain the pack here, then we should do so elsewhere. I say we should exile them and take them where we have taken the others. Or better yet-- find them a new island where they can stay and safely a form a new society. In peace.," Sayan said with a grim but noble nod.

Elsewhere-- Naga watched closely letting the situation play out the time being.

Sybil gave a small glare to Sayan, realizing that he forgot what happened the last time she banished someone.
"That will be fine and all, but don't you remember what happened with a certain someone when we did just that?" Sybil asked, refreshing their memories.
"That individual managed to recruit an army and aquatic beasts as transport, bringing war to the Haven and total devastation." Sybil expressed, showing just how affected she was with that last war. Some of the trees still showed signs of that destruction. She gave Shadow a chance to live a peaceful life, but since he couldn't let go of the hatred, he instead chose to bring misery to those he wanted as enemies, not caring if it would cost him his life afterwards.

Now that she heard Sayan and Rose's opinion, it was time for the final one.
"Mr. Naga? I know you're nearby. What do you think we should do? And can Anue be trusted?" Sybil asked, still trying to find him, and imagining his say in the matter was going to be very different from the couple...

As his name was called, Naga seemingly appeared out of nowhere dropping down from one of the nearby trees. "As.. as interesting as the idea of of mercy sounds-- I prefer a more.. permanent solution and one that we know won't come back to haunt us. That being said.. dear Anue here isn't entirely untruthful and isn't entirely untrustworthy. However-- that doesn't change the facts nor does undo what has already been done. Let it be known that Anue here planned to take over the Haven for herself and rid the island of its residents. That fact doesn't change and its only after I had discovered the true power of this place-- that she held her tongue and offered to submit herself.," Naga said circling Anue almost like that of a Vulture circling death. As he spoke and revealed his large body length, he seemingly judged the wolf based on actions alone only slightly hinting at the 'other side' of Anue.

"No... no exile, no fences, no second chances. I say we end her here and now, while we still have the upper hand. She once claimed to be unlike that of Shadow, but soon simply took over the mantle herself. It's only a matter of time until she tries it again and I say.. and I say better safe then sorry.," he then said with a grim head shake. He stopped circling the poor wolf, letting Sybil and the others have the final word. He was growing tired of being controlled-- first by humans, than by Shadow, and then by the very one whose fate he was deciding. 'Enough is enough-- I refuse to let any influence by Anue and by extension Shadow go on. I only wanted to left alone after she came into my life, but she just had to come back and continue to force her reign upon my life decisions.,' he thought to himself. To Naga-- Anue currently represented all had gone wrong with Shadow and with his life post-Haven.

Sybil found it quite admirable how Anue seemed very calm at Naga's threat, even if it turns out it was just a disguise. Upon hearing Naga's suggestion, he made it abundantly clear it was Anue herself he wanted. Although it was a very cruel decision, particularly considering Anue had saved her life, Sybil has come to think like Naga. It was better to be safe than sorry, and since he knew Anue better than her or the couple, she believed him when he said that it was only a matter of time before Anue attempted her plan once more. She looked at Sayan and Rose with a bit of pity, hoping they could forgive her for what she was about to suggest...

"Alright then... I have made my decision. Anue, the rest of your pack can go to the deepest parts of the Haven to live, and are forbidden to cross the main sanctuary's territory..." Sybil began, wanting to demonstrate she wasn't feeling entirely merciless. However, to make sure they understood how cruel she could be if they disobeyed, she was going to make an example... out of their leader. Looking at a few pack members, she spoke again.
"But know this; if any of you attempt to follow Anue's plan or get revenge, I won't be hesitant to order all of you be sacrificed! As for you..." she turned to Anue.
"You have caused too much damage already! The cubs are traumatized because of you! So..." she paused, looking at Naga and nodding, giving him permission to do as he pleased. As horrifying as it was, she was going to let Naga deal with the problem in his own, sadistic way...

"Well then, what else can I do? You have made it too painfully clear you want us out of our home. We may not be natives, but this is still our home. The real natives gave us permission to live here and you have no right to try and deny us that. You demand a space for you and your pack, but in letting you free, how do I know you won't attempt the same, filthy plan in the future?" Sybil yelled, not letting herself be intimidated by Anue. Despite being outnumbered, Sybil had already given the order to Sayan, Rose and Naga to head to the trees in case of an attack and finish off the wolves one by one, or once again, if they could taunt them into the water, the battle was as good as won...

