The characters from the game belong to Capcom. The background story and other characters are mine.
Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
A/N: I'm not English native speaker, so you might find some typos or grammar mistakes, I do apologize for that.
PROLOGUE
And once again another battle, another mission. Chris Redfield, one of the original founders and now a Captain of the BSAA - Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance - was leading his team in the field into a new outbreak in an old European country called Bohma, in the spring of 2010.
Chris, his second in command Piers Nivans and some other soldiers were battling the creatures when at a distance, Chris heard someone screaming and when he looked at the direction of a yellow building corner, he spotted a young woman running in despair from a new zombie-like type.
She stumbled and fell on the ground. Immediately, Captain Chris Redfield ran to her rescue and shot the threatening creature killing it.
"Are you alright? Did it hurt you or something?" he asked as he knelt down to give her an aid
"Thank you for your help. I'm alright, not a single scratch." The woman replied to him with a smile, as he helped her to stand.
They didn't let go of each other's hand and held on it tightly, as if their hands were hugging each other; their skin separated only by the fabrics of their gloves. Their lips curved up into slight smiles, as their eyes met for the very first time. Although, this probably wasn't the time but still Chris took a moment to take in the delicate features of the woman standing before him.
The woman had fair skin with a slight pinkish hue that had a majestic glow of its own; it was like those pink pearls in the necklace, which one of the senior members of his family has. Her silky hair was long and wavy, the color of which reminded of him of the fiery red-hot flames. And her gorgeous, emerald-like eyes didn't fail to hypnotize him.
They slowly let go of each other's hand and stepped away from each other but Chris couldn't take his eyes away from the enchanting lady standing in front him. He was already checking her out before he realized it himself.
The woman was wearing an eye-catching red colored short dress that had a lustrous plain silk covered by a semi-transparent embroidered mesh fabric, which had a floral design. It reached down until her knees, showing off her smooth and toned legs. The boat-shaped neckline was modest and the translucent sleeves covered three-fourths of her delicate arms. She also had a matching silk hooded cape tied around her shoulders, with the hood covering her head. There were no two thoughts about the fact that she looked absolutely fascinating.
The time seemed to freeze as his memory kept every single detail of her in a glimpse. That wasn't the typical of him to lose his frame of mind at such proportion while still being on the field. He couldn't help it this time. There was something about her… He was mesmerized.
"Chris, is everything all right here?"
Chris heard at a distance Piers' voice talking to him when in fact his second in command was standing right at his side.
Chris frowned returning to his senses, "Yeah… everything is fine" he answered him without taking his eyes from the young redhead woman
"Miss, what are you doing in part of town? You can't stay here. All the inhabitants should've had been evacuated!" Piers spoke with an authoritarian tone
"I know… but I just couldn't leave this behind…", she spoke looking over at the bag, which seemed to be a painting or canvas carrying case
"You risked your life and my Captain's for a board?" Piers spoke in slight disbelief, as lines of surprise ran across his face
The woman looked down seemingly embarrassed, "This is not merely a board. It's my work" she replied with a failing voice
Chris couldn't take the younger man behavior. His tone and the woman's reaction annoyed him, "Piers, go assist the others from where you shouldn't had left. I can handle here!" he spoke with a serious demeanor
"I just wanted to check on you since…"
"I'm fine! Now go!" the captain ordered his subordinate, taking advantage of his authority.
Piers sighed with a shrug and left in silence.
"I'm sorry for taking you from your duty and giving you so much trouble…" the woman looked down in embarrassment with an apologetic tone
"You don't have to be sorry. My duty is to help people." he spoke with a comforting tone, smiling softly at her
She smiled weakly with a nod, "Thank you…"
"By the way…" he cleared his throat, "What's your name?"
"My name is Angelina"
The hazel eyes encountered the emerald-like ones and a strong wave of sensations cored through their bodies…
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Unaware, this is when their paths crossed again but not when their story actually began…
Chapter One
17th Century
At about age 17 Christopher Reed went to Bohma with his guardian to serve for the next years. He took part in Cardinal's diplomatic voyages, and was knighted by Carl Brandon, 1st Duke of Bohma during his first major military experience, the invasion of Baveen. At the age 21 he became a Knight of the Body, and sometime later he was responsible for the King's body armor as Master of the Tower Armory. Being the most skillful of his generation, both on foot and on horseback, he excelled in wrestling, archery, and the tournaments of the royal court.
However, it was during a battle at the limits of Bohma that his fate changed forever. After surviving an ambush and running away from chasers, without any other option available, seriously injured he jumped in the river – to die or to live, it did not matter – he was not willing to be a prisoner of the enemy.
