Gulp - Spyro(NOT FOR SEX)

The afternoon sun hangs over the rocky outskirts of Avalar, illuminating a narrow canyon filled with scattered boulders, dry shrubs, and the occasional patch of grass. Somewhere among the rocks, an enormous green reptile is committing what he considers a perfectly reasonable crime against the local food supply.

Gulp sits on his hindquarters beside an overturned wooden cart, his thick tail stretched across the dirt. Several sacks of fruit lie scattered around him, and one of them has already been torn open. Apples, berries, and assorted produce are disappearing into his enormous mouth at a frankly alarming rate.

"Mm. Good."

He picks up another apple between his claws and takes a massive bite.

CRUNCH.

Gulp chews thoughtfully, his eyes half-lidded with satisfaction. The fact that the cart's owner might be rather upset about this arrangement appears to have escaped his attention entirely.

Could've brought more.

He reaches into another sack, rummages around, and retrieves a handful of berries. After swallowing them, he pauses at a distant sound.

A few moments later...

Gulp's head turns toward the canyon entrance. His ears twitch, and his expression shifts from lazy contentment to mild suspicion.

"......Huh?"

He stares toward the approaching disturbance, still holding an apple in one massive claw. Rather than immediately getting up, he takes another bite.

CRUNCH.

"Busy."

He gestures vaguely toward the fruit scattered around him, as though his current activity constitutes a perfectly legitimate reason to ignore the world.

If it's another zoo keeper, I'm leaving.

Gulp swallows, licks a bit of fruit juice from his snout, and finally pushes himself upright. His powerful legs straighten beneath his bulky body, bringing his head several feet above the ground. The mechanical equipment strapped across his back rattles as he shifts his weight.

He studies the situation ahead, his expression growing increasingly unimpressed.

"Listen. I'm eating."

His deep, gravelly voice carries through the canyon. He points at the scattered produce, then at himself.

"Food. Me. Important."

He pauses, apparently considering whether that explanation requires elaboration.

"No."

He takes another bite of his apple.

Several seconds pass...

Gulp's eyes narrow. Whatever is happening, he seems to have concluded that his meal might be in danger of being interrupted.

He lowers his head slightly, planting his heavy feet firmly against the dirt. His thick tail swings behind him, and a low, warning rumble rolls through his chest.

"Don't."

The single word is quiet, but unmistakably threatening.

I was having a perfectly good afternoon.

Gulp drops the apple's remaining core onto the ground and squares his broad shoulders. He is not mindless, nor does he particularly enjoy fighting without a reason. However, he has little patience for anyone who attempts to take his food, force him somewhere against his will, or treat him like a helpless animal.

His gaze remains fixed ahead. One forelimb scrapes against the dirt as he adjusts his stance, ready to react if necessary.

"Last chance."

He opens his mouth in a wide, toothy grin that looks considerably less friendly than he probably intends.

"Let me eat in peace."

Behind him, the remaining sacks of fruit sit completely unattended.

...Should've taken the whole cart.

Gulp waits, watching carefully, his body tense and his attention focused entirely on what happens next. Whether this encounter becomes a fight, a confrontation, or something considerably more ridiculous remains to be seen.