Epidemic (Closed)

It was only five days after Wintermane "Bruno" Cafeild's twentieth birthday when Mother Nature decided to wage war on the planet. He was lucky to have been assigned to Fort Bragg at the time. The devastation was bad, but not as bad as it could have been.
It started with a series of six hurricanes within a three month period striking the entire eastern coast of the United States all the way down into South America. No part of Florida was left untouched by the hurricanes. During the same time period, tsunamis followed in the wake of each hurricane flooding the east coast states as well. Earthquakes rumbled through the earth's crust, breaking up the continents. California became an island, Hawaii and it's islands sunk beneath the waves, and the borders between US, Canada, and Mexico became ten mile wide rivers.
This was just a small taste of the worldwide destruction caused in the six months after March 16, 2014. Nearly half of the human population was wiped out, major ecosystems disrupted, and the remaining populations were mostly displaced. Five month after it all began, the destruction stopped. Scientists had been unable to determine the exact causes for the wrath of Mother Nature. Volcanic active did occur, but it wasn't enough to really impact the environment. In the United States, every major utility system was impacted, trillions in damage. In order to get everything back under control, marital law was declared until the chaos could be controlled.

May 2016

Wintermane sighed as he started out the rear passenger window of the M1151, watching the green, flooded plains of Kansas go past. The worst of Mother Nature's wrath should have been over, but the weather patterns had recently became harsher in the past month. Even though farmers had tamed the growing fields back from the wilds, the intense rains had became problems from the Midwest. Lightning storms had been causing communication problems by destroying most steel based electronics. There were also reports of a strange virus that had recently cropped up, causing mutations among the population. It was also said to cause sterilization among those infected, which hadn't been mutated. The virus hadn't popped up until just three months after the start of nature's wrath.

Wintermane was part of an engineering unit that had been experimenting with some new equipment to try and thwart the lightning attacks, working as security. As far as he knew, all the satellites were still orbiting the earth with no damage from the wrath of nature. Communication was one of the major problems the world was still facing. He closed his yellow eyes for a moment as he listened to Lt. Gibson talk on the radio to the rest of the convoy.
"We are still about three hours from the research base Capt. Carlson. Communication was lost three days ago, but all reports indict that is the only problem at this point."
Wintermane opened his eyes once and picked up his M2, checking it over for any problems. He already knew all his equipment was in proper working order, but he was getting bored. Hopefully this would just be another routine mission and things would go smoothly.

Kirynn had barely turned eighteen when the storm hit her fathers lab. At the time she was just an intern working under her father and learning all that she could.With her father, she was capable of taking shortcuts, getting into the top notch universities and anything she wanted. Her intelligence is well beyond her years and she's been working with her father since she was five. But she wanted to work her way up without all the shortcuts and cheating, it never felt right to her to cheat. Growing up she had an interest in all matters of science. From the stars all the way down to microscopic germs. No matter what she studied in, her heart always brought her back to her fathers lab.

His research were for viruses that were unheard of and or didn't have any cures for. He had found signs of these strange virus hitting the population early on in the waters. It started out with some animals, they were perfectly healthy and yet somehow they were sterile. Testing on animals went against everything he believed in, however, at the time they were the only thing he had to work with. It slowly started to impact the humans which made it a little easier to research what was happening. At least the humans were willing and wanted to help find a cure...

Then the storm hit the lab and destroyed majority of the lab, killing her father in the process. Kirynn barely survived it herself and had to start the research from scratch. Spending hours a day going through all the rubble in search for anything that can be saved. Most of her fathers lab had survived the hit and all his notes were in a safe. There were some hard drives that she managed to save, though she had no idea if she can get the power.

For the longest time she was alone and just barely getting by, doing what she can to restore the lab. Because of the storms, she had to make the lab in the underground bunker of the building. It was never used, forgotten about and during all the panic, no one came down here. It ended up being the perfect place to set up a new lab and she had it working with generators. When she started to notice changes within herself, she began to test on her own mutated cells and using herself as a lab rat. The virus never made her sick, though she did end up becoming sterile like the rest of the population.

One day a group of men came into her lab and were claiming to be of the military. They claimed that they saw her running back here, although she knew that was a lie considering how careful she is. At first they didn't like what she was doing and came dangerously close to destroying the lab and all her work. Luckily one of them recognized her fathers notes and saved her and the lab. Before she knew it.... They turned her world upside down and began taking over the place... turning it into the research center that it is now. She had other researchers coming in from various places to help her and she didn't like any of them.

Today things were changing again......

"No... I do not need some damn trigger happy fool to ... protect me... I have done this trip a thousand times over. Why do I suddenly need protection?"