Considering pythons were more about ambush and striking rather than chasing, Naga couldn't catch Anue in time, so Sybil had no choice but to let the pack go. Their group was to small to catch every wolf, so they had to see them escape. Even though Sybil was worried about the wolves being loose, she didn't let panic control her.
"We should've acted faster." she lamented, turning to Rose and Sayan.
"Listen, I will give you a choice; either you can live on Hunted island temporarily, or I can assign bodyguards to the cubs. We will try to live most of time high among the trees and avoid being ambushed. We need all our senses active. We won't allow these mongrels to intimidate us!" Sybil lectured, hoping that her display of attempted cruelty was enough to make some of Anue's pack members think twice before striking the Haven residents again.

With her options clear to the couple, she then turned to Naga.
"Don't worry. You'll have your chance again. At least... you now have a more extended menu." Sybil said coldly, forgetting the fear and repulse she felt earlier with Naga's hunt a few hours ago. Since the python already had a meal, it contributed to his inability to catch Anue, and was starting to think they should've both gone after Anue first instead of striking some random wolf.

A wall around her home rather than an entire territory was a more reasonable approach, but the idea of Rose and her family having to practically be imprisoned in their own den enraged her.
"I shall be as you say Rose. A wall, or at least a strong fence, to prevent her from attacking at night. But... you can't forbid the cubs from playing and roaming around their island home. We'll stick to the bodyguard idea, although we will need to recruit animals from the outside..." Sybil contemplated, knowing that animals too big like the elephants, single like Crocux, or slow moving like Naga weren't going to be enough.
"I will ask the birds if they know about an animal that can easily overpower many wolves..." Sybil then said, keeping in mind that if they were to recruit such an animal, she wanted to try to make it a herbivore. There was enough trouble as it is having so many carnivores on that relatively small island.

Sybil flinched, having completely forgotten about him. But now that he was mentioned, she remembered everything about him.
"Eh... I, I'm not sure if that's a good idea. He might get tangled with the foliage, and remember that he had that... electrical condition in his feathers. He almost caused a fire once." Sybil explained, wanting to make a solid point.
"No. They have to be animals from the outside to take the pack by surprise. I'll have to know if wolves have some natural enemies in their natural habitats." Sybil expressed, wanting something big but not by much. Clearly there had to be a herbivore strong enough to overcome a decent variety of wolves, can't it? The world is full of so many creatures, there is bound to he one perfect for this job...

OOC: I didn't forget Sozen. I just forgot the name

Despite his weekly patrol, Sybil barely ever saw him in the sky. She never payed much attention to it, and she imagined that having a girlfriend took some of his time too.
"Well then, we should keep moving. We must make a plan immediately. Rose, since you're a Siberian tiger, you can stand the cold better than any of us. I need you to go to the mountain and tell Sozen to be on the lookout for wolves. Tell the same to any bird you see along the way. Sayan, you go to the beach and tell the orcas the orcas about the escape." Sybil instructed, fearing that their marine friends, particularly Cairo, weren't going to take the failed mission very lightly.
"As for me, I will escort Mr. Naga to his home. We'll meet at the beach in an hour or so." she concluded, ready to escort the stuffed snake to his solitary home to get the rest he deserved.

With everyone clear on their task, Sybil proceeded to help Naga up the trees. She didn't want to risk the pack attacking them while they were alone and vulnerable on the ground. Despite her early disappointment, Sybil forgave Naga for letting Anue escape, but didn't let him know that. After much struggle, she finally managed to help him lift off the ground, and now it was time to go home.
"Thank you for everything Mr. Naga. First the rescue, then helping us fight the wolves. You've been too wonderful." Sybil complimented, feeling very grateful to him. Things would've been drastically different if it wasn't for his involvement, particularly in the cub's rescue. Now that she finally made an ally out of him, she was willing to forgive his grievous deeds in the past. Nothing could bring back the warblers he mercilessly hunted, but even with such grievous losses, Sybil was pleased that she managed to reform him (or at least she thought), before things could've gotten much worse.

Sayan nodded and immediately headed towards the beach. "Cairo?! Jet?!," he called out hoping to get someone's attention.

"You're very welcome my dear Sybil.," Naga simply said with a nod. He wished he had acted sooner and ended Anue when they had the chance.

Cairo swam with a frown, wanting to take whatever news Sayan had before Jet.
"What is it, Mr. Sayan? What are you doing here? We've been waiting here forever and still no wolf." Cairo said, though with his expression, he made it clear what he suspected what happened.

