Minca

Minca was alone her mother had been killed by poachers and she was left alone at 4 months of age. She was starting to go hungry as she had resorted to eatting her dead mother. Now there was only fur after months of surviving off of her. The young mountain lion moved over the mount range with no trouble even when it seemed like you could move on something.

Ashleigh Foreman & Nike

She needed peace, and Nike required exercise. Even on their off days, Ashleigh felt like they were still constantly going. With the shift in weather, the prolonged days of sunlight and temperate air temperatures, Ashleigh drove Nike out to the mountains. After parking at the head of the one of the trails, Ashleigh and her loyal Belgian Malinois set off up the trail.

It was midday when they reached a part of the trail. Sweat sticks to her skin; causing the free tendrils of her brunette ponytail to cling against her neck and cheeks. The off-duty officer draws in a deep breath, whistling to her wandering dog for him to return. Ashleigh pauses to take a drink of water, procuring a bowl from her hiking backpack to share with Nike. The moment she sets the bowl down, Nike shows very little interest in the water sitting at his paws. Instead, the dog's mahogany gaze fixates itself into the underbrush beyond their stopping point. He whines softly, nose twitching. Ashleigh follows his gaze, silently curious as to what the hell her dog could sense, and slightly worried if it was a pissed-off predator or something harmless. You could never tell with the Valley wildlife.

Minca

The younger snow leopard tried to hunt, she had watched her mother once but Minca didn't understand size difference yet or what another predator would look like. So hunkered down in the brush she eyed the human crouching down and the canine. Was it worth it? Well she figured if she didn't get food now she'd probably dry so just as her dog got wind of her she ran and lunged at the dog, for what ever reason seamed like the easier target even though he was taller then her. She was fater.

Ashleigh Foreman & Nike

A flash of white and gray dashes through Ashleigh's peripheral vision. At first she taken aback by the little creature, eyes wide as she registers the unfolding issue. Minca latches onto Nike's shoulder. The large dog yelps, more so in surprise than due to any infliction from the kit's claws and teeth. Ashleigh's jaw drops with dismay as she lurches forward, grabbing for the kit's scruff in an attempt to haul Minca from her dog. "Hey!" She hollers, hoping her loud voice will momentarily shock the little predator.

Minca

The young cub knew her teeth weren't exactly the type for killing yet, she had just started being able t ostear into meat. However; even as she latched on something grabbed his scruff and his body momentarily went limp. However; when his mind realized it wasn't her mother she hissed and struggled.

Ashleigh Foreman & Nike

Upon Ashleigh freeing him from the leopard kit, Nike stumbles several feet away with a low growl. He whips around, teeth barred at the little fluff of ferocity. Ashleigh isn't quite sure what to do, holding on tightly while the kit squirms. There isn't anything logic to do but let it go, allowing the kit to fall the short distance to the ground. She hops to her feet, trying to avoid giving the kitten any opportunity to shred at her. To Nike, Ashleigh commands, "Back down" in a stern, commanding voice.

Ashleigh leans slight towards the kitten, waiting for its next move. It was an endangered species, and it appeared hungry and alone. While Ashleigh wasn't the sort to meddle with wildlife, she knew she didn't have that option with Minca.

Minca

Now that she failed in attempting t kill the dog she was scared. she grunted as she was dropped and then she attempted t turn and run. She'd run back to her deceased mother trying to get comfort from her.

Ashleigh Foreman & Nike

The kitten disappears back into the overgrowth, leaving a very-stunned Ashleigh and Nike back on the trail. For a moment, the young woman considers the snow leopard kit. She reaches up, running her fingers through her brown hair with a huffing sigh. Something felt off about the kit, and the feeling dwelled in Ashleigh's gut. Thrusting her backpack from her shoulders, she digs into the depths to retrieve a small baggy of jerky. Nike wags his tail, whining softly as Ashleigh first tosses him a stick of the meat. Then Ashleigh grabs another piece.

Holding out the hand that she had grabbed Minca with, Ashleigh calls Nike over to sniff. "Nike, track," She commands. The dog lowers his nose to the ground, trotting forward into the overgrowth. Ashleigh follows closely, hoping maybe a little food and a welcoming disposition would change Minca's mind on the duo.

