Hello, friends, and welcome to 'Frequency'. This project was delivered on the wings of 'Europa' and 'Resident Evil 5', the latest installment in Capcom's horror series. As I compose this, I shall think of beloved friends. I wish to provide a certain angel with supreme inspiration, as she needs light to nourish her ever-glowing wings. And so, wielding love for the Old Snake/Chris couple, I will compose this trial of everlasting love.
Disclaimer: Metal Gear Solid and Resident Evil aren't officially attached to me. I would die to participate in the creation of either saga, but my destiny is taking me elsewhere.
Warning: Old Snake will participate in the display of human emotions. In addition to an emotional Snake, you'll find boy/boy love. If you're turned off by either of those elements, you'll be much happier elsewhere. Thanks for your consideration!
He cleansed his brow of sweat, but it was immediately replaced. Sweat walked down his body, born from the intolerably humid climate. He was one of the many people inside of an inhospitable box, conducting his life's symphony in the middle of oppressive heat. Despite the horrid conditions, though, he was able to uphold a smile. A smile melted into his watch as he checked the hands of time, ready to deliver a shipment to several customers. Officers were in need of their weaponry, and it was up to him to deliver it. Customized goods were in high demand!
"Well well well, pal of mine. Looks like we've got another day on our hands."
His sidekick, a small chimp named Little Grey, scampered onto his leg. "Five o'clock in the morning, and we've already jumped on a big roller coaster ride," the chimp's master said, removing a small clipboard from his shirt pocket. Several items were checked off, and the clipboard was returned to its haven. Resolution united with apprehension as he peered at the road before him, examining the camp of sleeping officers. He appeared to be calm and composed, but his heart was pounding upon battle drums. The previous night was far from kind, tormenting every mortal in its path. Four particular mortals were torn apart, spirits crushed by the night's raging beasts.
They were in their own corner, far away from the rest of civilization. The simple luxuries of humanity weren't known to them, for they had been cast into their dimension. Ponds and waterfalls stood in the place of sinks. Sleeping bags, bonfires and scattered rags replaced warm beds. The comforting qualities of family were attributed to all officers. Far away from the world they called 'home', the forces of light had united to secure life. Easier times held them apart, but an outburst of poison cemented them together-and would forever hold them together. Some believed that humanity couldn't endure irrepresible chaos, but recent trials caused eternal devotion to take flight.
The pursuers of the future were overwhelmed at times, almost forced into surrender. The previous night had managed to drag many hearts into black despair. Several had taken up the leadership cup, but even they were faltering before a silent storm. The hot, clammy environment, coupled with the meager food supply, didn't provide fire to the force's morale. The mortals might have been able to unite in their darkest time, but they were mortals after all-and mortals were not immune to pain. The heavy, inhumane atmosphere was enough to drag down the most valorous of officers. Their original targets were Liquid Ocelot and Albert Wesker, but the climate had become another enemy.
Their battle started off in the dark. The collective forces of BSAA and Roy Campbell shot out of the gate, working against unidentified beasts. A virus took flight in several areas of the world, pillaging villages and metropolitan cities alike. All officers worked together to liberate the wrecked areas, saving as many lives as possible. Once they arrived in a village of Africa, their tormentors became all too clear. Liquid Ocelot and Albert Wesker were at the head of things, laughing while they led their pursuers around on strings. Two particular legends weren't pleased with the identities of their enemies. One rivalry, during the previous night, struck an all-time high. A volcano exploded between the two combatants, and one combatant was left in the bitter, cold aftermath of the eruption.
Wesker emerged from the night victorious. He spent the preliminaries in laughter, mocking his constantly livid enemy while bathing in ecstatic dreams. He dreamt of a particular fish while taunting the fish's keeper, glowing with confidence. He battled against his immortal foe during the greatest night of their lives, and he emerged from their battle as the winner. He, a god of humankind, defeated the venerable Chris Redfield! He captured Heaven's gem, and to top off his cake, that gem belonged to Chris! Chris had laid claim to the gem's body, but the peon no longer had the honor of touching that body. Of course the gem had a wrinkled, torn-down body, but that was all right. Wesker enjoyed the idea of ravaging another's innocence, and the gem had the innocence of an infant. He definitely had the cutest blue eyes, the most radiant hair...
