Ah, the Winter Soldier, the Asset. Bucky only spent a few weeks of his life as that ruthless, brainwashed assassin, and it's managed to affect him to this day. But those few weeks had a significant effect- it left Bucky with a mental manipulation phobia, insomnia, and the fears of relapsing back into that machine. For a long time, Bucky continued to go down a dark path after he got his identity back, but his chest got too heavy with guilt. Now in Sunhaven, he's trying his hardest to live a better life, a second chance. Of course, that had to come with bumps along the road- specifically two relapses. When the first relapse occurred, it left Bucky in shock afterwards- as he thought with months and months of being clean, the soldier wasn't a threat anymore. He was wrong, the Soldier waited until Bucky was comfortable for the perfect moment to strike- que the second relapse!

It's been a few weeks since Bucky had another incident. Buckingham wasn't planning on relapsing back to the Soldier anytime soon. Anytime the Asset takes control, the damage it can inflict is unpredictable. Who knows if it will listen to it's 'handler' or disobey and malfunction. Last relapse, the Soldier dared to question it's handler, and only backed down when it got threatened a severe punishment. Another thought Bucky doesn’t want to think about is that Marina is gone- there’d be no one to keep it under control. While relapsing is one bad thing, an even worse fear of his is getting used as a weapon to harm/kill his clanmates again. He knew that Marina never used the Soldier to hurt others, as if she did, she would’ve violated Bucky in the process. But there are people in this world who do not care about others rights, and would love to get their hands on a living weapon like the Winter Soldier. A loyal soldier that will bring down their enemies, and tear apart the people it once loved.

If Stryker managed to bring out the Soldier, and manipulate it to abandon Sunhaven, Stryker would be set. The Ardent would have an emotionless, cold weapon that wouldn't question why it's being ordered to go against Sunhaven. It would be the first time he got brainwashed into the Winter Soldier all over again- except instead of Ximen, it's Stryker.

Thanks to his enhanced senses, Bucky's nose twitched as Stryker's Pittian scent invaded his nostrils. Immediately the tom stood up with alert, ears pricking as he listened for any movement out of the village. The Warden picked up on quiet paw steps- that someone with regular senses wouldn't pick up at all. But then, the paw steps fell quiet, which was the most concerning. If Stryker was here leading an ambush, what would he be waiting for? Something didn't feel right, Bucky carefully following the scent to the edge of the village. Bucky froze when he noticed he wasn't even out of camp yet, and the scent smelt the most fresh here. Bucky couldn't pick up on more scents- Stryker is alone. Bucky would think that Styrker was stupid not to disguise his scent, but he didn't think of the possibility that Stryker was trying to lure him out, to use him.

For the few silent moments Bucky stood there, a bad feeling came to his chest. Something isn't right here, He thought to himself, Stryker's scent continuing to clog his nostrils. Why would Stryker hide in camp? If he was waiting to attack someone, he would have done it by now- Bucky thought too soon. Just as he was taking a step back, his thoughts were cut off abruptly, as Stryker burst out of his hiding place, and knocked the maine coon to the ground. He let out a loud yelp as his body came crashing down, which surely would grab attention. Bucky had no idea how he, a maine coon, is suppose to be able to fight off Stryker, a lion. His best option is to run, run! He'll get killed if he stays here any longer, someone who matches Stryker's size is better to fight him off than Bucky.

But as soon as Buckingham began to scramble to his paws, he froze at that one sensenation he's grown to hate and fear. Mental manipulation! Eyes widened, Bucky's heart began to beat quickly, as he realized what situation he just got himself into. Stryker purposely knocked Bucky to the ground, to get in his mind without any problems. He distracted Bucky, just like Ximen-- except things are a little different here. Ximen tore his leg off to get in Bucky's head, he had plenty more time to distract the maine coon. Stryker, on the other hand, didn't even have half of that time. Unfortunately for Stryker, the maine coon immediately began to fight the mental manipulation.

Fighting off mental manipulation isn't as easy as it sounds. Right now, his head is at war. It's like tug-of-war, Stryker is trying to pull Bucky into his claws, and Bucky's pulling away from Stryker with all of his might. It made his head pound and pound- certainly Stryker doesn't feel this pain, which is an advantage to the lion. Fighting off the manipulation also becomes tiring, as the headache makes it harder to keep going on. He's being drained mentally, and if Stryker doesn't decide the Winter Soldier isn't worth it anymore- then he's going to be in a huge amount of danger. He doesn't want to become Stryker's puppet, his fur began to bristle on it's ends, tufted ears flattening to his skull. "Stop," He growled out menacingly, his body shaking, metal claws digged deeply into the ground.

Another wave of headaches rushed into his head, gasping in pain as his mental walls of protection began to crumble down. He stumbled back a bit, hunching his shoulders with gritted teeth. Stryker's pull began to grow stronger and stronger, and Bucky's defense began to grow weaker. "Please, stop! Stop!" His menacing growl turned into raw fear, a desperate plea that would not reach Stryker's ears. This is exactly what Stryker wants, he's so close on bringing out the Winter Soldier. And that absolutely terrifies Bucky, while Buckingham looses control of himself, Stryker gains a new weapon. He'll be stuck as that machine, and will be used to murder his true clanmates- his members who he’s suppose to protect! If the Soldier is dragged out, he’ll practically hand over Sunhaven to Stryker-- as how would one expect a weapon to lead a clan? Considering he has no second command either, he feared this will be Sunhaven's demise.

"N-no..." He began to gasp out, unsure if he can hold on any longer, his final line of defense beginning to collapse.

[ feel free to open !! & set to present ]

Right when Bucky thought all hope was lost, Clarence leaped out of nowhere, intending to land on Stryker and pierce his back. His widened eyes watched Clarence attempt to tackle the horned lion, and when Clarence told him to go, run, Bucky couldn't budge. He felt like he was frozen, his paws shaking intensely. He was afraid, petrified that Stryker would get through to the Soldier, even with Clarence's attempts to distract the lion. The Soldier would try it's hardest to shred him, even if it got killed in the process. Come on Barnes, you're stronger than this! He tried to push himself, attempting to build up that barrier again. He could feel another intense headache coming his way, but all the pain will be worth it if he's the only one who's getting hurt.

Though, before the headache could come in full swing, Buckingham caught a glimpse of Steve, getting right between him and Stryker. The moment Steve leaped between him and his assailant, the Helion's gaze was no longer locked on the Adrent. His light blue eyes met Steve's, gleaming with panic, as if they were screaming for help! Steve was already helping him, even if he doesn't fully realize it-- Steve is putting a physical barrier between the two. "Hey c'mon, let's get outta here." Good idea, get Bucky out of the situation and away from the danger. Bucky wasn't able to make himself run off alone, but this time around-- he'll have Steve by his side. "Okay... Let's go," He said with a shaky tone, slightly leaning against the smaller tom, shoulders hunched.

"You're gonna make it."

Steve's words ran through his head, as he began to shakily step forward. Even though Steve's words of encouragement was short and to the point, it didn't have to be overly complicated to leave an impact on the male. He will make it out of here as Buckingham Barnes!