Minca

Minca was now currently curled up next to her deceased mother who was clearly shot in the head. Her little ears twitched when she heard brush moving but didn't get up.

Ashleigh Foreman & Nike

It's Nike who steps out from the brush not far from Mina and her dead mother. The dog halts, shoulders ridged as he pants and glances back at his master. He keeps his distance, both based off of discipline and the fact that Minca had sunk her little dagger-teeth into his fur minutes ago. The Belgian Malinois leans back into a sitting position.

Ashleigh breaks through the brush into the small shaded clearing. A little gasp escapes her mouth as she sees the aging corpse of the kit's mother. She crouches down into a squat, standing just a pace ahead of Nike, but still a safe distance from Minca. Extending her arm, Ashleigh flashes the bit of jerky for Minca to see. Inwardly, she prays the kit takes the bait. "Come on, little sweetie," Ashleigh coaxes in a gentle voice.

Minca

The young snow leopard cub watches the dog and then the two legger. She sees something in her hand and then smells smething. It didn't smell exactly like meat but her stomach didn't seem to care as it growled. She got up and slowly and hesitantly began creapping toward the two legger. She stopped when all she'd have to do is reach with her mouth to grab the piece of food which she made to did with a quick bite.

Ashleigh Foreman & Nike

A wave of elation passes through Ashleigh as Minca approaches her. Her breath catches at the kit procures the jerky, slowly retracting her hand to fish into her pocket where the remaining jerky is stored. She carefully produces another piece for Minca, her brown eyes glimmering. "There you go, baby," She murmurs. "You look hungry, sweetie. God knows how long you've been alone."

Minca

Minca had gotten lucky no predators bigger then her had come to grab a feast, though the vultures kept coming and left when she chased them. She chewed the jerky and grabbed the next one without getting any closer. Her ears twitched.

Ashleigh Foreman & Nike

For a moment, Ashleigh considers grabbing another piece of food for the frightened kit. But instead she keeps her hand extended towards the leopard, shifting until she's seated on the cool forest floor. She inches slightly forward, still maintaining the distance Minca had set. "Come here," She whispers, "I won't hurt you. I just want to be friends." A little smile tugs at her lips, as if the snow leopard could read human facial features. The little thing wasn't going to survive out on these mountains for much longer, and while Ashleigh wasn't quite sure her plans once she got this kit to trust her, she wasn't going to leave Minca alone.

Minca

Minca didn't know what to think of this human but she didn't seem all that bad as she took another and slowly began to inch closer. When very close she started nudging at her pockets looking for more. Until she heard a vulture land and she turned and ran at it scaring it off from her mother before returning to the two legger.

Ashleigh Foreman & Nike

Fingers coarse around Minca's soft, spotted fur. A little laugh escapes her mouth as she fiddles out a small piece of jerky and offering it to the kit as a reward for approaching. "There you go," She breaths. The sudden flap of wings of the landing vulture causes Ashleigh to flinch, and a low growl to emit from Nike's throat. Minca rushes the giant creature, sending it back into the sky. Ashleigh gazes with awe, her heart breaking at the sight. When Minca returns to her vacinity, Ashleigh scratches at her head. "I'm sorry, baby," She whispers.

Nike can no longer contain his curiosity. In most cases the trained dog would keep his post until Ashleigh made her command, but he's never seen a creature such as Minca. The dog inches forward in an army-like crawl, his head poking out from Ashleigh's side. "Hello, cat," Nike greets in a low voice, chocolate colored eyes. He's not forgotten Minca's assault, but witnesses his human's kindness towards the snow leopard and decides she's safe.

Minca

Minca wanted her mother to wake up so badly but deep down she knew she wouldn't. She took the next piece and ate it and then hissed as the dog came forward but didn't not back off either. Food kept her there. She didn't respond not use to canines being nice.

Ashleigh Foreman & Nike

Ashleigh grows stiff when Minca hisses at Nike, her hand still brushing along the kitten's fur. "Shhh," she hushes, glancing back at Nike with a twitch of annoyance. Nothing could qualm Nike's curiosity, a flaw his trainers had noted despite clearing him to work.