Sybil spent the rest of the trip in silence, and it wasn't until they reached the wuiet darkness of Naga's territory that she finally decided to speak again.
"Well, home sweet home... or at least for the time being. You Mr. Naga, deserve a reward for today, for yesterday, for many things. You did me and my friends an enormous favor, and well, you deserve some kind of compensation." Sybil said gratefully, wanting to compensate the big snake somehow. She wanted to demonstrate her gratitude. But she was getting ready just in case he took a little too much advantage of her gratitude...

"I have some bad news I'm afraid-- Anue and the others got away. We almost had them when they ran at the last moment and evaded our custody.," Sayan solemnly said disappointed that they were unable to success and would likely have to continue hiding in the meanwhile.

Elsewhere-- Naga turned to Sybil as the Civet once again offered compensation. "As I said, you're very welcome my dear Sybil and I very much appreciate the opportunity to.. well.. let's just say that I will be very much appreciative when Anue gets what she deserves. And.. and if you must offer compensation, then I'm sure I can think of something. For now though, I simply wish to rest and prepare for the troubles that no doubt await us.," he simply said leaving the topic of compensation oddly open-ended.

More reason for Cairo to hate being limited to the water.
"If I could walk on land, those wolves would've been doomed!" he yelled, his eyes reddening. He took the time to cool down, for he didn't want to take his frustration out on Sayan.
"Now what?" he asked calmly, knowing the wolf threat shouldn't be taken lightly.

Pleased with the conversation, Sybil knew he was right and believed it was time to leave him alone for a while.
"Well, alright then. See you tomorrow afternoon to see if you've thought of something. And don't worry. I haven't forgotten our game." Sybil assured, preparing to turn around and leave.
"Well, farewell." she said, giving him a smile to show he much she appreciated their friendship. She took one last look at his belly and imagined it was going to take him a few days to digest a meal that size. Although she initially felt sorry for the canine, that wasn't the case anymore. With this new diet, Naga wouldn't need to hunt so often and will feel more satisfied, and although Sybil was a little worried the larger menu would make Naga grow bigger, the main priority was to get rid of the wolves.

At the beach, Cairo swam to the pod and explained to them the bad news. Some of them weren't surprised, while others were furious at the outcome. There even was a selected few who wondered why they were still helping Sybil when the ungrateful civet doesn't bother to come visit them anymore. They were a reasonable bunch and understood that the Haven residents had too many problems to continue the game (with what they received, they were already excellent hunters), but still, the least the residents could do, in particular Sybil, was to at least come a few minutes a day to talk to them and be sure they aren't forgotten.

AJ: Seeing that I am not needed and or am just being ignored, I leave the forest and start walking along the beach. I am taking a slow, leisurely walk to my tree, along the shore. I wouldn't mind if someone, say decided to catch me and play though.

Sybil was already the beach, seeing the sunset at a distance. After she and the cat couple made their way to the beach, it was finally time to make a plan.
"Alright then, the cubs are safe... for now. This is very urgent. We won't allow the cubs from being forbidden from their own home, now will we? So, I will talk with the warblers and ask them what they know about a wolf's natural enemies. We will recruit a few of these animals and keep them as protectors and bodyguards." Sybil explained, still having no idea what kind of animal would do, but it had to be a herbivore, preferably a ruminant. If Sayan and Rose agreed, then it was time for her to make a meeting at the orca tree and plan the future safety of the Haven...

Quote: Wyrstel

AJ: Seeing that I am not needed and or am just being ignored, I leave the forest and start walking along the beach. I am taking a slow, leisurely walk to my tree, along the shore. I wouldn't mind if someone, say decided to catch me and play though.

Not a minute passed when the orca called Renee, Randy's new mate, approached the lonely margay.
"Hey fella. Why so gloomy? Is it because of the wolves? Don't worry. I've heard. Renee is here to protect you." The orca said kindly, liking this fluffy creature. Neither she or the other orcas were in the mood for a game, since all they wanted was someone to talk to now that Sybil barely visited them.

"Alright then. Build that fence. Gather every animal you can. I will go to the keas and tell them to help you. A few of them should be enough. Recruit anybody you can. Crocux, the elephants, or even Sozen. He could help you search for materials." Sybil suggested, knowing that until the guards could be recruited, the fence was the most important thing.
"I will go to the kea tree now. Even if it's this late, a reunion is at hand. You go with Sayan and get all the help you can get while I settle a meeting." Sybil said last, before turning around, heading to the kea tree at a quick pace. She then remembered it was better to travel tree by tree, and encouraged Sayan and Rose to do the same. The couldn't risk finding a large group of wolves in their way, for after what happened, this has become another war.