(*)
Angelique Stafford a simple 17 year old girl with many talents such as writing, drawing, painting, dancing, swimming and singing, among other talents. She lived most of her life in the countryside with her mother who always supported her in everything. Daughter of a soldier, she never had much contact with her father and their weak bond got even more shaken after his second marriage to a vain and greedy woman who left poorness due to the marriage and always demonstrated to dislike Angelique and anyone that existed before her in the man's life.
Angelique's life changed when her mother died from an illness, which forced her to go living with her absent father and hatred stepmother.
One day, during a visit at the old simple house she lived with her mother near a lake, at early dawn when she was lost in her thoughts, she heard a strange noise and a weird movement in the water. Standing up to take a better close, her eyes widened when she took notice it was a man about to drown. Not taking any hesitation, the young woman jumped in the cold water and swam in the direction of the exhausted and struggling man who wore a military outfit.
"Sir, stay with me. We're almost at the shore"
It was still mostly dark. Everything passed in disturbing silence. In the early dawn, only the noises of the nocturnal animals seemed to give life to the shaded landscape of wherever he was.
In a window, in the dark, a quiet semi-naked muscular figure watched in silence the darkness that was ended, and the rise of the morning beginning.
His face was pale and watched the lake course, discovering the first weak rays of light that shone through the moutains and trees.
Anguished sobs break the cool stillness of the man.
The man supported by the sill was rhythmically shaken, packed by the distress of pain. The coughs felt suffocating. The purity of the white fabric became red due to the uncontrollable leak of hot blood that stained the pure skin. The young man's knees, in a Herculean effort, tried to stand up in an ultimate effort. His hollow and open eyes were still seeking the reason of so much pain in his twenty-one years.
Slowly, like a flower that falls down in the face of the storm, the pale figure fainted, and his body slid close to the window, falling to the ground, but his head, looking up, kept himself facing the window and the day he was born again. The eyes remained open, yet misty. They seemed to inquire the mysteries depths that separated life from death.
A few minutes later after regaining his conscience, surprised, the man sitting on the bed looked at the young redhead woman that had just entered the room holding a candlestick. Her countenance showed compassion.
"You'd better not move. You have lost a lot of blood" she spoke as she lighted up the others candelabrums
Her voice was so calm and soft. Her thin and delicate features emanated an angelical gaze and smile. Did he die and was seeing an angel?
"What's your name?" he asked intrigued with the whole thing
"My name is Angelique Stafford… Oh it's time to change the tissues…" She answered placing the candlestick at the bedside table and taking from her dress pocket a few tissues.
Looking at her made him forget his pain and be completely oblivious to the blood coring from the open wound in his waist that was rolled by tissues, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to soil the floor and the bed..."
She smiled softly, "It's alright, but from now on, avoid moving yourself so it will heal properly and prevent infections"
He nodded in agreement, "Thank you for everything, Mrs. Stafford"
She giggled, "You're welcome and just call me Angelique. I'm not married."
"Alright, Angelique. By the way, I'm Christopher Reed, but call me Christopher."
She nodded in agreement, "Nice to meet you Christopher"
"Nice to meet you too Angelique" he smiled back
She looked down clearing her throat in awkwardness pretending to check the bandages again. She had never stayed alone with a man before, much less a semi-naked man. Her heart was accelerated and her hands definitely freezing from the cold sweat. It was inevitable the thought that he was a very handsome man and most probably a married one.
.
.
.
He looked around the simple room and saw several paintings hanging on the walls. Beautiful paintings of people, animals, nature, "Is this your house?"
"Yes it is"
"Is your parents out there?"
She bit her lips looking down once again, "No. I live here…alone"
"You live here alone?" he repeated in surprise
She stuttered, "Ahm, well…yes and no" she swallowed in distress, "I…I live here alone when I visit here…alone sometimes…" she covered her face laughing in distress and walked away
Oh God, what a shame! The famous awkward moment when people speak nonsense sentences. Who ever created that should be punished! It's horrible feeling like an idiot.
He watched her not being capable to hold his smile. She was cute and still kept the innocence he liked. He was twenty-one years old and did have some experience with females. Not much as he wished since he used to dedicate most of his time in long missions and battles. Although, he felt old as most of his colleagues were already married and had children. A wish he expected to build as well someday, but hadn't found any woman who made his heart beat like the young redhead right here. He always dreamed of marrying for love.
"You came to visit your parents?" he asked in a friendly tone
"Not my parents… but I used to live here with my mother. The house and the memories here are the only things I have left of her…" she fought the tears as she spoke with a saddened tone
"Oh. I'm very sorry about your loss..."
She inhaled and exhaled heavily, "It's still recent, but I hope the pain will pass soon..."
