Thread: Top of the Foodchain (kaigen and Darkangel)

It was amazing how different life had become in such a short amount of time. And now on the road, so far away from home, it was even more apparent than ever. Taryn couldn't help but watch how the highways had changed as she sped along in her Jetta. What had once been a major roadway had transformed into a ghost town, a metal graveyard she had no want nor will to explore. Sure she had her choice of vehicles to scout and search, but the effort just didn't seem worth it. Not when it was getting harder and harder to find working gas stations and any delays she made heading to Ohio increased her risk in ensuring she'd be able to get what she needed to make it. That meant she only stopped when she had to. Taryn rolled up her window, her dark hair no longer whipping about her face and shivered. The air was colder in...West Virginia. Yes, she'd finally made it that far. It was hard to believe she'd been driving for so long on her own with barely any resources. But she had and she was proud of that. The roads twisted and turned, running in ways that made her tummy ache and her ears pop. But at least she knew she was about half way to Cleveland. Suddenly, she thought about her uncle, what he might think when she showed up. Would he even be there? Of course he would. He had to be. Taryn wouldn't accept that everyone in her family was gone. It was bad enough that everyone in her family had been taken by the disease. All the precautions in the world and the only one still very much alive from her family was her. It couldn't be a coincidence. But dwelling on such things frightened her. Taryn finally saw signs for a rest stop and decided that it would be nice to stretch her legs for a bit before forging on ahead. She pulled off and parked and then locked car. She missed her dance studio, the rigorous workouts, the performances. If things hadn't gone to hell, her performance in Sleeping Beauty would've been a success. She'd have gained the attention of every choreographer and director and the audience would've loved her. She'd be asked to star in the next one. Somehow, she just knew it. But it wasn't meant to be. With a heavy sigh, Taryn checked the trunk. She rummaged through her suitcase and pulled out a pale pink hoodie to slip on over her bare arms. The low cut tank was just not enough as the sun slowly began its descent beyond the horizon. Goose bumps had formed on her pale skin and the moment she put the thing on, she let out a sigh of relief. She rubbed her arms over top the material, the gesture squishing her breasts together causing the swells to peek just above the deep neckline. Her eyes then caught sight of the dark green peacoat she'd thrown into trunk and she giggled softly, shaking her head. She'd gotten the coat as a gift. At the time, she thought it frivolous and silly. But now, she was glad she had one. Given how cool the air felt, it would be useful when winter came. Grabbing a water, Taryn closed the trunk and got back in the car. She revved the engine and pulled back onto the deserted highway. Her thoughts drifted back to Miami, what she might be doing right then if she hadn't decided to make the road trip to Cleveland. More than likely, she'd probably be heading to her parents house for dinner, her brother would be there too. But none of that could happen. They were all dead and gone. And so was nearly everyone she knew. The hospitals had become crowded, her apartment becoming a place to house the overflow. It rendered homeless, alone, with nothing. Everything she had was in the car. Just then, Taryn slammed down on her brakes. She saw a silhouette flash before her eyes. But it was too late. She hit whatever it was, causing her car to skid, the airbag to deploy. Despite it all, it did nothing to ease the pain she felt as her face struck the bag and the her head the seat in which she was sitting. When she came to a stop, she immediately glanced around and tried to start the car. The Jetta wouldn't start. Taryn frowned, her blue eyes filling with tears. Start, damnit! she shouted. But it was no use. The bag slowly deflated against the steering wheel, dust and debris settling about her and causing her to cough. No, no, no... Panic was beginning to consume her. She was stranded! Alone! Taryn swung her door open and stepped outside. She kicked the tire and immediately the tears began to fall. Panicking, she raked her hands through her long, dark waves and bent over to catch her breath. A loud sob finally bubbled up and she couldn't help it. She let herself cry, slowly accepting that this was her new reality...and she'd made it so far! Frantic, desperate, Taryn glanced around for something. Anything. Just then, she saw something peculiar in the distance. Smoke! Taryn allowed herself to feel a glimmer of hope as she sniffled and wiped her tears away with her sleeve. Smoke meant people. At least that was what she'd been taught. Opening her car door, she grabbed her purse, phone, charger and water. She then retrieved the flashlight and some batteries along with the scissors. After locking things up, she set her jaw and made her way toward the smoke. It was rough going in the woods. Taryn was a city girl, not used to such things. But the idea of being so close to people, to help...it was more than enticing. As she neared the smoke, a smile lit up her face and a giddy warmth washed over her. It wasn't long before a delicious smell reached her nose and made her tummy rumble. Finally, she came upon a clearing and, in her excitement, ran out into it, catching sight of a welcoming cabin. She squinted her eyes and saw a figure sitting there, just relaxing, seeming to enjoy his day. Elated to see a friendly face she ran up to the man. Hello? Taryn spoke, her cheeks reddened and she suddenly felt shy. As Taryn walked closer, the food so tantalizing as the aroma wafted her way as it sizzled on the grill, she wondered if she'd be welcome. Food and resources were becoming limited. But so was companionship. It had been a while since she'd seen anyone who appeared healthy and it didn't hurt that he was easy on the eyes. Yes, times were hard. They were scary. And she was in need of help. Sorry to bother you, I... she gave him a smile. My name's Taryn. Taryn Carlyle. She bit down on her lower lip and clasped her hands together. My car had trouble and I saw the smoke so...would you mind helping me with my car? Please?