Kirynn was not happy to hear that she couldn't out on her own. It was only a four day round trip. Nothing more than a simple supply run. However, what she didn't tell anyone else is that she is after something that she believes would possibly help in her research. In truth, she trusted none of these fools and really hated having them around all the time. Most of which were trigger happy and seriously made her nervous.

"Listen, Kirynn... It isn't safe out there anymore. There have been more attacks on the roads. Others are starting to get desperate. We just want to keep you safe is all."

Serina tried pleading with Kirynn, though she wasn't hearing any of it at this point.

"Whatever. We both know they just want the research safe. None here seriously cares about me. The only reason they keep me is because I'm the only one that can actually read my fathers notes..."

Kirynn scoffed and walked away before Serina could get another word in. She needed to get her things packed up and find out a way to ditch this so called protecting team. It did take her awhile doing some secret research of her own and she isn't about to let these fools ruin it for her now. It could be a key in her research... or it could be another dead end. Either way, she wasn't going to get their hopes up and let them possibly destroy by accident like they tend to do. In a few hours she hoped that it would be clear enough to sneak out of here...

Wintermane didn't know much about the little research lab that he had been sent to, except that his little engineering team was installing the antenna arrays for it.He only knew that another unit was already there, taking up the security aspect of things. The job shouldn't take more than a few days to complete before they would move onto the next site.

With him and his four squadmates, they had the arrary and all the electronics working in less than three days. Well, that was despite a bit of bad weather rolling through on their first day there. During his time there, he had learned the place had started as some lab in a basement, but was expanding when it was discovered by some scouts on a routine patrol. He thought they did pretty well so far.

It had been two days since they had completed the job, but no new orders had come in yet. In the meantime, that meant him and his team could relax a little bit. During that time, he had taken note of the personnal who were at the research station. One of them had caught his eye, that of Kirynn. From what he could tell, she was just an assistant, but had never gotten close to her to really talk. She was a little thing, looking to be just under four foot tall in his opinion. He wasn't sure what it was exactly about her that caught his eye.

He was leaning against the open back cargo truck the extra antennas and equipment were loaded on watching a bank of angry, black clouds in the distance, when he caught sight of movement near the edge of the marked boundries of the research area. It took him a moment to realize that it was Kirynn going towards a opening in the trees on the eastern edge of the station. He raised an eyebrow for a moment before slinging his rifle from beside him to low ready as he followed after her.

He knew that a few hostile creatures lurked in the forest from talking to the other soldiers. It wouldn't be right for the pretty snow leopard to get hurt, so he took his time following after her while keeping a little bit of distance between them.

The weather had put a pause in her plans and it did frustrate her to some degree. On other hand, it did allow her more time to really plan out a safer route. She did have a vehicle roughly two miles from here and normally getting there is a breeze. However, with eyes on her and she knew they were watching her every move. Well, most of the time it felt like they were always watching anyway. Meal time is always the perfect time to avoid those eyes. When she was finally ready to leave, that was the time she waited for.

Kirynn pulled on a blue t-shirt, black shorts along with hiking boots and pulling her long hair into a pony tail. Lunch time came around and most of everyone met up in the dining area and were chatting it up with stories.There were a few people lurking around, though they weren't paying any attention to her at all. Glancing around to make sure none were looking in her direction. From what she could tell, no other had seen her while she slipped around the corner and into the trees. She was clearly not afraid of what she might run into seeing how she isn't too far from the boarder line.

Though, she kept going further into the trees until she came up to a small shack that is crumbling away. The wild plants had it completely covered and beautiful orange flowers bloomed from the vines. It had a bunch of junk in it which gave her the best hiding spot to stash her traveling pack. Kirynn moved towards a tree stump and sat down to make sure her pack had everything while replacing a few things. The whole time her ears were flicking at the faintest of noises and she payed attention to the scent in the air.

She can feel eyes on her and at times would sniff the air in his direction... In the end, nothing ever came out into view and the scent faded quickly. She knew that in truth, she can't seriously hide with her fur being so white. The winter time it's easier, but fall has just started and she's very easy to see. That is another reason she had to find a different route, a path that is less traveled and thicker ground. She stayed for a few moments to eat and scrounge around in the shack for some other items. About ten minutes later Kirynn grabbed the pack and started moving again.

He had no problem following after Kirynn, keeping a little bit of distance between them. He was following her more out of concern for her safety than anything. Well, he was curious as well since no one else had left the campus today.

When she arrived at the shack, he hung back behind a small grove of trees, watching her. The forest was calm enough, but he wasn't one to let his guard down so easily. And he was right a few moments later when she had decided to get moving.

It seemed that all her movement had attracted a mutated grizzley which was scrounging for food to store for the winter. The huge beast came lumbering out of a large row of bushes, sniffing at the air. It had two large head on it's equally large body. It didn't take long for it to catch sight of Kirynn, rearing up on it's hind legs with lour roars. It drew itself to a intimidating height of ten feet, huge paws clawing challenging in the air.