"Hey," Nike continues, wagging his tail. The dog's ears flick down as he shows his submission in the presence of the cat. "It's okay...I'm friendly. I mean, that's probably for you to judge, but if you trust my human, you can trust me. I promise!"

Minca

She ate the piece of food ad still kept looking fo more.I trust no oneShe mumbled glancing back at her deceased mother.

Ashleigh Foreman & Nike

Ashleigh sits quietly, caught between fishing out more food and showering the kit with affection.

Nike chuckles, tongue lolling from his mouth. "Hmm, perhaps rightfully so..." Nike muses with a distant tone. A little sigh releases from the dog as he follows Minca's gaze to her deceased mother, bowing his head. "How long have you been....alone...?"

Minca

Minca ate what ever the women produce. One ear on her and the dog the other listening for the vultures. I don't know, Three weeks?She said.

Ashleigh Foreman & Nike

Ashleigh begins to fish her cell phone from her pocket. She isn't quite sure what to do with Minca. There's got to be a conservation group that would take the kitten. Perhaps the zoo? Reception out here sucks, but Ashleigh determinedly tries to search out her options.

Nike frowns, ears twitching sadly. "I'm sorry," he apologizes. "Not...not all humans are bad..."

Minca

Minca just snorted at the dog as the human pulls something out and starts fidgeting with it. She kept trying to find more food but when none came she made to moved back to her deceased mother.

Ashleigh Foreman & Nike

Data speeds are archaic on the mountaintop. Several unloaded webpages later, Ashleigh decides to trash that idea. She'll figure that out later. She crawls slowly towards Minca, kissing her lips together. She'd bring the kitten with her back into town, and find a place for someone to properly raise Minca later. "Hey, sweetie," Ashleigh coos, "Wanna go on a little adventure with me?" She reaches out to brush Minca's fur, trying to relax the kitten. Minca wasn't going to be happy with being removed from her dead mother, so Ashleigh knew she'd have to be patient with the kit.

Minca

She let the women aproach. She wouldn't of fed her if she was gonna harm her, or atleast that was what she thought. She let her pet her eand just tilted her head at her.

Ashleigh Foreman & Nike

Ashleigh reaches over, gently grabbing Minca under her front legs. She attempts to maneuver the snow leopard kit onto her lap. "Come here," she beckons with a warm smile.

Minca

Minca allows it curling up into her tired. She didn't see any reason to not let her.

Ashleigh Foreman & Nike

Drawing in a steady breath, Ashleigh courses her fingers through the kitten's smooth fur. The little thing looks tired, and Ashleigh hope to coax her into relaxation before attempting to remove Minca from her deceased mother. She suspects it won't be an easy feat, but the kitten can't continue living alone in this wilderness. Somewhere in the city, someone would be able to give the starving kit a proper home and raising. Out her, Minca would succumb to the wilderness. Ashleigh remains stock-still on the forest floor, the only move the gentle running of her fingers across Minca's pelt as she hummed gently. "Sleepy kitty," she sings softly, gazing down with a little smile forming along her lips.

Minca

The young kit soon fell into a fitful sleep. Dreaming of her mother and her running around and playing.

Ashleigh Foreman & Nike

There's a while where Ashleigh remains in the same post, allowing Minca to slip into her slumber. There's another while where she stares at the dead body of Minca's mother, her heart breaking as she fathoms the miserable days Minca has spent alone, and hungry, and afraid. Finally, Ashleigh unfurls her legs and slowly rises to a standing position, cradling Minca gentle in her arms. "I'm going to find you a home," she whispers promisingly. She glances around the forest, glancing once more that the body of the mother "I'm sorry, momma. I'll make sure your baby gets a good home."

Minca

Minca slept slowly so deep in sleep that her dreams vanished. She was not aware of Ashleigh getting up.

Ashleigh Foreman & Nike

She takes Minca down the mountain, sure to be quiet and smooth in her movements. At her car, she places the snow leopard kit on a sprawled out sweatshirt in the passenger seat. Whistling, Nike bounces into the back seat. Ashleigh draws in a steady breath, pulling up the directions for the zoo on her phone. "Let's start there," Ashleigh muses to herself, swinging into the drivers' seat.

Minca

She did get up and turn in a circle but fell back to sleep.