"Awww, you poor little thing. You're weeping over my flower, blaming me for your suffering, but he came to me of his own accord. I didn't force him along. I do understand why he chose me, though. I'm simply superior to you. You haven't even driven him yet. I'll make sure I'll put my mare to good use."
"You son of a bitch! Give him back! Give him back, NOW!"
At first, the Redfield didn't want to accept his lover's reasons for surrender. Wesker threw them all in his face, but he didn't want to absorb them. He certainly didn't want to accept Wesker's interpretation. The passage of time pressed the truth harder and harder into his face, making life unbearable. The exercise of breathing was intolerably difficult. He gradually came to accept his mate's reasons for surrender, but he did so with a heavy heart. Snake-
Snake.
Snake surrendered to protect him. He surrendered himself to protect him, Sheva, Hal and everyone else. He gave into the pain and suffering, just to protect the ones he loved. He literally threw himself into Wesker's arms, just to shield everyone else from harm. He surrendered because he believed himself to be unworthy of Chris. In his eyes, their relationship was practically unholy-and so Wesker won. Wesker won in the end. Wesker stole Snake away and-
Maybe it would be easier to use the name 'Epyon'. He sure as Hell wouldn't use the name 'David'. He heard Hal use it once, when a black pile of scarabs decided to lodge themselves beneath Epyon's skin. Epyon's mind almost snapped, and would have if Hal hadn't used his birth name. It all started when Epyon came out of a nightmare, shrieking at the top of his lungs and tearing at his chest. Officers were instantly roused, Chris rushed to his side, Sheva shielded Sunny-the night was a horrendous disaster. Wesker somehow managed to release scarabs into Epyon's skin, and all through a nightmare.
Hal's eyes had opened many hours ago. During their stay in Africa, the otaku's sleeping record had been small. He spent a meager two hours sleeping during the previous night, working heavily on his Mark II's features. Learning of his friend's capture, and seeing Chris's reaction to the loss of his beloved Snake (Hal could still think of his friend's name), he was determined to provide as much help to the team as possible. His adorable little gadget (which had entertained the officers on several occassions with dance routines) didn't have adequate features for the dank, enigmatic climate, so it was time for renovation.
Despite their powerful list of differences, Hal and Chris were able to become strong friends. The otaku thought of the officer as he worked, attaining his strength from the Redfield's well. If Chris hadn't been present, he'd be drowning in his own tears. Chris was a source of strength, valor and love. The officer, already burdened with his past, was a dedicated friend-and a heartbroken lover. The anime junkie just had to be strong for his friend-and for Sunny! Chris taught him how to be strong for his loved ones, and that's exactly what he'd do! He couldn't afford to spend any time at all in tears, no matter how dark the situation was!
"Hey. Morning."
The Mark II acknowledged Chris with a start. Straightening his glasses, Hal gave the speaker a warm smile. His hands returned to work as he spoke, providing the speaker with tender words. "Hello! Good morning," he said merrily, speaking as if they were sitting at a park. "I know this will probably be an idiotic question, but...how are you?"
"I've been better, thanks. And I can safely say the same about you."
If one had to describe Chris Redfield in a single word, the perfect word would be 'behemoth'. All one had to do was glance at him, and see he could use a single punch to knock every tooth out of a grown man. He had the rippling muscles of two grizzly bears, the stamina level of a thousand lions, and the valor of a wolf. Unfortunately, his last two attributes were sagging in their saddles. His soft green eyes were no longer green but red, watery and puffier than cirrus clouds. He looked as if he could knock down a skyscraper, but he was truly no better than a kitten in the game of strength. Hal acknowledged all of that with a soft, sad smile. "What's up?" the Redfield asked, walking closer to him. He soon sat down on a nearby box, peering at the inquisitive Mark II. Apparently, he didn't want to discuss anything about himself. And Hal understood why.
"Oh, just working out a few kinks. I've got to make sure the Mark II's ready for our upcoming assignments. In its current condition, it's just about as useful as a tin can."
"Bet you wouldn't have said that a while back," the Redfield said, giving him a slap on the back. "You're pretty proud of that little guy. Sure it was pretty useful to you before you came here."
