(Hi all! Was playin' Resident Evil and I had to write a short story about the 'Prison Scene'- enjoy!)
My breath was heavy due to running, but it may also be due to fear, though I would never admit it to Ashley- she'd only worry, and she would lose faith in me. My duty was to protect her, and here I am, hesitating to continue our escape from this place. I glance her way, and she looks at me, her brown eyes boring into my soul, questioning my uncertainty. I sigh- it was now or never. I step towards the doorway in front of me, and Ashley, loyal as she was, follows.
"Wait!" I instruct her.
The last thing I wanted was for her to get hurt down here; she's the most precious thing on this earth right now. She stares at me in confusion, if not questioning my decision to leave her, but nods in understanding. I force a small smile and continue my journey through the door and down the stairs.
The first thing I realised was how dark it was down here; I would never have seen the gun in my hand if it wasn't for the light shining down like a beacon from the top of the stairs. The second thing was the smell; rotting flesh, and stale blood. I looked around, willing my eyes to adapt to the darkness, but I see no bodies, no monks, nothing. I blink, and move forward, deeper into the cell. I knew what I was looking for- a switch of some sort, but finding it was proving more difficult than I thought. I search the wall, running my hand along it to find a dent, handle, anything that could be used to turn off the flamethrowers upstairs. Nothing. The wall was clear save for a few insects and slime. Sighing in frustration, I keep searching. I look to the stairs- Ashley is looking around her, watching out for monks that may appear. She returns my gaze to assure me it was all clear. I nodded in return.
Suddenly, my hand brushes something cold and hard, a soft metallic ring sounding through the cell. I look down, to find a giant bell.
'What the…?'
My head shoots up in panic at the sound of movement. I frantically look around for the source of the sound. Again, nothing. I feel my heart rate begin to increase, my breath becoming quicker, now the only sound heard. The rustling begins again. I slowly approach the sound, careful with my footing and my gun raised to the side of my head to point towards the ceiling. I sneak a glance around the corner and my breath catches in my throat. It truly was a prison, but for something more dangerous than that mad man with the chainsaw.
There, chained to the wall behind a weak cell door, was a large man armed with a chest plate, wrist armour and a heavy looking helmet. Quite frankly, he scared the life out of me. I prayed that I wouldn't have to disturb him, but somehow, I knew he already knew I was here. Catching my breath, but losing the colour in my face, I spot the switch beside the beast. I couldn't help but groan quietly at my luck. The monster's head moves slightly in my direction. I take a few seconds to rally myself into entering his cell…then I move forward.
I test his reaction by kicking down the door and jump back- he makes no move to chase me. Maybe he was asleep on his feet from waiting, maybe my luck was turning for the better. I approach and stop at the doorway.
'You gotta do it,' I think to myself, 'just get it over with…'
Closing my eyes for a brief second, I run forward and hit the switch. I didn't know if it worked, because, right now, I was a little pre-occupied panicking at the maniac that had now escaped by breaking down half the wall, now free from his chains and standing in front of me. I knew it was too good to be true!