Wintermane acted on reflex, stepping out with his rifle raised. He fired three shots at the beast, hitting it square in the chest. He must have just missed any vital organs, despite the blood that erupted from the wounds. It took but a moment for him to drop his magazine and replace it with more powerful explosive tipped ammunition. This time he aim shot at both of the heads. The right head was hit in the left eye, a good portion of the head exploding outward. He caught the left head in the throat, throwing the head backwards as a gaping hole ripped it opened. The now dead grizzly wavered on it feet before falling forward in a heap.

" I think it's time I got you back young lady."

He turned his attention to Kirynn now, dropping his rifle as he pulled a pair of plasticuffs he always kept on himself. Walking over to the snow leopard, he gave a little smile for a moment before taking her wrists and cinching them together with the plastic cuffs. Believing she probably would give a little resistance as well, he grabbed her around the waist and lifted her lithe form up, hoisting her over his shoulder as he started back towards the campus.

The bear coming out of now made her freeze in place, typically she can avoid the creatures like him. This time, she wasn't fully aware of her surroundings, pretty much having blinders on with a one direction in mind. The gunfire forced her to drop to her knees in hopes she didn't get caught with a bullet. For most of it, she had her eyes closed and hands over her ears to block out the sound of the gun. Before she knew it, something grabbed her wrists and cuffed them!! Then flung her over his shoulder like she is a prisoner escaping or something.

"PUT ME DOWN YOU FOOL!!!"

She started to struggle and made any attempt at all kick at him, doing what she could to headbutt his side.

"Why are you following me? Did Serina put you up to this? Do you know who I am? I am the most important person in this whole damn place... I am allowed to go where I please.. I am not some captive. I need to get some...."

Kirynn growled deeply as she almost slipped and gave too much information with her rage. He held onto her tightly as she struggled, luckily she had a little bit of time before they actually made it to camp.

"Listen.. Thank you for helping out with that bear.. But I am not going back to the lab right now. I have to go somewhere very important... So I need you to let me go!!"

With that, she bit down hard at any soft area her teeth could sink into and with all her strength.. which is quite impressive for her size... she made the attempt to roll off his shoulder, while driving her knee into his chest for leverage....

"I can't go back now!! I have to do this alone!!"

He kept a firm grip on her as she struggled on his shoulder, wincing a little at the head butt. He shook his head for a moment.

"Of course, I know who you are. That doesnt mean just anyone can just wander off by themsel--"

He gave a little growl as she bit on his neck as she attempted to kick off of him. He did let her go this time, but used her own tactics against her. He dropped his shoulder beneath her before just shoving her off with his hand as she tried to kick off. This caused her to fly backwards in the air to land a few feet away.

"Sorry, but I have to take you back. If you are important are you really think you are, I really doubt that you disappear without a trace would help anything you are trying to do. Now, quit fighting and we'll get along fine."

However, he was pulling off his belt the entire time he was talking before moving towards her. This time, he ended up hog-tying her with her ankle and wrists together before slinging her off his shoulder once more. He kept a firm grip on her as he carried her back to the campus, giving a little grin and wave to the guard.

"Just picked up a little runaway you missed. I'll take her inside."

He took a few moments for him to find the scientist she had been helping, dropping Kirynn on the floor.

"I believe this one was trying to sneak out alone."

It hurt when he dropped her to the ground and she growled at him deeply. Her eyes grew wide as he came at her with the belt and she tried kicking at him. No matter how hard she tried to fight him off, he is simply stronger than she is. It also didn't help that she didn't have use of her arms. That only angered her more as he once again tossed her over his shoulder.

She found it pointless to argue with him, though she did cuss him out and struggled until it started to hurt. Then she just gave up entirely with a very defeated sigh, already thinking of ways to get some payback. It was extremely humiliating as he so casually walked through the place like he won some prize. She's unaware of how her body is reacting to this treatment though. Her rage and humiliation kept her too distracted. However, with how he held her, there's no doubt he would have caught the scent of her hidden excitement.

"I am not some prisoner.... Stop treating me like one!! I've been out there a thousand times alone before and I'm still alive!!"

She growled when he announced that he 'caught' her escaping, then dumping her on the floor. Serina came running up and instantly started to undo the bindings.

"Are you okay? Did he hurt you? Why did you go alone? I told you, you can't do that anymore! It's more dangerous now..."

Serina bombarded Kirynn with questions, though Kirynn ignore most of them while glaring at him. He ruined all of her plans and now they will be watching her like a hawk now. Kirynn stood up, fixing her clothes while everyone is clearly watching her. She had marks on her wrists from pulling at the restraints so hard.