Blushing, Hal continued to work out kinks. "Yeah well, things change and life happens," the otaku said gently, smiling. "We've got to make sure we're able to face every hurdle, every obstacle. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."
"Sorry," Chris said, grimacing. "I can't make shit right now, unless you fancy a cup of moldy lemon water. Really appreciate you working so hard on that, though. You should be proud."
"The Mark II is one of the three things I can be proud of," the otaku said sadly, lowering his head. "The other two are my relationships with you and Sunny. When it comes right down to the nitty gritty, though, my knack for science is my only good point."
Silence hovered between them for what seemed like an age. They said nothing, did nothing, and didn't even look at each other. The Mark II peered at the two of them pleadingly, waiting for one of them to say something. Chris eventually broke the silence, voice strained and weak. "I'm trying so hard," he began, bowing his head. "I'm trying so damn hard. I'm trying so hard to not think about him, but...it's not working. Nothing I do ever works. He's not here anymore, and...I can't ignore it. I can't ignore this gaping void in my life anymore."
Hal, looking very much like a puppy, focused his eyes on the Redfield. With every word Chris spoke, he came closer to tears-and that was easy for the otaku to understand. "He's gone and it's all my fault," the officer went on, peering out into the yellow, dirty ether. "I couldn't do a damn thing. He's with Wesker, and...I did nothing. I promised him I'd protect him, but look at the way things have gone. He's being fucked around by that filthy bastard, and I'm sitting here."
"Let's not forget our last conversations with him," the Emmerich said gently, rubbing his arm. "He thinks I can't be trusted."
"Yeah, and he thinks I'm a dumb-ass. Meanwhile, I'm in pain from loving him so much."
They fell into another round of silence, staring at the tumbleweeds that rode on the dusty winds. Their last minutes with Snake had been far from beautiful, due to an explosion of emotions. Chris's PTSD erupted two nights ago, almost resulting in his suicide. Sheva and Hal comforted the weeping, wailing officer, but all Hell soon broke loose. Snake stumbled upon the troubled trio, and with the arrival of the next morning came the arrival of his anger. Chris asked Snake if he was ready for breakfast, and Snake punched the living daylights out of him. He then turned on Hal, unleashing an intense wave of anger.
"I thought we understood each other! I thought I could trust you!"
Several hours later, Albert Wesker stole Snake out of their lives.
The old legend didn't like being kept in the dark, as Hal and Chris found out-the hard way. Chris, wanting to remain strong in his eyes, concealed his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from the old soldier's eyes. Only Sheva and Hal were aware of it. Neither of them knew of Snake's last contact with Sheva, and Snake certainly didn't know of Sheva's involvement with the situation. Hal let something slip during the nighttime explosion, giving his oldest friend just the right amount of ammo.
Everything was just painful. Too painful.
"I think we're both in the doghouse," the Emmerich said, making a frail attempt to lighten the mood. "Or should I say 'the time-out corner'?"
"The doghouse fits just fine," Chris replied, waving his hands. "I feel like I've been smacked in the ass with a wet newspaper, so I'll mope around in my little shack, thank you very much."
Hal pretended to fall into deep thought. "You know..." he began, rubbing at his chin. "Technically, you were dumped. Snake slugged you and ran off with Wesker! You really have been thrown in the doghouse!"
The Redfield was instantly wounded, but the offense was turned into a playful attempt at light merriment. Pretending to be livid, the officer rose from his box. "What in the Hell was that about?! I thought we were friends," he cried out, balling his hands into fists. "And for your information, Wesker scammed Snake into following him! That guy's a down-and-dirty, psychotic bastard!"
"Scammed? Really?" Hal asked innocently, batting his eyes. "Did your pal Wesker really drag Snake off, or did he choose to follow Wesker on his own?"
Growling followed those inquisitions. Beaming, the otaku returned to the Mark II's makeover. "Face it, my friend. You lost. You couldn't satisfy Snake, so he ran off with Wesker. And now you're pissed off. End of story."
"Yeah, well," the wounded dog said, eyes glued to the ground. "You helped me out, so you're no better than I am."