He stood up and walked closer to her placing his hands around her shoulders in support, "I can relate to your pain... don't fight your tears"
She did cry a little. She didn't want to seem to be so weak to a stranger despite the hell she was living since her mother's death. Her stepmother made sure to always start a commotion inside the house they lived and even made out huge lies. And it didn't matter if the lies were proved to be her false testimonies, her father would always pick up his wife's side. So, to escape for a while the house of torments, she comes here, to her old shelter. No one really bothers to look for her every time she "disappears". In the Lake House, she feels safe. Right now, she felt protected.
Slowly Angelique returned to her normality as she wiped the tears and realized she was hiding her face in that man's chest, wrapped around his arms. Naked man! She pushed away crossing her arms around herself with a terrified expression.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disrespect you… I just couldn't help watching you crying and feel powerless when I know how the pain feels like…" he spoke in sorrow
"Don't touch me ever again... naked. You're not my husband!"
"I really won't do that ever again, I promise!"
"I'll get you some old clothes from my late step-father. Yours are still drying"
Christopher let out a heavy sorrowed sigh. He did feel bad for his "touching" way. It was a habit he didn't seem to control that much whenever he saw anyone in sadness. Sometimes he hated that trait of his to want to protect people anyhow even by simple gestures, or comforting embraces.
He sat back on the bed. Enjoying the wound pain as a form of his own punishment. Still weak and tired, he simply got back to sleep.
When Angelique returned to the room, she found Christopher sleeping soundly. Ignoring his nakedness as much as she could, she covered his body with the blanket and sheets.
She smiled as she checked gently his skin temperature. She had a mix of feelings about the previous episode.
Walking away slowly, she headed to the door to leave the room to go to hers.
While she made her bed, she felt shivers whenever she thought of the man. Her stomach was weird. Ah and the smiles… Those smiles!
That night she could not sleep peacefully while she intercalated the time to check on the injured sleeping man and her restless mind for sharing her shelter with an attractive male stranger.
As days passed, Angelique and Christopher continued sharing the Lake Manor as he recovered from his injuries. Always sleeping in different rooms and respecting each other's privacy.
He was a strong man, but her medical abilities impressed him. She wasn't a doctor, but her knowledge about medical plants and special cares made her one of a kind.
In one morning, Angelique was cleaning his healing wound and couldn't help the curiosity in what had caused it.
"It was a sword attack... when I jumped in front of my best friend in an attempt to save him from attack..." he looked down as he remembered the fatidic moment
"An attempt? You could not save him?"
"I don't know... I hope I did... Pierce is like a brother to me, but I know he was injured too."
She made a sad face, "I hope that act was not in vain either, but you're lucky it didn't perforated any internal organs..."
"Yes, I know… but I almost died of bleeding"
"Or infection" she added
The young woman didn't insist in any more questions on the matter. She noticed he didn't want to get in details about the incident. A little unfair in her opinion as she did share her special hiding with him, however she was aware women should obey to men and not force subjects they don't want to share.
"What about you? Where did you learn medicine?" he asked in curiosity as he watched her passing honey in his wound
"From my parents. My father is a soldier and has been injured during battles as well and my mother had a friend who used such practices."
"That's nice… so your father is a soldier?"
She nodded in silence
"How is that possible you living alone in this house without relatives… or a husband?"
She bit her lips looking attentively to his wound. She was hesitant, but couldn't let him without an answer and lying wasn't in her books, "I'm not married. My father lives in another land a few miles away from here with his wife. He owns this land now and allows me to stay here whenever I want…"
"Oh, I see..."
She nodded in silence as she finished the procedure. It was her time to not get into further details as well.
As the days passed, they learned more about each other and were becoming good friends. He finally realized that they were both hiding. He was "hiding" from the battle enemy and the court. While Angelique was "hiding" from her father and evil stepmother, a subject that always made him concerned about his angel's safety.
Angel – Yes – that's what she resembled to him. She was kind and polite, multitasked. She was clumsy as well, which only gave her an extra charm.
The young couple did get very along in many subjects. He came to realize and admire her many talents and personality. She had an independent spirit and fishing was another of her good abilities to put food in the table - he enjoyed fishing.
Despite his wound that once or another used to re-open, he always tried to do anything innate to a man such as carrying heavy loads. Maybe a stubbornness from his side or maybe just being a gentleman as he is. He helped her in whenever he could, especially with the wood, because as a man he had the strength for such task and also as a knight he had the skill for it.
"Do you have any intention of returning to the court when you get recovered?" she asked during a lunchtime
"I hope not, even if I get better, unless they find me before and come to my "rescue"…which I have doubts"
"Why won't they rescue one member of their troops?"