"Like I said, I don't need a babysitter... Now this research will take me even longer...."

It unnerved her that once again these people are controlling her every move, having a say in every action. All the while trying to figure out how to 'escape' again.

"Whatever... Is there anything new to report? How did the last tests go?"

Kirynn asked while grabbing her lab coat and a clip board, talking to Serina and it's clear that Serina is her assistant. She spoke as the two of them walked off, Kirynn glancing over her shoulder back at him. He is going to pay for his actions!!

"Subject X-35 is improving, the fever has broken and is eating more..."

He did catch a little whiff of her scent, making him chuckle softly without saying any comment about it. He smiled as she was released from her bonds, taking his belt back. He put his belt back on before picking up the used plasticuffs.

"I was doing a little extra work, that's all. And it's better to be safe than sorry, if you really are so important."

He reslung his rifle before heading out of the work area, deciding to go and give the captain of the guards a bit of a earful. The little office that had been set aside for the on-site guards wasn't hard to find. Just as Wintermane reached the door, the bank of dark clouds had reached the area, starting to open up. Rain began to pelt down, thick drops that caused almost everyone outside to find shelter of some sort.

The captain looked up from his paperwork, raising an eyebrow.

"Your team still hasn't left yet?"

Wintermane leans back against the wall next to the door, shaking his head.

"No sir. No new orders. Though I thought I should tell you that I brought back the little snow leopard when she tried to escape."

The captain laughed for a moment.

"Again? I told the men to keep an eye on her, but she finds a way to get out. Tell you what, since you don't have any orders for the moment, why don't I see if you can escort Kirynn the next time she tries to leave?"

Wintermane hmmed for a moment before shrugging for a moment.

"I don't mind, but what about my team?"

"I'm sure I can get them taken care of somehow. Just try not to lose her."

A loud crack was heard outside, followed by a loud explosion. The electricity flickered for a moment before going out. It took a few moments before the back-up generators kicked, but geared towards the most important systems. The captain laughed for a moment in the darkness.

"I think we have a job for them now."

Kirynn kept mumbling to herself as she went to check on the tests subjects. There were only five of them and one didn't look all that grand. In fact she seems to be getting worse and Kirynn didn't like that. Somehow the sickness became triggered and she isn't pulling out of it easy. Luckily everyone here is immune to it so far, but Kirynn kept her isolated all the same.

"Damn it... Why do these people have to constantly disrupt my work all the time... If it wasn't for him..."

This is the fifth time she's been caught in the last month and time is running out. She had hopes to get something to hopefully cure the sickness. Soon, she started to put together a few things. Serina tried to ask what she's doing, trying to guess the ingredients, yet Kirynn was pulling things out from a personal stash that is always locked. Next she went to the snack table and snagged a few different kinds of cookies, a few other things. All it took was an extremely light spray of the concoction onto the goodies. If he shared it, this will affect them as well, however, she didn't care.

"Here... Take this to that cheetah punk.. Don't tell him it's from me. Just I don't know... say they are from you.. That you want to thank him for saving me.. or some crap.. he'll fall for it..."

Kirynn fixed them up to look pretty in a small gift basket, nothing to special. It was enough to at least be presentable. Serina had this very pathetic look as if she'll be the one that will get in trouble for this.

"Oh stop giving me that look... Once things start to .. work... on him. I have no doubt that he'll figure out it's me behind it. Assuming he is actually smart enough to figure it out..."

She laughed and sent Serina out the door to find him. When he eats something, it'll take close to five minutes before he will feel anything. It won't be so bad that he'll get too upset with her.. not that she cares if he does... All it will do is give him a tickling sensation in random places. Like an itch that can't be chased down... She did add one herb that will direct most of the feeling towards his crotch. It should distract him from doing anything important for at least a few hours. Also hopefully humiliate him to some small extent.

"I'll be in the gym.. There's not much more for me to do here and I'm too worked up to think anyway. I'll be back in an hour or so.."

With that, she left Selina to her own and Kirynn went off towards the little gym to work off some of this frustration.

It took a little while for the storm to blow over, after discharging several lightning strikes as well. Luckily nothing else was hit, mostly just near misses. Wintermane and the captian spoke for a bit till the storm ended.

As the cheetah was walking towards the barracks where his team was bunking, he was met by Serina halfway there. He raised an eyebrow for a moment when the scientist held the basket out to him.

"I was told to give you this. As..a thank you.."

She seemed to blush deeply, and looked very sheepish about the whole thing. He reached out and took the basket from her, sniffing at the contents. It had a sweet mixture of scents to it, which he savored for a moment before putting it back to his side.

"Might I ask from who?"

"Kirynn..and well, I wanted to thank you as well for bringing her back safe."