Sunshine melted all over the otaku's face as a slice of butter. "About that...I understand why you asked for my help. I don't choose to burden my loved ones with my troubles. I'd rather carry all of my problems to the grave than thrown them on the back of someone I love. Which leads me to a conclusion. I really shouldn't be your friend, because...I'm comfortable with you. I don't want to saddle Snake with anything, because he's got his own pain to deal with, but you...you cause everyone to feel secure. It's incredibly easy to talk to you about anything. I feel like opening up all of my wounds, just so you can assist me with them."
"Thanks," a blushing Redfield said softly, returning to his box. "I appreciate that. You can't imagine how much bull-shit I've heard from my world-wide fan club. Unfortunately, I wasn't open enough. Not for him, I wasn't. I pissed him off because I hid myself, and now he probably hates me."
The characteristics of a heart-broken child fell onto Hal's face. Placing a hand on Chris's shoulder, he spoke in a soothing tone. "You hid yourself because you didn't want him to worry," he said, dangerously close to tears. "You love him. You feel that your problems should be your own. You've got other outlets for your troubles, but when it comes to the one you love, you'd rather drown in every last bit of pain. It's the same for me. I'd rather hang myself than dump everything on you, Sunny, Sheva or Snake. I've got my gizmos and forums, but when it comes to the ones I love, I'd rather not be the clingy, needy and whiny child."
For a moment, Chris thought on those words. He then supplied the otaku with a gentle, loving smile. "You know, it's as if we've known each other. For years on end."
"Oh, and before we go any further," Hal said, raising a hand to stall Chris's additional words. "He doesn't hate you. He's angry at you, but he doesn't hate you. He's just a little wounded puppy, offended over an unfair punishment. He'll get over it, though, so there's nothing for you to worry about. Not in the long run. Just remember this for the future. The jig is up!"
"What about your situation?" the Redfield asked, turning to the other male. "Does he hate you, or is he just sulking right now?"
"Well...he's only sulking. Once he finds out you dragged me into your little scheme, he'll stop sulking and forget about everything. After all, I was your accomplice."
"Yeah," Chris said triumphantly, pointing at his chest. "Key word: accomplice! Choose your words more carefully, anime junkie!"
They shared laughter for a fleeting moment, then fell into silence. Hal's movements with the Mark II became slow and half-hearted, as though he had become occupied with another matter. He then turned to Chris, who was wringing his hands together-as he normally did in times in indecision or fear. "I have to ask you something," the otaku said kindly, eyes twinkling. "Is this the first time you've had other people to work with?"
The officer stiffened. "What do you mean?"
"Oh, I meant no harm," the otaku said, face glowing with affectionate admiration. "I just want to know if you've worked alongside others in the past. I mean, you're the type to take everything on your own shoulders."
"Yeah, well, I wish I had left Snake out of the whole Wesker situation," Chris snapped quickly, eyes flashing. Whenever he became angry, the speed of his speech elevated. "That prick is my problem. I shouldn't have exposed him to that sick fuck for a second. As for your question, I had a partner once. Name was Jill Valentine."
"Was?"
The Redfield looked very much like a disgruntled, pissed off cat. "I've got some kind of sick curse hanging over my head," the officer spat. "She's gone, I lost my sister, and now the man I love is holed up with a sex addict. Everyone I touch ends up stained, or dead. If Snake ends up following Jill I'll behead myself. Slowly."
His words might have been extreme, but his tone left behind NO DOUBT. And it would have been idiotic to doubt them. "I'm lucky to have you here," the officer growled, tightening his fists. "I'm nothing but a bad luck charm, and I hate myself for that."
"Once again, we've got something else to connect us," Hal said, shaking his head. "I feel the same way about myself. A few of my loved ones died because I touched them. I was in their lives, and because of my presence, they suffered the ultimate sacrifice. In other words, I killed them. I lost my sister too, but it didn't end there. Others have died, all on my account. Which explains why I'm so antsy about Sheva. I'm already apprehensive about Snake's situation."
"I have a feeling you aren't talking about him shacking up with Wesker."
"I'm not," the Emmerich said, lifting his glasses for the tenth millionth time. "I'm referring to his situation with the FoxDie virus. Wesker's not the only one playing with viruses, as you're about to find out. Snake became angry with you for hiding something, but there's something he didn't inform you of-and it was that virus."