"It's a complicated situation. I might have committed a big mistake for running away… my honor is in quest… so I think it's better they believing I'm dead and be a free man for long as I can"
She turned her face to the side thoughtful. She could relate to the wish for freedom.
"You might be thinking I'm a coward, is that correct?"
She shook her head in denial, "No"
"No?" he repeated in surprise
"Is that what you think of yourself? You're a coward?"
"Ain't I?"
"Are you? Is it corwardness fighting for your own life?"
"As a military, I made a vow to fight for my King, my Majesty, my Nation and give my life for them… my own wish is not a priority"
"I understand that code, but I believe that you might have more value staying alive instead of dead… you still can continue fighting when you get better"
He smiled with tenderness. There was still naivety in that young soul, "There's a large difference between the idealism and reality. There's no room and forgiveness for mistakes in a battle. The little honor left shall be paid with my death… so I'm giving them my death…"
"And in the other hand you're getting your freedom without honor" she completed his sentence turning her face to look at him
"That's the case!"
She let out a giggle, "What you call cowardice I call a clever move… it's like killing two birds with one stone"
"Maybe you're correct, but the price is high"
"At least one of us is free now..."
They exchanged gazes for a few seconds. She was so beautiful and so understanding of him. Her fair skin and fire-like long hair. Her eyes green like the lake. The innocence in her gaze and the vibrancy of the young soul. The blush forming in her cheeks made her even more beautiful as she turned her face abruptly to the side in an attempt to disguise her shiness and the clumsiness of letting the silverware fall on the ground.
More and more she captivated that young man with an old soul that slowly seemed to regain his youth back thanks to that tender dreamy fire-like spirit.
Stafford's Land
The day had everything to be peaceful for Mrs. Amelia Stafford who was playing with her daughter at the yard in a morning.
A tall man, looking in his 40's, bald, wearing a black outfit walked in the woman's direction with a serious expression. He had returned from a long mission.
"Do you know where Angelique is?"
"My love. You are back to the safety of our home!" the woman spoke in an excited demeanor and with a large smile
"Yes, I'm back, however, where's Angelique?" he replied with a surly tone
"She ran away again. She must be at the lake manor, as the usual…" she answered rolling her eyes and with a cold demeanor
"For how long this time?"
"Don't know and don't care. She's grown up enough to take care of herself"
"She's not married yet!"
The dark haired woman shrugged not giving importance to the man's supposed concern, "And she will never be if she continues declining the few candidates she gets, after all, she's not a marriage material"
"She's still my daughter and I want the best for her"
The woman faked a smile, "And so do I! That is why I was wondering that she shall be sent to a nunnery if she doesn't get married until next year. She cannot live under your wings forever"
"A nunnery?"
"Yes, my beloved husband! If she declines another candidate, that demonstrates that she's not concerned about her welfare and lacks objective of life…a nunnery can put her in the line while she helps others because that's what she likes to do, right?" she spoke in a false amicable tone. Oh God if he could read her mind!
The man was thoughtful and promised to think about the matter. Apparently, that seemed to be a good second plan.
Welcome to Beyond Time, a love story that is initially set in the 17th century and then in the current time (21st Century).
Our beloved character Chris Redfield is Christopher Reed, a young knight who used to serve the king of Bohma who fell in love with a young female commoner after escaping an ambush.
Angelique Stafford is a young 17-year-old woman who lives her own battlefield in the house of her father after the death of her mother. Innocent and dreamy, she meets her greatest love, Christopher and the two soon develop a strong bond after spending time alone in their hiding place.
Pierce is Piers Nivans that soon we will find out his role during the story.
Apart from introducing the redhead protagonist, this is a story leading the antagonist that will show up next chapter.
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I thank everyone who has taken their time to read this chapter and got this far. I hope you will continue the new journey with me. I apologize for any grammar mistake or misspelling. Like I said previously, I'm not an English native speaker, but I try my best to tell my stories as much clearer and apprehensible as I can.
I want this story to be a beautiful one.
And for my old readers, I know I've said I was about to retire from writing, but I just can't stop my brain from creating stories! xD I'm sure I've created stories since I was in my mom's womb and why will I stop now?
Of course, you shall be alert that there might have some delays in the future because of my education. Real life is very important and I know that, but when that happens, just stick with me and be patient, understanding. You know me long enoug to know I don't quit! (Unless I die xD) I might have blocks during the way? Maybe... But that never stopped me before, right? You're witnesses of that! :D
I'd like to give it up especially to my partners in crime, JennaWilliams and Herpderp/Pin Potato for their contribution for the creation of specific details or helping me with sentences or descriptions. You guys rock! :D
And last but not least, I've missed so much saying this and I'm happily saying that again, my beloved...
Stay Tuned!