He gave a nod before she turned and quickly went back to her work. He watched her disappear for a few moments before looking at the basket. He shook his head softly before continuing back to the barracks before opening the door and yelling.

"Get your asses in gear. We gotta a generator fixed. Move it!"

There was the flurry of flashlights inside the darkened building before two male bears, a male panther, and a female lioness came out dressed and ready to work. When the lined up, Wintermane motioned for them to follow him towards the generator. He grabbed a chocolate chip cookies out of the basket. munching on it. The panther cracked a joke about Wintermane having a sweet tooth before the lioness elbowed him to shut up.

The generator was smoking, but didn't seem to be damaged other wise. As his team went to work, the cheetah leaned against the nearby building, munching and watching them work. He frowned a little when he began to feel a slight itch at the center of his back, just out of his reach. He used a protrusion on the building to get it before another was felt on his inner thigh.

"Really..."

He muttered under his breathe as he began to scratch at the right side of his crotch, feeling as if he had just got a case of jock itch. Somehow he had the feeling the little snow leopard was involved with this in some way. He was able to get the itching to go away, but it seemed to come back after a short while.

Serina went to find Kirynn beating up a punching dummy and talking to herself... It didn't help her attitude when Serina reported that she told him the treats were from Kirynn. She got a scolding for a couple of moments, then calmed down and laughed, like she said earlier... he would discover it anyway... Also, Serina honestly can't lie if her life depended on it. She is just too kind hearted for her own good.

"Well, at least he got them. I'm sure he's feeling things by now..."

She chuckled to herself, kind of curious to know how intense it is getting for him. After doing a few more exercises, she decided to go for a swim. It is her own private pool that none is allowed to use. When the lab was running properly, it was meant for research. Most of the equipment didn't survive and Kirynn had to do quite a bit of self improved fixes to make the pumps work. Even then, they were very finicky most of the time. She kept it locked when she is not there, open so anyone can find her when she is needed. It is not a very big pool and she didn't want everyone's filth in it, knowing some of these people would use it as a bath!!

After she got cleaned up and into a swim suit, she told Serina where to find her if someone comes looking. Some tiny part of her hoped that cheetah came, wanting to see his reaction... and of course.. to deny she that she had a hand in it. Also, truthfully... he wasn't too bad to look at and he had a really nice scent... Shaking her head and diving into the water, refusing to think of the little details... which didn't work very well as she thought about how he carried her... Before too long, she started to lose track of time as she savored this quiet time. Wanting to be upset with him, at the same time, admiring him...

"Damn it.... Stop it brain... I can't be having those silly thoughts!!"

She spoke a little too loud and wasn't paying attention to her surroundings.

Although he liked sweets, Wintermane decided one cookie was enough. Besides, the side effects were't helping things either. The itching seemed pretty random, chasing it down where he was able to reach it. He finally threw away the rest of the sweets in the garbage, not wanting anyone else to have to deal with it. He spent a little longer watching the generator being fixed before deciding to go and tell the little snow leopard the recent changes in plans.

After getting her location from Serina, he headed to the pool area where she was. Finding the door open, went inside. He was still itching around the crotch, but it had died down to a subtle irritation that he could ignore. He smiled for a moment seeing her swimming, deciding to just lean against the doorway and wait on her.

"Sometimes we had best listen to those silly thoughts."

He poke, but didn't bother to move from his spot. It wouldn't be hard for her to notice, that despite the semi-loose fitting pants of his uniform, he still had a sizable bulge in his crotch from watching her.

"I came to deliver some good news, bad news, depending on how you think of things. Good news, you're free to roam off campus whenever you like. Bad news, I gotta accompany you."

Well, it would have been bad new to her, but he was glad to be able to get off campus and do something besides sitting around.

Hearing his voice startled her and she spun around wide eyed to find the source. Though, her ears lowered slightly after realizing it's the cheetah from earlier. Then she blushed deeply making the connection that he heard her talking to herself.

"These voices are.. Not nice ones. It is better to ignore these particular ones..."

However, the rest of what he said didn't set well with her at all and he saw the flash of anger in her bright blue eyes. These men were really irritating to her and with each passing day, she wanted them gone.

"I am .. Free... Yet, I need you as a babysitter?"

Kirynn growled as she drank the last of her homemade liquor before moving to the ladder. Taking one last dunk under the water before climbing out of the pool, frustrated by his news. All she had on is a purple swimsuit that hid very little.

"Why do these people like bossing me around. I should always be free... This is MY place.. Not theirs! My father built this building and all of you come in like you've owned it all along. I have gotten along on my own and alone for years before all of you came and took it over... Ruling over me like some prisoner..."