Whenever Chris became intent on learning information, he leaned in closer to the source. "What are you talking about?!" the Redfield asked urgently, eyes gleaming with the intent to learn more. "What virus? What am I missing?"
"To make a long story short," Hal began, launching into 'pensive librarian' mode. "He was infected with the virus quite some time ago. I've lost track of the actual time. Created in a laboratory, the virus has the power to not only dampen a body's functions, but it also has the power to speed up time."
"What do you mean? I didn't fall in love with a Snake from the future or something, did I?"
An incredibly warm smile fell on Hal's face, equaling the radiance of his eyes. "Technically, you did. My friend isn't supposed to be in the body of a seventy year old man. He's actually supposed to be only forty years old. Unfortunately, the virus inside of his body thrust his aging process into overdrive."
"Son of a bitch--! Who gave it to him?! Liquid?"
"Actually, no," a sheepish Hal said, rubbing his neck. "The answer to your question falls into my department of mishaps. Someone else gave it to him."
Chris was probably the ideal student for every last one of his professors. "Is there a cure?" he asked instantly, still staring at Hal with great intensity. Momentarily taken aback, Hal fumbled with the Mark II for a second-then replied with a mournful smile. "Haven't found one yet," he replied, wishing he could have offered a more positive response. "I've been trying to so hard to locate one, but...as of late, I've been unlucky. And by the time I find one, it may be too late."
Skipping all of the 'why's and 'how's, Chris got right to the chase. "I'll be damned before I let some virus kill him," the Redfield snarled, mocking the virus's power. "I'll be fucking damned before anything-or anyone-kills him! Mark my words, I'll get him out of that hellhole AND give him a cure!"
"Dingo," Hal said softly, using the nickname Chris received from Sunny. "You were able to cure his stomach-ache."
"Don't under-estimate me, Hal. Put your faith in me."
"I already have," the otaku said, eyes filling with tears. "And I'll never take it away."
Additional cement into their friendship was silenced by the appearance of a tiny robot. Much tinier than Hal's Mark II, it slowly crept up to the duo-and hit Chris on the leg. Officer and otaku exchanged a look of astonishment, then Chris released a sigh. "Sunny," Hal said gently, brown eyes focused on the small robot. He set his own Mark II aside. "how long you have been listening?"
"I'm afraid I heard everything, Father," a twenty seven year old goddess said sweetly. "I do apologize for the intrusion, but I just had to catch everything you two were saying."
Chris leapt off his box. "Sheva?!"
"That's right, partner," the tiny robot said, dancing triumphantly. Chris turned to Hal with a playful grimace, pretending to be disappointed in something.
"For shame. You had the nerve to talk about me, but you can't even be a good father! You exposed your daughter to a bad influence!"
"Oh shut up," the Chibi Mark II said, heart nuzzling against Chris's. "For the record, Sunny is right here with me."
"Doesn't change anything. You ruined a client's daughter! You should be ashamed of yourself, Sheva! I thought you adored children!"
While a blushing Hal fell into a soft stream of laughter, Sheva and Chris (otherwise known as Nataku and Dingo) shared another round of banter. "I do, for your information, and I'm awfully fond of Sunny," the Chibi Mark declared proudly, putting its hands on its hips. "She's fond of me, so that end's all polished. Things are quite easy for Hal, wouldn't you agree?"
Hal's laughter stopped. "Wh-wh-what?! What are you-what you are talking about?!"
"Oh, and as you both know, my relationship with Snake isn't exactly rocky. I worship the ground he walks on. So everything's all right there, too. Now I just have to wait for Hal to get off his rear end and court me."
"By 'court' do you mean 'f'-"
"Now wait a minute," Hal cried out, rising out of his makeshift seat. "Sheva, what are you s-s-saying? Are you saying-"
A sigh came from the Chibi Mark II. "Oh, come on, 'Otacon'. I think you're the most adorable thing in the world! I've had my eyes on you ever since we first met! What do you think I am, slow? And don't give me that crap about bad luck charms. I'm not exactly the luckiest person in the world myself, as you all found out last night. We can be bad luck charms together!"
"B-b-but-"
"Don't worry, Nataku," a small maiden said merrily, voice coming through the chibi robot. "Daddy's just shy. But a few nights ago he told me something. He thinks you're 'a sexy, drop-dead gorgeous Aphrodite'. He also said he feels like Keiichi, and you're Belldandy."