The cousins looked at each other, very worried.
"You're planning to stay here for the night?" Nia asked, not liking what would her father think of having more predators staying on the island. He didn't care if they were mere cubs. His racism extended every age.

The cousins looked at each other again, still worried about Barloc's reaction, but Nia, also sick and tired of her father's erratic behavior with predators, was certain her mother was going to put him in his place should he throw a tantrum for the cub's stay.
"Alright. You can stay with Whirlpool. He has enough room in his home to keep our flock AND an entire lion pride if he so desires." Nia expressed, trying to show off for Whirlpool.
"But... if we can keep this a secret from uncle Barloc, then better. We don't want him to create a scene, so don't draw too much attention to yourselves." Angus expressed, with Nia nodding. If the cubs stayed at Whirlpool's place, it shouldn't be a problem, for Barloc barely visited the wombat anymore due to Sunflame.

At the Haven, it took less than half an hour for the panting civet to reach the kea tree. After receiving some rest and water, Sybil explained to Mambo everything that happened between the wolves, even her own action against Anue. Some keas and a few warblers that saw her gathered around the tree to listen, for if Sybil visited the tree with the rush she was in, it meant there had to be an emergency.
"It is war again my friends. I'm so sorry I couldn't stop it before it could begin. But for now, all they want is the cubs. But what if they take more drastic measures? We will need to recruit bodyguards for the Haven." Sybil expressed after explained the situation to those present, and realizing the urgency, some warblers gathered to see what could be done. Another war was out of the question. They all stayed for some of the night, talking quietly among themselves. Just when will the Haven have the peace it meant to have?

Angus and Nia escorted the cubs to Whirlpool's home, the former having learned to be less wary of the cubs in their playtime.

Much talking took place at the kea tree, and one could only guess what the subject was about. Finally, a conclusion came to place. The meeting was over almost as soon as it had begun, and a gloomy Sybil climbed down and proceeded to head to Sayan and Rose's den, once more from tree to tree. She was pleased to see that some progress was made, at least in the recruitment part, and when she reached the couple's home at last, she gave her the news.
"Sayan, Rose, good news. The warblers were able to know the perfect animals to serve as bodyguards. And believe me, they will do the job right." Sybil said, very glad with what she heard from the warblers. However, that didn't explain why she had such a depressed demeanor, something that she proceeded to explain.
"However... there is... a catch..." she finally said, but she had no way of telling them. It was going to be a decision too hard for all of them to take...

"Well..." Sbil started to say, still struggling to find the words.
"You see, it's... the bisons. Bisons are a wolf's most mortal enemies and they will be lerfect as bodyguards, They hate them with a passion. One of the warblers, who was an active traveler, once saw a herd in action, but when he went to talk to them, they ignored him. However, they talked to a groundhog without a problem. The groundhog explained to him that bisons are only be willing to talk to other mammals, as long as they aren't predators. They believe that other animals aren't worth their time. Which means..." Sybil then took a deep breath, imagining Rose knew what she was going to say...

"Exactly." Sybil said, asserting her last sentence.
"Bisons live in America... the other side of the world. Unfortunately, the warbler that talked to the groundhog didn't get all the details. Bisons only talk to herbivore mammals... but nothing was said about an omnivore like me." Sybil explained before continuing.
"Listen Rose. I'm not sure if I will be able to do it, but I must try. I... I will have to go with the orcas to this America place and recruit some bisons. They may hate predators, but according to the warbler, they hate wolves the most. Maybe... maybe if I'm able to use psychology with then, I might be able to convince them. That's why... I need you to take care of the Haven while I'm gone." Sybil concluded, being short of breath. How was she able to convince them to protect the offsprings of predators? Perhaps she could persuade them by saying Rose and Sayan weren't natives of their land and thus won't hurt them? Sybil was having a hard time thinking about it, but if she managed to befriend an orca, a crocodile AND a python that meant her harm in the past, perhaps she was going to be able to recruit these infamous bisons?

OOC: How do you like my twist?

OOC: To be frank, me neither. It was kinda a last minute thought to make the story a bit more interesting, and to give Rose a more active role.

"Hey, you did it once before, remember?" Sybil encouraged, reminding her of her leadership back then. She managed to do well even when mourning. Sybil still felt bad for having Rose go through that, but at least this time, Rose has grown and wasn't going to suffer like she did back then.
"I know it's too much, but remember that you have more allies than enemies. Besides, with Mr. Naga hunting those mongrels now, he will make things easier for you." Sybil assured, aware on how cruel that sounded, but that really was how angry the wolves made her for destroying the peace that had been slowly recovering after Shadow's permanent departure.