She walked over to a locker and pulled out a robe, tying it loosely and still showing off her cleavage. With a heavy, Kirynn went to drawer in her desk, pulling out a few things and glanced up at him. A tiny smirk played on her lips, wondering if he still has an itch. She couldn't help stealing a peek to his crotch and saw the nice bulge in them. Shaking her head, looking a little defeated and exhausted.

"Anyway.. Sorry.... Here, these are.... untainted... I made them myself. I also make this stuff too. I don't share these with anyone either... So... consider yourself lucky... Mr Babysitter..."

She stuck her tongue out at him playfully and poured him a shot of her special brew. It is rather strong and carried a sweet honey flavor with a hint of smoke. Then she opened up the box with a bunch of sweet treats in it, to prove they were safe, Kirynn ate a small cookie. Another box had meats and cheeses in it. The look she gave him was almost challenging him.

"Well... I don't need a babysitter... However, since I don't have a choice... My name is Kirynn. What should I call you? Or do you like being called Babysitter? Also, how does this work? I tell you where I am and what I'm doing at every second of the day?"

He didnt really say anything when he saw the anger in her eyes, still the rant didn't have anything to really do with him. He had just been dispatched here on a job. True, he was part of the military that had came to secure the place, but he was in a total different part. He really did't have anything to do with what she was going on about.

"Try not to shoot the messenger. It's bad manners."

He raised an eyebrow for a moment at her offer of some untainted cookies to share with him. He pondered the offer for a moment before moving over towards her.

"My name is Wintermane. I go by that or Bruno. Doesn't matter to me which you decide to call me."

He looked her over for a moment before picking up the offered drink and sniffing at it. Satisfied, he took a long sip from it before picking up a cookie.

"As far as the babysitting, it's just for when you decide to head off campus. I'll just be along for the ride, so to speak. Just give me a heads up when you decide to leave."

He gave a little chuckle for a moment before finishing off the cookie.

"Though judging by your actions earlier, I assume it will be as soon as possible. I'll just need time to get things together. What were your plans anyways?"

"Wintermane... hmm"

She thought that he had a nice name to go with his looks. It's better than what she would have called him at least. She felt almost guilty with his comment about shooting the messenger. In truth, he didn't deserve it, he didn't know how things are for her after all.

"Sorry about my little rant. I know you are not from here... They just get under my skin is all..."

She snagged a few more cookies and refilled their cups with more mead. All the while she considered the answer that he gave her. Deep down she had a gut feeling there is more to it, although she didn't quite know what. Maybe he's here to spy on her, report back on her actions or some silly thing.

"There is another lab that I go to for supplies, though there isn't much left there anymore. I was going to search for another lab that I heard about. I never had a reason to go find it before. But, I need to get there and see if anything is left and usable."

It was only a partial lie... There is a lab, however, that isn't the only place she wanted go. However, he didn't need to know that! The truth part of it is that she did need to find more supplies if possible. She figured somewhere along the way, she'll ditch Bruno and go in her own direction.

"Well, since I don't have to sneak off.. I guess we can leave tomorrow... Say around noon? I'll have my jeep ready to go."

Kirynn opened another drawer and pulled out a map, unrolling it on a table and pointed to a spot. It was east of where they are now, roughly two day trip by vehicle.

"That is where I was headed when you.... assaulted... me."

"Noon sounds good to me. That should be plenty of time to get things together."

He gave a little nod as he stepped forward when she unfolded the map and laid it out. actually, he would have been ready to leave that moment, but he wondered if he should tell her that. He doubted he would need any tools other than his weapons and a bit of camping supplies, which were in a little pile in their sleeping quarters.

"It doesn't look like it will take us long to get there. A day or two, depending on the weather. What do you plan on taking?"

He straightened up as he reached in his pocket with one hand. As he watched her pull out what she was going to take, he pulled out a small black object the size of a small button. He picked up the small backpack she was planning on using and discreetly slipped the object into one of the pockets. It was actually a tracking device that he could use to track her. It wasn't out of distrust, but more that he didn't want to lose her if something happened and they were separated. He put the backpack back down as he grinned.

"I wouldn't call it assault, but more of a rescue. You just happened to be ungrateful about me doing it."

He look around for a moment before taking a last sip of some of his drink.

"I will go now and let you get back to getting ready. See you tomorrow afternoon."

He finished the drink off before setting the glass down and heading out.

She had to bite her tongue towards his comment about rescuing her and being ungrateful about it. Coming real close to telling him that he didn't need to cuff her after the rescue! Instead, she did held her tongue, telling him "G'night" while watching him leave. There is an urge to leave tonight, to leave him behind and just go. In truth, he had exhausted her emotionally when he humiliated her earlier. Not only that, she did gain a nasty bruise on her hip from him dumping her onto the ground. Simple truth, she just wanted to rest tonight and a get a fresh start tomorrow.