Before Sheva could say the word 'kinky', a blushing otaku desparately rose to his own defense. "Now that's not fair, honey," he cried out, exploding with embarrassment. Meanwhile, Chris found that he couldn't stop laughing. "What's not fair?" Sunny mewled innocently, certainly rubbing at her chin. "You said all of that stuff! It's all true!"
"So your daddy's been having fantasies of me, then?" the svelte Alomar said cheekily, eyes glowing. "Ooo. Aren't I excited?"
"Hey, Hal," the Redfield snickered, slapping the Emmerich on the back. "Sheva's not high off of your anime shows, so the whole 'Keiichi and Belldandy' thing's giving off freaky signals."
"I can explain it to her," a tiny maiden offered cheerily, raising one of the Chibi Mark's hands. "See, Nataku, Keiichi and Belldandy are in this show called-"
"All right now, that's quite enough," a flustered otaku said, lifting Chibi off the ground. "Sunny, did you finish making breakfast with Miss Alomar?"
"Sure did," the little flower said, while Sheva muttered: I thought my name was Belldandy. "Come and get some, or it'll be all gone! People are really hungry around here!"
"Don't blame 'em," the Redfield said, voice holding a combination of warm happiness and grief. "Great job, munchkin. Sheva probably poisoned her customers, but I'm sure your customers will enjoy a healthy, hearty meal."
"Th' name's Belldandy, thank you," the Alomar snapped playfully, flicking Chibi's arms at her partner. "And stop harassing me, or I'll eat your portion!"
"Fine, fine. I may as well eat your gruel, considering it'll be the last thing I'll eat for a while."
Not another word was said. The Mark II jumped from its station and began to follow Chibi Mark II. Both robots slowly made their way towards the meal area, followed by a silent otaku and BSAA officer. The four of them knew they had shared their last round of banter and laughs. The four of them knew joke time and play time had come to a bittersweet end.
All four of them knew of the danger that stood before them, but all were ready to face it.
This was composed to 'Preliator' by Globus, 'Nara' by ES Posthumus, 'The Time Has Come/Shall Never Surrender' by Jason 'Shyboy' Arnold (GREAT HAL/CHRIS ANTHEM XD), and 'Access the Animus' by Jesper Kyd. I can actually see Hal and Chris walking in slow motion at this point, with 'Beyond the Bounds' (Zone of Enders II) playing in the back ground. Wouldn't that be perfect? XD
Keiichi and Belldandy are characters of the 'Oh My Goddess!' anime series. They're actually in the leading roles! Keiichi is your every-day school guy, and Belldandy's the beautiful, gorgeous goddess that ends up in his lap. XD
What did you think of Chibi Mark II? I thought it would be adorable for Hal and Sunny to share the Mark II connection. Chibi belongs to Sunny, and Sunny taught Sheva (whom she affectionately calls Nataku) how to use it. As for Sheva's nickname, I have Sunny refer to her loved ones (outside of Hal, who she calls 'Daddy') as anime/video game characters. Nataku is the name of a mobile suit from the Gundam Wing series, and is piloted by one of the series's strongest characters. Sheva's nickname compliments Snake's nickname (Epyon), which is also the name of a mobile suit. Chris's nickname, Dingo, came from Dingo Egret of Z.O.E II. By the way, Hal has a wallpaper of Dingo Egret on his laptop inside of MGS4. XD
The Chris/Hal dialogue was made for The Big Boss. XD He expressed her interest in their friendship inside of 'Europa', so I decided to actually give them dialogue for 'Frequency'. I adore their friendship, and actually think they'd be quite adorable if they actually met up in a game. XD Hal IS the cutest thing on two feet, and Chris's personality is a winner. I love how easy he is to get along with! XD
So! How did you like the first round of Frequency? This was pretty kick-butt for me. XD I made darn tootin' sure that this project would be packed with amazing detail. It won't match the brilliance of 'Crossfire', but you can expect this entire adventure to be nothing short of astounding. I think we've already gotten off to a flawless start. XD
Thanks for checking this out! Hopefully I was able to provide my friends with at least a tiny push of inspiration. XD