Like hell Buckingham was going to sit and wait to come up with a plan to get Fairylights and Wendell back.

Bucky's a former assassin-- he's a master at stealth. He's gone through missions for his former handler Ximen, that required him to be practically like a ghost. No witnesses were allowed, as back then, they'd jeopardize the whole mission. He can sneak easily into the Pitt without Stryker or any other Pittian noticing. Considering he lived in a territory like the Pitt, the hot climate won't slow him down. In fact, the hot sand will feel welcoming against his paw pads.

Knowing that his clanmates wouldn't allow him to leave by himself during the day, the Helion waited until the entire village were deep into slumber. Under the clear night sky, the maine coon silently made his way out of the village and territory. With his enhanced senses, he made sure to stay clear of any fresh scents, and stayed alert for any noises nearby. Thankfully, he didn't cross paths with any awake members, and if he picked up any noises- they wouldn't hear him unless they have enhanced senses too. Without any second thoughts, the male crossed the border, reminding himself to wash away his scent before he reaches the Pitt.

A few hours into the night pass by. The male traveled a good amount of distance, unable to see the Sunhaven mountains when he looks over his shoulder. He smirked at this, knowing that he's getting closer and closer to rescuing Fairylights and Wendell. While it's a good sign that he can no longer see Sunhaven, he has to quicken his pace. The night won't last forever, afterall.

When the former assassin finally arrived at the Pitt's border, his light blue eyes instantly landed on the Bloodbath River. There! The maine coon rushed down to the edge of the river, ears flattening at how cold the water felt as he emerged himself in. This probably wasn't the best river to take a little swim in, but besides the ocean at home, he didn't run across any streams. And if he traveled back to wash his scent away in the ocean, someone might've caught him there.

After being positive that his scent got washed away enough, he pulled himself out of the river, water dripping onto the sand. The Pitt reminds Bucky of his old home, even the scent along the border. But this place isn't making him miss his old home, he's glad he left. Living in Sunhaven made him realize how awful he used to be. This will be the last time he'll ever smell like a warbound member- the Helion rolled onto his back, sand particles sticking to his fur as the scent of the Pitt clang to his fur. Now that he smelt like a Pittian, the former assassin scrambled to his paws, and quietly made his way through their desert territory, ears and nose staying alert for any Pittians nearby.

When Bucky made it to their camp- it sounded quiet. They must be resting still, maybe they don't get up until after their blazing sun rises. He crouched low to the ground, tasting the air for Fairylights or Wendell. The scent he picked up on the most was Fairylights, her scent leading his way to her. His eyes lit up with excitement, she's so close! Due to this excitement, Bucky did the last thing an assassin should ever do. He ran in the middle of their camp, rather than sneaking his way through the shadows. Bucky should've assumed some Pittians were awake, and that thought slipped his mind until his body was slammed to the ground by the enemy. Landing roughly on the ground, his mistake began to sink into his chest as the enemy kept him firmly on the ground.

"My my! Stryker was right, he said you would come!" The voice said with a malicious laugh, before it sank it's teeth into Bucky's abodemen and lifted the maine coon. Bucky began to struggle at this, but the Pittian only laughed with Bucky between their jaws. Bucky thought they were going to bring him to another cell, but the Pittian was following Fairylights scent too. Why? He didn't smell Wendell there, was he in a different cell? If Wendell's in a different cell, then why would he be brought to Fairylights?

He didn't get to think this through for much longer, as he was suddenly thrown out of the enemy's jaws. He twisted his body mid throw, landing on his paws. As he swirled around, the cell bars slammed shut. "Uncle Bucky?" Fairylights's soft, scared voice met his ears, the Helion's eyes widening. He quickly turned around to see his niece, who looked distressed and traumatized. He didn't see any wounds, which is good. While he might be trapped in here with her, he'll find a way to get them out. "Fairy! Are you okay? Did they hurt you?" He questioned as he began to hurry over to her, but another voice spoke up before Fairy could reply at all.

"Finally, my weapon has arrived, and he even smells like us!"

Bucky froze, realizing the voice belonged to Stryker. Weapon. He called Bucky a weapon. His eyes widened, quickly stumbling away from Fairylights. He ran up to the bars of the cell, wanting to get out. Before he could attempt to squeeze through, Stryker's destructive claws ripped open his head. He tried to defend his mind like the first time, but Stryker learned where he went wrong. This time around, Stryker was ready for Bucky to put up a mental barrier. Bucky could feel strings wrapping around his neck, as if he was a puppet. He screamed out as the feeling got tighter and tighter, his defenses dropping, no one nearby to save him from this manipulation. He could barely hear Fairylights crying his name out when his mind shifted gears. His pupils turned to slits, and nearly instantly, the tom quieted down, his face blank.

"Wonderful, welcome back Winter Soldier. I am your new handler, Stryker. I have a mission for you."

The Soldier looked over at Stryker, pleased to hear it has a new handler. Marina was an awful handler, it never ordered it to kill anyone. She only ordered it to back off of 'targets'-- she had no idea how to use a weapon like the Asset properly. It will gladly obey Stryker. "Ready to comply"

"Your target is the feline who's in that cell with you. She is the enemy, kill her."

As soon as the order was given, the Soldier hear the she-cat begin to cry out, plead, and even call the Soldier a name that means nothing to it. it's cold blue eyes landed on his target, ears flattening to its cranium. For a moment, the enemy's eyes locked on them, and looking at her dead in the eye, his lip curled into a murderous snarl, revealing razor sharp teeth. Her voice meeting deaf ears, the Winter Soldier lunged for it's target and tackling her to the ground. As it went to bite out her neck, she screamed out loudly as it's teeth dug through her skin.

Bucky woke with a jolt, kicking off his blanket as he sat up on his bed. The Helion felt shaky, panting as Fairylight's scream rang out through his ears. It was just a nightmare. Fairylights is still alive, He told himself, as her scream began to fade away. His body shook just at the thought of going alone, if he was caught, Stryker surely would do something like that. He wouldn't have Steve to help him, or Clarence to fight off the Adrent. When we rescue Fairylights and Wendell, I refuse to go alone, He thought to himself as he curled up in a ball, knowing very much well that he won't get anymore sleep tonight.