Biohazard-X
An X-Files/Resident Evil Crossover
September 22, 1998, 11:38 pm
Seventeen years old Sean Harris carefully shut the door behind him, stopping each second and listening. Besides his own hurried breathing, nothing broke the silence. Since the curfew was declared, the city seemed to transform into a ghost town at night. Despite himself, Sean felt a chill run down his spine, and it wasn't because of the cool fall breeze.
Confident that no one had heard him sneaking out, he adjusted his backpack and began the trek to Victory Park. Three months ago, eleven mysterious murders plagued the area. The official press said that they were probably the victims of a cannibalistic cult, but nothing was proven. Being a high school student, he heard rumors of kids seeing strange things roaming those woods, preying on the unprepared trespasser.
Sean wasn't unprepared. He had his knife safely tucked in his boot, not to mention ten years of karate lessons under his belt. Besides, risks were part of the game in the sometimes sinister world of journalism.
He clutched his camera tight, checking the shoulder strap to make sure it was secure. It was one of those new digital ones, which was a present from his father to make up for not being able to attend his debate at school. His father, Devlin Harris, seemed like he would rather buy him a shiny new toy than actually be a father, but at least this was a gift that Sean enjoyed.
These thoughts cluttered Sean's mind as he walked the deserted streets, trying to stay in the shadows. The last thing he wanted was to get busted by the cops. He'd probably get read the riot act by that ass, police chief Irons...
Sean was pulled from his thoughts by light footsteps behind him. He snapped around, smiling when he saw his friend Kevin Richards. "You almost gave me a heart attack!" He scolded playfully, trying to keep his voice low.
Kevin and Sean were almost exact opposites, at least physically. Sean was tall and athletic, with short blonde hair and blue eyes. Kevin was shorter, a little overweight, with brown eyes and dark hair that he never seemed to brush. But they both shared the same passion for journalism, of getting the facts, and that made them an inseparable team.
Kevin grinned. "Sorry. So, are you ready? You're not going to back out, are you?"
"Me?" Sean said in mock surprise. "Since when have I ever chickened out of anything?"
With that, they walked in silence past the wooden gate to Victory Park. Yellow tape was strung across the entrance, and even in the low light, they could see the large block letters. 'Police line. Do not cross.' Ducking under it, they walked up the small, gravel road.
There was a picnic area to the left where the City Anniversary Celebration took place annually. Next to that were a row of tennis courts, the nets ripped and frayed.
Sean had played there against the Latham Lions a few years ago, back when he was on the Raccoon High tennis team.
"Heh, the Raccoon Raccoon's. That always got a laugh from the other team."
Finally, Kevin and Sean reached the hiking trails. The trails weaved throughout the forest; a maze that even veteran hikers sometimes found themselves lost in. Digging his flashlight out of his backpack, Sean carefully checked the map he held.
"Ok, let's just follow Trail C for awhile..."
Sudden howling disturbed the stillness of the night. A deep, sinister howl that sounded like nothing Sean had heard before. It was joined by others, dozens perhaps. Kevin and Sean seemed to be in the center of the noise, the eye of a terrible hurricane of demonic screams.
Kevin looked hesitant. "M-maybe this isn't such a good idea after all." He stammered, trying his best to keep his voice from cracking.
For once, Sean shared Kevin's fears. "Umm, yeah. Maybe tomorrow."
Slowly, they turned and began walking back towards the gate and the deserted streets beyond. From somewhere close behind, they could hear something- no, some things running, getting louder and closer with each second. Panic gripped Sean's heart and every nerve in his body screamed at him. "Run!" He shouted, his throat tight with fear.
Sean and Kevin sped down the gravel path, trying not to fall on the uneven terrain. From behind, there was a low growl, and suddenly Sean was knocked to the ground. Kevin skidded to a stop, turning to help his friend. He froze at the sight before him, as much from shock as from the fear that settled over his mind, muffling his thoughts and rooting him to the ground.
Sean was being eaten alive by at least six dogs-huge dogs without any skin. In the bright beam of his flashlight, Kevin could see the red muscle and glistening sinew. What scared him the most were the eyes. They had vertical pupils, like a cats, but much larger. And though they eagerly tore away at Sean's flesh, ripping at his screaming throat, every eye stared straight at Kevin, marking him, saying without words that he would be next.
Finally, as Sean's screams died away in a gurgle of pain and blood, Kevin willed himself to turn and run, run faster than he ever had in his life. Every fiber in his body shrieked in pain as he fled, away from the disgusting sounds of teeth on bone. And as he left Victory Park, past the gate and onto the streets, he finally screamed. The pure horror that emanated from his lips surprised even him, but he didn't stop- didn't stop until he passed out, collapsing in front of the iron gates of the Raccoon City Police Department.