Kirynn slept in later than she expected, never thinking that she needed that much sleep. Looking around to find no one has been in here at all, a little surprised that Serina didn't come in to wake her earlier. It didn't bother Kirynn that much though, she liked to sleep in when possible. There is still plenty of time and she had already had her things packed. The is normally always packed, the most she had to do is refresh a few food and water supplies and they were set. Taking her time to shower and dress, munching down what breakfast they had brought her. It was cold at this point, but she ate it all the same.

She was just finishing up with the jug of water when she saw him walking up to the jeep. Looking at the time not noticing that it is almost noon now, it surprised her that he actually came on time. She had hope that he would deny this silly babysitting job and leave her. With a shrug she went to the jeep, putting the jug into the back.

"You can drive... Babysitter..."

Sticking her tongue out while tossing him the keys and hopping into the jeep. Getting comfortable in the seat and propping her feet up on the dash while munching on some trail mix. She couldn't stop giving him some side glances, silently kicking herself for admiring him again...

"So, you claim you are along for the ride... Does that mean that this is a punishment for something you did? No one goes with me willingly... For two of them, it actually was a punishment for them... I had fun with those two fools..."

She laughed to herself at some of the tricks she played on them. One point giving herself a whole day head start! Silently she wondered how far she can push Wintermane...

After leaving her company, he had spent a little bit of time packing what he thought they would need. He filled a duffel bag with a change of uniform, some underwear, an extra pair of boots, some extra ammo, a first aid kit, some rope and a small batch of 550 cord. He also pulled out a box of MREs for the two of them , as well as a case of water. He had no problems sleeping, waking up early as usual.

Since she had not gotten up yet, he just piled the stuff at the back of the locked jeep. He spent the rest of the time giving a few last minute instructions to his team before going back to the jeep.

"That's fine with me."

He gave a little smile for a moment as he caught the keys in the air, opening the rear of the jeep. After loading the gear in back, he climbed into the driver's seat and started the engine.

"No, no punishment for me. Like I said, me and my team have been just sitting around since we got the job done we were supposed to."

He shook his head for a moment as he looked at her relaxed stance for a moment. He pulled out the map and pushed her feet to the floor before giving the map to her.

"You're going to be the navigator since I'm driving. Try not to get us too lost.

Kirynn glanced at him as he knocked her feet down and handed the map over. Rolling her eyes she folded it up and shoved it in the glove box, propping her feet back up, only this time she stuck them out the window.

"Just stay on this road for at least three hours, when you come to a tree filled with ribbons, turn down that road. There will be a place for a pit stop after that turn. I've made this trip a thousand times. Won't need the map for this part of the trip."

Kirynn kept wondering how she is going to ditch this one, he appeared to be smarter than her other 'babysitters.' She did have this nagging feeling that he had already done something to make it more difficult for her to run off. Most likely a tracker, it wouldn't be her first time getting tracked... Though, she didn't know where or when he would have placed it if he did. With her luck, she would have to unpack everything and examine all the items. If she did that, it would make her look foolish and paranoid.

With a soft sigh, deciding that she will deal with that possible issue later.... When she loses him.... Perhaps if she did find a tracker, she can use it to her advantage. For now, it's best to pretend like she didn't suspect anything.

"Tell something... Last night you said that I was ungrateful for your rescue... Just to be clear, I am grateful that you saved me from getting eaten alive... However, what kind of rescue treats the victim like a runaway prisoner? Then to humiliate me in front of others.. Why did you have to cuff me like that? It left these ugly marks on my wrists!"

She held up her wrists to show the bruising, although she knew they were mostly her fault from struggling so hard. For some reason, thinking about it now caused a strange twitch between her legs. Like before when it actually happened... There is no way that kind of treatment should arouse her!! Then she realized that she's starting to admire these marks. Pulling her hands back down, hoping he didn't notice that hint of admiration. If he notices the little things like that... He will do it again just to torment her...

"That is the part that I was ungrateful for... I don't like being touched is all. That's all you men seem to want to do and I hate it..."

She looked away to watch the clouds cruising above the trees. If she keeps looking at him, he'll start to get the wrong idea about her. That is the last thing she wanted to do... He is just like all the other men in her eyes.

He gave a little chuckle for a moment at her simple directions. He took a moment to get comfortable, glancing over at her.

"Simple enough to follow. Now you just have to do your part as my navigator, you have to keep me awake."

He pulled out onto the road as she began to question him about his motives while 'rescuing' her the day before. Dividing his attention between her and the road, he had noticed she was staring intently at the marks on her wrists as she talked. He wasn't sure of what she was thinking, but time would tell.

"I tied you up because I wasn't sure if you would willingly follow me back or not. More of a for your own safety thing. Not everyone I've seen in that kind of situation is always willing to get back to safety. As far as the humiliation, it wasn't my intention."

It was more of a bonus, but he wasn't going to say that out loud to her.

"Since we're going to be stuck together, and so we aren't sitting in silence, how about you tell me a story or something to pass the time?"

He wasn't expect her to really comply or anything, settling back for the drive. They had been driving along when he had decided to test and see if she was actually paying attention to him. He closed his right eye slowly and nodded his head down towards his chest, pretending to fall asleep. However, he did keep his left eye open so that he could still drive. He even relaxed his grip on the wheel, letting the jeep drift some.

"A story? I don't know any stories that would be of...."

Kirynn noticed right away that he wasn't listening anymore as the jeep started to sway a bit. For a split second it did scare her, although there really much on this section of the road to be a threat. The most he'd do is run into a tree, even at that, she did catch that he is still paying attention to the road. Rolling her eyes as she gave him a playful punch to his arm.

"You had more than enough time to rest up... Unless you spent all night drinking with everyone else... If you wanted me to drive, then I would have.. sheesh...."

Then she got an idea just to see what he would do, reaching over and extending her claws a bit more... She began to tickle him in random places, trying to find that sweet spot. One she found it, she kept tickling him until he stopped playing around. Sure it made him jerk the jeep a little, again, she isn't too concerned. Of course, if they did crash into a tree, than that could be her 'escape'...

"I suppose I can just walk and let you take your nap... If you are really that tired.."

He gave a little smirk when she punched his arm lightly. He opened his eye to glance over at her before she went after him, tickling his side. He was a little ticklish, but it was more of a nuisance for him at the moment. When she did find a spot, he finally took notice. He chuckled for a few moments as he slowed the jeep down before turning and braking so they were parked diagnonally in the road.

"Jeez, can't follow simple instructions very well, can you?"

He reached back into the back for a moment, pulling out a pair of handcuffs from his duffel bag. He smirked once more at her words.

"Oh, I got plenty of rest last night. That was just a little test, which you seemed to fail."

He grabbed her wrists, cuffing them together in front of her. He pulled out a ziptie and lifted her wrists up to the roof of the jeep, tying them to the ceiling.

"You'll be fine till we get to our next stop. Now you just need to let your mouth do all the work."

He smiled for a moment before getting the vehicle into gear once more, going faster this time.

Her ears laid flatter than ever as she hissed and growled at him. All the while pulling hard at the cuffs!!

"This is uncalled for!! I failed at nothing.. you wanted me to keep you awake and distracted.. so I did!! What's wrong with being a bit playful? If you didn't want to be touched, you just had to say so..."

She was furious and twisted the cuffs until the zip tie broke, though it did hurt her wrist.

"I will not be cuffed the next few hours... You can keep yourself awake... My stories would bore you anyway..."

She growled deeply while trying her best to pry the cuffs off her wrists. More than a few times she was tempted to open the door and simply jump out of the jeep. Sadly, there isn't much she can do and wouldn't get very far without her things... especially with her hands cuffed together. There is a tiny hint of arousal tickling her, however, she would never admit to it....

"Nor do I have anything more to say to you now..."

With that she curled up in the seat, knees to her chest, hugging her legs while rubbing at her wrists. In his eyes she is most likely acting a like kid that is pouting. Though she didn't care, she had every right to pout! All she did is have a little fun, trying to lighten the mood a little and he had to go and ruin it!!

He watched her sulk in silence for a bit, but keeping his eyes on the road at the same time. He had only known her for a couple of days and she was coming off as just a spoiled brat to him. She might have had some manners, but she seemed to have been a little too sheltered to seem to understand how things worked.

After all, he can't just leave her being punished like this without backing up the reasons behind his actions. Well, he needed to break things down to child level on what she did wrong.

"You may not have thought what you had done was wrong, but it was in a sense. Trying to distract someone while they are driving by tickling them isn't the best or even safest way of doing things. That could have gotten us in a serious accident. True, there are no other cars right now, but veering off the road can be just as bad. There's the chance of the tires catching in a large hole off of the side of the road and we going flying into the air. One of both of us could get flung out of the jeep, getting seriously hurt or dying."

He was quiet for a few moments before continuing to speak.

"If we didn't flip and smashed into a tree or something, where I got hurt, what are you going to do? Just from what little I've seen of your behavior, you would probably trying and just leave me, injured or not. Suppose it was a life threatening injury that I could die without medical help? Were still planning on leaving me to die? Is traveling with someone so bad that you would leave them behind to die at the first sign of trouble?"

He shook his head for a moment, lapsing back into silence as he slowed down a bit before reaching the turn they had to go on. He opened his mouth again for a moment, but closed it once again as he shook his head.